Poppy

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a dominant personality, feeling small in a big world, or questioning an authority figure who seems more interested in power than fairness. This classic animal fantasy follows Poppy, a timid deer mouse who must summon extraordinary courage to save her family from a tyrannical owl who rules the forest through fear and manipulation. It is a masterclass in building self-reliance and resilience. The story explores deep themes of justice, the importance of questioning the status quo, and the discovery of inner strength. While there is moments of genuine peril and an early character loss, it provides a safe, metaphorical space for children ages 8 to 12 to process feelings of powerlessness. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated vocabulary and the way it models standing up for what is right, even when you are the smallest person in the room.