Takes Center Stage

Reach for this book when your child is feeling the sting of a 'replacement' or dealing with the complex emotions of a new sibling or a friend's new hobby taking up all their time. It provides a gentle, humorous entry point for discussing jealousy and the fear of losing one's status as the favorite. Through the eyes of a dry-witted cat named Oliver, children see that someone else's success or a new addition to the group doesn't actually diminish their own value. This illustrated chapter book is perfect for early readers or as a shared read-aloud for ages 6 to 9. It uses the funny, relatable lens of a pet who thinks he 'owns' his human to explore the messy feelings of sibling-like rivalry. Parents will appreciate how it validates feelings of being left out while showing how to find one's own path to confidence and creativity.