7 Mashups for Kids that Totally Work

The Wild Robot, by Peter Brown
What’s the most industrial, unnatural thing you can think of? How about a robot? In this new middle-grade book, Peter Brown, the author of favorite picture books like Children Make Terrible Pets, puts two very different ideas together and makes it work. When Rozzum Unit 7134 lands on an island, it must fight to survive against the elements. For Brown, placing a robot in the wilderness, isn’t just a hook for the reader (What do boys like better than robots and playing outside?); it’s a chance to thoughtfully ask the question “How does an outsider come to belong?” and to explore the tension we all experience between technology and nature.

Jurassic Classics: The Prehistoric Masters of Literature, by Saskia Lacey
The idea of Jurassic literature makes most people scrunch up their noses with doubt. But in the world of Jurassic Classics, the brilliant writing of great authors like The Brontësaurus sisters (umlaut included, natch) and Edgar Allen Terrordactyl makes perfect sense. This wacky new series introduces kids to true literary masterpieces in a way that’s both silly and memorable. Lines like “But soft! There squats my fairest maiden! See how she slumps her cheek upon her claw?” give kids a literary background that will prepare them for whenever they move from William Shakespearasaurus to the real Romeo and Juliet.

The Name of This Book Is a Secret, by Pseudonymous Bosch
Not only does the title of this book not make sense, the author’s name is pretty questionable too. But readers that look past this initial strangeness will be delighted to find a series of books that are as mysterious and snarky as the title. This witty series is filled with riddles, secret codes, and puzzles, plus a fair bit of wisdom about topics as far reaching as immortality. Readers who get hooked won’t be worrying about why the name of this book is a secret; they’ll be looking for the next title from Bosch.

Quiet Power, by Susan Cain
How can something quiet be powerful? The phrase “I am introvert, here me roar!” doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue, but it reflects a new reality Susan Cain is helping to shape. This nonfiction celebration of being an introvert is based on the Cain’s bestselling book for adults. Cain helps readers see how being an introvert can be a strength when navigating the worlds all children deal with: school, family, friends, and teams. There’s a guide for parents and teachers at the end, but this book is directed at kids and filled with actionable tips they can start practicing right away to feel more at home in our noisy world.

This Is Not a Book, by Keri Smith
Umm…I’m pretty sure this is a book. Except it’s not. It’s one of genius Keri Smith’s creations, which means it’s so much more. Inviting readers to play, Smith shows how this book can also be a secret message, a musical instrument, or a kid-friendly social experiment. Interactive and totally creative, this book will make perfect sense to anyone who dives into Smith’s intriguing world.

The War That Saved My Life, by Kimberly Brubaker Bradley
Aren’t lives usually lost in wartime, not saved? This Newbery Honor book follows a girl and her brother who move to the German countryside during World War II. This story is all about finding a place where you belong and learning to trust the people around you, which is something that can totally save your life, even in the midst of the horrors of war. The lyrical writing may have readers wondering if reading the right book at the right time can also save a life.

The Slowest Book Ever, by April Pulley Sayre and Kelly Murphy
Books can’t be slow or fast, right? Sayre pulls readers in with the title and takes them on a journey through time, studying the slowest plants, animals, parts of the Earth, and human cultures. It’s a remarkable book, because it’s not just packed with fun facts like how slowly slugs slide on their slime (tongue twister, I know!), but it encourages readers to savor the reading experience slowly. The book design features a minimal, but striking color palette, and several spreads just include a few words that prompt readers to stop and think. Perfect for the mini philosophers in your family!
What are your favorite literary mashups for kids?