Families who loved What We Found in the Corn Maze and How It Saved a Dragon by Henry Clark often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child feels that their own hobbies or skills are too ordinary to be important, or when they are struggling with the frustration of things not working exactly when they want them to. It is a perfect choice for a middle grade reader who enjoys logical puzzles wrapped in a layer of absurdist humor and high-stakes adventure. The story follows twelve-year-olds Cal, Drew, and Modesty as they discover a book of spells that only work during specific, fleeting minutes of the day. Unlike typical fantasy, these spells cover mundane tasks like untangling yarn or fixing chimneys. When the trio is transported to a dying world, they must use these seemingly useless powers to save the last dragon. It is a clever exploration of patience, resourcefulness, and the idea that there is no such thing as a useless skill. The tone is whimsical and fast-paced, making it an excellent bridge for kids moving from lighthearted funny books to more complex fantasy world-building.
