John Willy and Freddy McGee

Reach for this book when your child is feeling a little restless, cooped up, or curious about the 'secret lives' of the animals in your home. It perfectly captures that universal childhood urge to explore beyond the boundaries of safety and the thrill of a harmless adventure. John Willy and Freddy McGee are two guinea pigs who find their cage door open and decide to trade their boredom for a high stakes trek through the house. As the duo navigates a hallway like a tunnel and a staircase like a mountain, they encounter the ultimate obstacle: the resident cat. The story is a wonderful tool for discussing bravery and the comfort of returning home after a big experience. With its beautiful woodcut illustrations and rhythmic prose, it is a sophisticated yet accessible choice for preschoolers and early elementary students who are starting to assert their own independence.