Age rating and parents' guide:Journey
by Aaron Becker
Ages 6–8
Journey by Aaron Becker is best for children aged 6–8. It has no violence, a few mildly scary moments, no romance and no bad language.
A bored, lonely girl uses a red marker to draw a magic door on her bedroom wall, stepping straight into an astonishing new world. As she travels through grand castles and swooping canals on self-drawn boats, hot-air balloons, and flying carpets, she soon finds herself risking everything to help a captured creature in need. Told entirely without words, this visual adventure lets young readers interpret the story themselves, sparking their imaginations with its breathtaking artwork and themes of courage and creativity.
Content ratings
How much of each a parent can expect, from none to strong.
- Violence
- None
- Scary moments
- Mild
- Romance
- None
- Bad language
- None
Content checked by Dhiraj Bodade, co-founder of Bookstaken, on .
At a glance
- Early chapter book
- Part of the Journey Trilogy series
- Easy to get into from the first page
- Plenty of illustrations
- Emotionally light
- A good pick for reluctant readers
Great for kids who like
- Fantasy & Magic
- Action & Adventure
- Magic & magical worlds
Reading mood
- Adventurous
- Imaginative
- Suspenseful
Good to talk about
- Emotions & empathy
- Fantasy & Magic
Books like Journey
Similar stories for the same ages, none more intense than this one should be for its youngest readers.
Ages 6–8
My Father's Dragon
by Ruth Stiles Gannett
When Elmer Elevator hears about a baby dragon being held captive on dangerous Wild Island, he sets off on a rescue mission. Armed only with everyday items like chewing gum, lollipops, and rubber bands, Elmer uses quick thinking to outsmart fierce animals like tigers, lions, and crocodiles along the way. This gentle, imaginative chapter book is full of humor and resourceful problem-solving, making it an engaging and reassuring early adventure for young readers.
Ages 6–8
Magic Tree House
by Mary Pope Osborne
Siblings Jack and Annie discover a mysterious tree house full of books in the woods near their home. Whenever they open a book and make a wish, the magic tree house whisks them away to different times and places throughout history, from ancient lands to distant eras. Young readers love the blend of real facts, easy-to-read chapter formats, and the thrill of exploring new worlds alongside two relatable and curious adventurers.
Ages 6–8
Dragon Masters
by Tracey West
Eight-year-old Drake is an ordinary farm boy until he is chosen by the Dragon Stone to become a Dragon Master. Brought to King Roland's castle, he meets three other young masters and discovers his own dragon, a gentle earth dragon named Worm. Together, the children must learn to connect with their dragons, unlock hidden magical powers, and protect the kingdom. Filled with illustrations, short chapters, and fast-paced adventure, this accessible fantasy appeals strongly to emerging readers stepping into early chapter books.
Ages 8–12
The Magic of the Lost Temple
by Sudha Murty
While spending her summer vacation at her grandparents' home in a Karnataka village, city girl Nooni falls in love with rural life. She learns to cycle, helps around the house, and explores the nearby forests. Her curiosity leads her to an ancient, overgrown structure buried in the woods—a hidden stepwell tied to local legends. With the support of her friends and village elders, she sets out to uncover its history. Readers will enjoy the warm family relationships, engaging folklore, and gentle sense of mystery.
Ages 6–11
The Cherry Tree
by Ruskin Bond
Set in the Himalayan foothills, this gentle story follows young Rakesh, who plants a single cherry seed in his grandfather's garden. Over the years, through harsh winters, grazing goats, and careless grass cutters, Rakesh and his grandfather patiently care for the stubborn little sapling. Children love the quiet wonder of watching something grow against the odds, and the warm bond between grandson and grandfather makes this an uplifting, reassuring read about patience and the beauty of nature.
Ages 6–8
Mercy Watson
by Kate DiCamillo
Meet Mercy Watson, a pampered pig who adores hot buttered toast above all else. When her devoted human parents tuck her into bed, Mercy's hunt for a midnight snack accidentally sparks chaos, bringing the neighbours and local emergency services into a whirlwind of funny misunderstandings. With short chapters, colourful illustrations, and lively physical comedy, this gentle series starter is a reassuring and laugh-out-loud choice for children who are just beginning to tackle chapter books on their own.
On these book lists
A good book is the start. A mentor makes it stick.
In a free 1:1 session, a trained Bookstaken mentor reads with your child, asks what they think and helps the reading habit last.