The Wayward Wind - J. H. Winter

As Whimsy spends the last moments of summer trying to right the misguided wishes of Weyburn's elders, she'll discover another piece of the Wishweaver puzzle has vanished... the wind. The West Wind has gone eerily silent, and without it, wish magic has no force powerful enough to carry it where it needs to go. Wishes will once again go unanswered, unless Whimsy and her friends can find out what happened to the Wayward Wind.

Packed with over 120 black-and-white illustrations across 245 pages, this hybrid format bridges the gap between early chapter books and middle grade novels. It's a story kids can grow into - long enough to feel like a "big kid book," but filled with engaging art that keeps even reluctant readers hooked.

Whether you're looking for a fun read aloud or a longer independent reading option, this book combines the best of both worlds: the visual appeal of illustrated chapter books with the depth of middle grade storytelling. Parents, teachers, and librarians will appreciate a book that meets kids where they are - encouraging confidence while still keeping reading fun.

If your child is moving past beginner chapter books but isn't quite ready for dense middle grade novels, this hybrid is the "just right" choice.