Franklin Endicott and the Third Key

A parent should reach for this book when their thoughtful, and perhaps anxious, child needs a gentle story about the courage it takes to step outside one's comfort zone. It tells the story of Franklin Endicott, a quiet orphan who worries about everything, from giant birds to ticking clocks. His orderly life is turned upside down when he finds a mysterious key and a cryptic note, launching him on an unexpected adventure with a talking crow and a brave new friend named Juniper. The book beautifully explores themes of fear, friendship, and discovering one's own inner strength. Written with Kate DiCamillo's signature warmth and wisdom, this is a perfect early chapter book for sensitive readers ready for a quiet but compelling mystery that champions the idea that bravery is not the absence of fear, but acting in spite of it.