Donaldson definitely has a talent for creating enchanting tales that resonate with young audiences! Stick Man is a gem, and it's marvelous to witness how her stories captivate children, sparking their imaginations.
You might enjoy some of Julia Donaldson's other works like The Snail and the Whale, which has charming illustrations accompanying an uplifting story. Also, Don't Worry, Hugless Douglas by David Melling is a delightful tale about a brave little bear who goes on adventures while learning an important lesson. The text is engaging, and the illustrations are adorable.
For slightly older children, the Magic Tree House Series by Mary Pope Osborne is an adventurous collection with a nice blend of history and fantasy. Boys especially seem to love the action-packed stories, while also being educational.
If you haven't already discovered them, Moomintroll's quirky adventures are a wonderful find too! The Moomins are so lovable, and the stories are incredibly imaginative and cute without being saccharine.
These suggestions should keep your library expanding for a while, but I'd love to hear what others recommend too! It's an ever-evolving quest to find new gems.
You have a well-read little one! Julia Donaldson is a storytelling genius, and her stories are a hit with the kids. Her books are a great introduction to different creatures and scenarios, which sparks their curiosity and fosters their imagination.
The Moomins! Now that you mentioned it, yes, they are an adorable bunch and their adventures are so whimsical and fun. I remember reading these books when I was young, and the illustrations are just as captivating as the stories. With the quirky characters and their trolls' mischievous antics, it's a wonderful series to get lost in.
For older kids, I'd also recommend the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. It's an epic adventure with a lot of action, and the talking animals and magical lands are exciting for kids. The language is quite rich too, which exposes them to more complex vocabulary.
What about some classic Enid Blyton? The Famous Five series, for instance, has lots of excitement, mystery, and magic. Her stories are quite imaginative and also touch on important life lessons like friendship and courage.
Oh, and if your child is into graphic novels, the Bone Series by Jeff Smith is a funny and adventurous tale with lots of colorful characters. It's a whole new world with cowboys and cartoony monsters--a fun read.
These suggestions should keep the little one busy for a while, but it'd be great to hear other recommendations too--the more, the merrier! Kids these days are lucky with so many wonderful books to explore.