The Island of Dr. Libris

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with a recent family change, particularly a parental separation, and needs a healthy escape that validates their desire to fix things. The story follows Billy, whose summer at a remote cabin is transformed when the classic literary characters he reads about physically manifest on a nearby island. While it is a fast-paced mystery filled with swashbuckling heroes and mythical beasts, the heartbeat of the book is Billy's attempt to navigate his parents' divorce. It offers a perfect blend of high-stakes adventure and gentle emotional processing for children aged 8 to 12. Parents will appreciate how the fantastical elements serve as a safe sandbox for Billy to practice bravery and resilience while coming to terms with things he cannot control in his own life.