Firebrat

A parent might reach for this book when their imaginative child is ready for a first chapter book fantasy that is more whimsical than scary. It’s perfect for nurturing a love of reading through pure, delightful escapism. The story follows two children, Molly and Sean, who accidentally discover a magical world called the Crystal Empire via the New York City subway. There, they team up with a wise, giant tortoise to save the kingdom from the Firebrat, a creature who threatens to consume all their stories and memories. The book beautifully explores themes of bravery, teamwork, and the profound importance of storytelling itself. Its gentle tone and lyrical language make it a wonderful and accessible fantasy quest for independent readers.