Books Like A Friend for Old Tom
Families who loved A Friend for Old Tom by Leigh Hobbs often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved A Friend for Old Tom by Leigh Hobbs often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the complicated emotions of a new addition to the home, whether that is a new sibling, a new pet, or even a rival for a best friend's attention. This story follows the eccentric Angela Throgmorton and her hilariously unrefined monster companion, Tom, as their quiet life is disrupted by a potential new friend. It perfectly captures the prickly feelings of jealousy and the fear of being replaced in a way that feels safe and funny. While the humor is wonderfully absurdist and the illustrations are delightfully messy, the core of the book is about loyalty and the realization that love isn't a finite resource. It is an ideal choice for elementary-aged children who appreciate a bit of naughtiness in their characters. Parents will find it a helpful tool for normalizing the 'ugly' feelings of envy, showing that even a 'monster' like Tom can find a secure place to belong despite his many flaws.
