Carbonel and Calidor

Reach for this book when your child is beginning to push for independence or showing signs of rebellion against family expectations. It is a perfect choice for the young reader who feels like they are ready to make their own way but still needs a gentle reminder that their family's love and experience are valuable resources. In this sequel to The King of the Cats, Carbonel's son Calidor runs away from his royal duties to apprentice with a group of grumpy, unfriendly witches, forcing his father to enlist human friends Rosemary and John to intervene. While the story is rooted in classic mid-century fantasy, its core is about the friction between a child's desire for autonomy and a parent's desire to keep them safe. It is age-appropriate for middle-grade readers, offering a mix of magical peril and cozy mystery. Parents will appreciate how it validates the child's need for freedom while ultimately celebrating the strength found in family loyalty and listening to those who have your best interests at heart.