Books like 'Explorers'
Readers who enjoyed Explorers by Matthew Cordell also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
fantasy action / adventure family magic animals friendship children exploration poc-mc magical-realism
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The Evertree by Marie Lu
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsEverything comes to a head in this seventh book in the New York Times bestselling series. The world of Erdas will be changed forever.Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan were once ordinary kids. Then they discovered that they had spirit animals-wise and powerful partners who granted them with amazing gifts . . . and a legendary responsibility... -
![The Gift of Dark Hollow by Kieran Larwood]()
The Gift of Dark Hollow by Kieran Larwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsThe Longburrow series is Middle-earth for middle graders as readers are drawn deeper and deeper into the story of the young rabbit Podkin One-Ear fighting to save his land from evil. Hiding with fellow refugees, Podkin, Paz, and Pook are temporarily safe in Dark Hollow Warren. But their enemies—the evil Gorm—still search for them... -
![Dory Dory Black Sheep by Abby Hanlon]()
Dory Dory Black Sheep by Abby Hanlon
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsDory turns learning to read into a hilarious adventure through the power of imagination--perfect for fans of Junie B. Jones and Ivy and Bean! Ever since Dory met Rosabelle, a real true friend whose imagination and high spirits match her own, school has been pretty good. But now the class is learning to read, and it's proving to be a challenge for Dory...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
![The Secret of the Fairies by Thea Stilton]()
The Secret of the Fairies by Thea Stilton
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA magical world is in danger! The Thea Sisters are on their way. . . .Thea Stilton and the Thea Sisters are on an expedition to the fantastical Land of Erin. While they are searching for a missing friend, they learn that the land itself is in peril! The mouselets are ready to help... -
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![In a Jar by Deborah Marcero]()
In a Jar by Deborah Marcero
Rated: 4.36 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsLlewellyn, a little rabbit, is a collector. He gathers things in jars--ordinary things like buttercups, feathers, and heart-shaped stones. Then he meets another rabbit, Evelyn, and together they begin to collect extraordinary things--like rainbows, the sound of the ocean, and the wind just before snow falls...Categorized as:
animals friendship children children-books fiction outdoors fantasy action-adventure -
![The Tiger's Nest by Trudi Trueit, National Geographic Kids]()
The Tiger's Nest by Trudi Trueit, National Geographic Kids
Rated: 4.67 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsOn an island nation in the Indian Ocean, the explorers venture through a vast underwater world and take part in a friendly robotics competition. But the tides of good fortune change quickly. Suddenly, Team Cousteau jumps into action to rescue a faculty member from the brink of death... -
![Dory Fantasmagory: the Real True Friend by Abby Hanlon]()
Dory Fantasmagory: the Real True Friend by Abby Hanlon
Rated: 4.42 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsThe star of Dory Fantasmagory is heading to school. Her older siblings, Luke and Violet, warn her to leave her imaginary friend, Mary, at home—or better yet, leave her whole imagination at home! Dory is determined to behave like a “regular old girl who never gets in trouble,” but on her very first day she meets a new friend, a girl whose imagination and style are just about as wild as her own... -
![Against the Tide by Tui T. Sutherland, Michał Kubiak]()
Against the Tide by Tui T. Sutherland, Michał Kubiak
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThe sun is shining in the Hundred Isles, and yet the path forward seems crowded with shadows. Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan have traveled across the world, seeking a set of powerful talismans in order to keep them from enemy hands. Throughout their journey the young heroes have been hounded by pursuers, who always seem to know just where to find them. Now they know why.One of them is a traitor... -
![Raids and Rescues by Bryan Chick]()
Raids and Rescues by Bryan Chick
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThe fifth book in the fast-paced and imaginative series about four adventurous friends and the secret world hidden in their local zoo. Ella, Noah, Richie, and Megan are in trouble—and so is the Secret Zoo! A captivating series for tween readers praised as "action packed and breathless" by Publishers Weekly, and "a fast-paced mix of mystery and fantasy" by School Library Journal... -
![Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson]()
Bear Stays Up for Christmas by Karma Wilson
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratings"The day before Christmas,snuggled on his floor,Bear sleeps soundlywith a great big snore...."Bear's friends are determined to keep Bear awake for Christmas! So they wake Bear up and have him help them find a Christmas tree, bake cakes, hang up stockings, and sing Christmas songs... -
![Dory Fantasmagory: Head in the Clouds by Abby Hanlon, Suzy Jackson]()
Dory Fantasmagory: Head in the Clouds by Abby Hanlon, Suzy Jackson
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsA loose tooth leads to hilarious hijinks with the tooth fairy in book four of the wonderfully imaginative Dory Fantasmagory seriesDory has her first loose tooth, and, with her usual over-the-top excitement, she cannot stop talking about the tooth fairy. Naturally, this drives her brother and sister crazy. But it also sparks a serious jealous streak in her nemesis, Mr...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
![Lizzy and the Cloud by Terry Fan]()
Lizzy and the Cloud by Terry Fan
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom the critically acclaimed, award-winning creators of Ocean Meets Sky and The Night Gardener comes a whimsical and sweet tale of a young girl who cares for her pet cloud as it grows.It’s a little out of fashion to buy a pet cloud, but Lizzy doesn’t mind. She’s not looking for a big one or a fancy one, just one that’s right for her. And she finds it in Milo...Categorized as:
magical-realism children animals friendship family low-fantasy children-books fantasy -
![Perfect Princesses by Kay Woodward]()
Perfect Princesses by Kay Woodward
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsWith its beautiful cover, make-and-do ideas and accessible text, this book will engage and inform young girls about princesses, past, present and fairytale. The text is written with passion and enthusiasm, packed with facts, and is accompanied by adorable line-and tone illustrations...Categorized as:
children family friendship low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
![Alfie: by Thyra Heder]()
Alfie: by Thyra Heder
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsNia loves Alfie, her pet turtle. But he’s not very soft, he doesn’t do tricks, and he’s pretty quiet. Sometimes she forgets he’s even there! That is until the night before Nia’s seventh birthday, when Alfie disappears! Then, in an innovative switch in point of view, we hear Alfie’s side of the story. He didn’t leave Nia—he’s actually searching for the perfect birthday present for his dear friend... -
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![Julius and Macy: A Very Brave Night by Annelouise Mahoney]()
Julius and Macy: A Very Brave Night by Annelouise Mahoney
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA woodland tale about bravery and friendship.Julius and Macy like to play heroes. Julius pretends he’s the defender of the forest, while Macy has a quieter strength. When their snack disappears one night, they decide to track down the only one who could have taken it—the Night Goblin... -
![The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha Murty]()
The Magic of the Lost Temple by Sudha Murty
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsCity girl Nooni is surprised at the pace of life in her grandparents' village in Karnataka. But she quickly gets used to the gentle routine there and involves herself in a flurry of activities, including papad making, organizing picnics and learning to ride a cycle, with her new-found friends. Things get exciting when Nooni stumbles upon an ancient fabled stepwell right in the middle of a forest...Categorized as:
children low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
![Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco]()
Rechenka's Eggs by Patricia Polacco
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsOld Babushka, known throughout all of Moskva for her beautifully painted eggs, is preparing her eggs for the Easter Festival when she takes in an injured goose. She names the goose Rechenka, and they live happily together until one day when Rechenka accidentally overturns a basket, breaking all of Babushka's lovingly crafted eggs... -
![Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin]()
Dream Animals: A Bedtime Journey by Emily Winfield Martin
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsIdeal for bed time reading, this book will appeal to parents and children who love Grandfather Twilight and On the Night That You Were Born. Author, illustrator, and creator of The Black Apple Etsy shop, Emily Martin convinces children to close their eyes and discover who their dream animal might be—and what dream it might take them to...Categorized as:
animals children family low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
![Ocean Meets Sky by Terry Fan, Eric Fan]()
Ocean Meets Sky by Terry Fan, Eric Fan
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratings“Young readers will be captivated.” —The Washington Post From the creators of the gorgeous bestseller The Night Gardener, comes a stunning new picture book about a young boy who sets sail to find a place his grandfather told him about…the spot where the ocean meets the sky.It’s a good day for sailing. Finn lives by the sea and the sea lives by him... -
![The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty]()
The Snatchabook by Helen Docherty
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsWhere have all the bedtime stories gone?One dark, dark night in Burrow Down, a rabbit named Eliza Brown found a book and settled down...when a Snatchabook flew into town.It's bedtime in the woods of Burrow Down, and all the animals are ready for their bedtime story. But books are mysteriously disappearing. Eliza Brown decides to stay awake and catch the book thief... -
![Chalk by Bill Thomson]()
Chalk by Bill Thomson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThree children discover a magical bag of chalk on a rainy...Categorized as:
animals children friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism poc-mc action-adventure -
![Shark Wars #4: Kingdom of the Deep by E.J. Altbacker]()
Shark Wars #4: Kingdom of the Deep by E.J. Altbacker
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsShark Wars grows more epic--and addictive--with every book, publishing each season!Peace has finally come to the Big Blue and with it a revelation: Gray is not the last megalodon in the ocean after all. Gray swims deeper into the mystery of his family heritage, uncovering the myth of the megalodons and a legend that goes back to prehistoric times... -
![Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi]()
Rea and the Blood of the Nectar by Payal Doshi
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsA middle-grade fantasy about twelve-year-old Rea Chettri, who portals into an otherworldly realm to go on a secret quest to find her missing twin brother Rohan. The clock is ticking in this adventure rife with evil creatures, a ruthless villain, and unforgettable friendships.It all begins on the night Rea turns twelve...Categorized as:
children friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism poc-mc action-adventure asian-mc -
![When the Sky Is Like Lace by Elinor Lander Horwitz]()
When the Sky Is Like Lace by Elinor Lander Horwitz
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat happens when it's bimulous and the sky is like lace? Strange and splendid things! Otters sing, trees dance, and the grass is like gooseberry jam. There's a special party that anyone can attend. Anyone, that is, who knows the rules and isn't afraid of plum-purple shadows, can cook spaghetti and would like to teach a new song to the otters...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure book children-books -
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![The Silver Swamp: A Branches Book by Katrina Charman]()
The Silver Swamp: A Branches Book by Katrina Charman
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsTag and Skyla must rescue Blaze, in this action-packed fantasy adventure series!Pick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line, Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
![Uki and the Outcasts by Kieran Larwood]()
Uki and the Outcasts by Kieran Larwood
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 6 ratings'EXCELLENT,' says the bard. 'It's probably a good idea for you to know about him.' 'Wait . . . him? Who's him?' said Rue. 'Uki,' says the bard. 'Uki Patchwork. The Magpie Demon. Uki of the Two Furs.' From the Ice Wastes beyond the Cinder Wall emerges an unlikely hero...Categorized as:
animals children friendship action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
![Thea Stilton and the Frozen Fiasco by Thea Stilton, Emily Clement]()
Thea Stilton and the Frozen Fiasco by Thea Stilton, Emily Clement
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsOne of the Thea Sisters' favorite authors, a famouse mystery writer, has disappeared! To find him, the five mice travel to his native Iceland. Together they traverse the stunning landscape and reconstruct the plot of the author's latest novel...Categorized as:
animals children exploration friendship action-adventure book children-books fiction -
![The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan]()
The Last Firefox by Lee Newbery, Laura Catalan
Rated: 4.38 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsA heartwarming story about family, friendship and finding your inner fire.Between bullies at school and changes at home, Charlie Challinor finds life a bit scary. And when he's made guardian of a furry fox cub called Cadno, things get a whole lot scarier.Because Cadno isn't just any fox: he's a firefox - the only one of his kind - and a sinister hunter from another world is on his trail... -
![Riddles and Danger by Bryan Chick]()
Riddles and Danger by Bryan Chick
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsNoah, Megan, Richie, and Ella are the Action Scouts; friends whose tree house overlooks the Clarksville City Zoo. When they discover a magical world hidden within the zoo, they are swept away on an adventure in which penguins can fly, a mysterious figure lurks in the shadows, and the scouts are enlisted to help Mr. Darby, who is in charge of the Secret Zoo... -
![Magic Tree House: #1-28 [Magic Tree House Library] by Mary Pope Osborne]()
Magic Tree House: #1-28 [Magic Tree House Library] by Mary Pope Osborne
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsOffers Jack and Annie's first twenty-eight time-traveling adventures...Categorized as:
animals children low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure anthologies children-books -
![Secrets and Shadows by Bryan Chick]()
Secrets and Shadows by Bryan Chick
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratings"We will need you as Crossers, and we will need you not only to be brave—but to be fearless." Mr. Darby paused, giving the scouts time to digest his words. Then he continued. "I want you to think before answering. Can you accept this challenge?"Only weeks after their return from the Secret Zoo, Noah and his friends must go back—and face their biggest challenge yet... -
![Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor]()
Snail Crossing by Corey R. Tabor
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsA determined snail.A plump cabbage.A truly epic journey . . .In a book as cheerful and charming as Snail himself, Corey Tabor tells a winning tale of a slow but steady snail, whose determination and kindness bring him the best reward of all: friendship... -
![Up the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton]()
Up the Faraway Tree by Enid Blyton
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsThe final book in the extraordinary Faraway Tree series, published as a stand-alone edition for the first time in more than three decades! One day, Robin and Joy read about the Magic Faraway Tree in a book and decide to go meet Joe, Beth and Frannie themselves...Categorized as:
children low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure book children-books classics -
![Immortal Guardians by Eliot Schrefer]()
Immortal Guardians by Eliot Schrefer
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsIn the world of Erdas, every child must discover if they will summon a spirit animal, a rare and incredible gift. Conor, Abeke, Meilin, and Rollan were rare even among those few. They summoned four animals who were once Great Beasts, immortal guardians who sacrificed everything to end a brutal war... -
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![The Sweetest Fig by Chris Van Allsburg]()
The Sweetest Fig by Chris Van Allsburg
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"These figs are very special," the woman whispered. "They can make your dreams come true." -- Thus Monsieur Bibot, the cold-hearted dentist, was given two ordinary-looking figs as payment for extracting a tooth from an old woman's mouth. Monsieur Bibot refused to believe such nonsense and proceeded to eat one of the figs for a bedtime snack...Categorized as:
animals children family friendship low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure -
![Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis]()
Not a Stick by Antoinette Portis
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsA celebration of the power of imagination from the Theodor Seuss Geisel Honor Award-winning creator of Not a BoxExperience the thrill of the moment when pretend feels so real that it actually becomes real!Following the critically acclaimed Not a Box, this book proves that a stick is not always just a stick... -
![Gorilla by Anthony Browne]()
Gorilla by Anthony Browne
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAnthony Browne’s incomparable artwork illuminates the deeply satisfying story of a lonely girl, a friendly gorilla, and their enchanted night out.Hannah spends all of her time reading gorilla books, watching gorilla TV shows, and drawing gorilla pictures. She has gorillas on her bedside lamp and even on her box of cereal... -
![James Potter and the Morrigan Web by G. Norman Lippert]()
James Potter and the Morrigan Web by G. Norman Lippert
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAs James Potter returns to Hogwarts in the wake of "the Night of the Unveiling", he discovers that even in the protected center of the magical world, nothing is quite the same.Despite the Ministry's efforts, the Vow of Secrecy is crumbling the world over, eroding age-old safeguards and threatening magical and Muggle governments with dark magic conspiracies... -
![The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo, Julie Morstad]()
The Puppets of Spelhorst by Kate DiCamillo, Julie Morstad
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsA New York Times bestseller!“Kate DiCamillo's dazzling first title in the Norendy Tales trilogy is brimming with wit, whimsy, and heart as it follows five puppets fulfilling their thrilling shared destiny.” – Shelf AwarenessShut up in a trunk by a taciturn old sea captain with a secret, five friends—a king, a wolf, a girl, a boy, and an owl—bicker, boast, and comfort one another in the dark... -
![The Pink Refrigerator by Tim Egan]()
The Pink Refrigerator by Tim Egan
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratings“Try to do as little as possible.” This was Dodsworth’s motto. One morning, on his daily trip to the junkyard, he discovers a pink refrigerator.There’s not much to say about a pink refrigerator, except this one had a note on it. The note said, “Paint pictures.” And so Dodsworth did.The next day, a new note appeared on the pink refrigerator. And the day after that, and the day after that... -
![Cloud Capers by Sue Bentley]()
Cloud Capers by Sue Bentley
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsJessica is really disappointed when she can?t stay at home with her best friend for a sleepover... -
![Poppy Mayberry, The Monday by Jennie K. Brown]()
Poppy Mayberry, The Monday by Jennie K. Brown
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsWhat if your teacher could read your mind just because she was born on a Thursday? Or the kid next to you in class could turn back the clock just because he was a Wednesday? In the quirky town of Nova, all of this is normal. Poppy Mayberry, an almost-11-year-old Monday, should be able to pass notes in class or brush her dog, Pickle, without lifting a finger...Categorized as:
children low-fantasy magical-realism action-adventure book children-books fiction middle-grade -
![Isadora Moon Goes on a Field Trip by Harriet Muncaster]()
Isadora Moon Goes on a Field Trip by Harriet Muncaster
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsFans of Vampirina and the Princess in Black series will love Isadora Moon: half-fairy, half-vampire, totally unique--and totally unafraid to be different!Isadora is the only half-fairy, half-vampire in her human school. She knows what it's like to be different... -
![The Lost Gold by Paula Harrison]()
The Lost Gold by Paula Harrison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThese are no ordinary princesses--they're Rescue Princesses!Princess Isabella loves her rain forest kingdom and its amazing creatures. She must spring into action when treasure hunters start digging up the forest and scaring all the animals... -
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![Alice's Farm: A Rabbit's Tale by Maryrose Wood]()
Alice's Farm: A Rabbit's Tale by Maryrose Wood
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsIn Maryrose Wood's stunning middle-grade novel, Alice's Farm, a brave young rabbit must work with her natural predators to save her farmland home and secretly help the farm’s earnest but incompetent new owners.When a new family moves into Prune Street Farm, Alice and the other cottontails are cautious... -
![The Shimmering Stone by Paula Harrison]()
The Shimmering Stone by Paula Harrison
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThese are no ordinary princesses--they're Rescue Princesses!Princess Amina is excited that her fellow Rescue Princesses are visiting for her cousin’s wedding.When a wounded tiger is found in the hills, the girls know her cubs can't survive without their mother... -
![Eva and Baby Mo: A Branches Book by Rebecca Elliott]()
Eva and Baby Mo: A Branches Book by Rebecca Elliott
Rated: 4.41 of 5 stars · 13 ratingsPick a book. Grow a Reader!This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line Branches, aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina... -
![The Wishing Pearl by Paula Harrison]()
The Wishing Pearl by Paula Harrison
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsThese are no ordinary princesses . . . they're Rescue Princesses!Princess Clarabel loves being a Rescue Princess. She and her friends are committed to saving animals in trouble-wherever they may be!When Clarabel finds an injured dolphin during Ampali Island's Royal Regatta, she knows just who to call for help-her fellow Rescue Princesses! Her friends are brave, talented, and super smart... -
![Unicorn Valley by Rosie Banks]()
Unicorn Valley by Rosie Banks
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsEnter a magical world full of friendship and fun!Ellie, Summer, and Jasmine are excited to visit the Secret Kingdom once again. And this time, they are traveling as Very Important Friends of King Merry, who needs their help! His wicked sister, Queen Malice, has hidden a thunderbolt in Unicorn Valley... -
![A Week without Tuesday by Angelica Banks, Stevie Lewis]()
A Week without Tuesday by Angelica Banks, Stevie Lewis
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 8 ratingsSomething is broken in the land of story. Real and imaginary worlds are colliding — putting everything and everyone in grave peril. Tuesday and Baxterr, at the request of the Librarian, and with the help of Vivienne Small, venture to find the Gardener — the one person who can stop this catastrophe. On their way, they'll meet friends and foes, and discover strengths they didn't know they had...Categorized as:
children family low-fantasy magic magical-realism action-adventure book children-books
![Magic Tree House: #1-28 [Magic Tree House Library] by Mary Pope Osborne](https://48f-1.s3.eu-west-2.amazonaws.com/books/small/6254b795cd17c18e90c2873c.jpg)
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