Families who loved Boo's Dinosaur by Betsy Byars 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 starts insisting that a stuffed animal needs its own seat at the table or an invisible friend is tagging along on your afternoon walk. It is a gentle, validating look at the expansive world of a young child's imagination and the sweet patience required from older siblings to navigate it. The story follows young Boo, who discovers a 'dinosaur' that only she can see, and her older brother Sammy, who manages the delicate balance of being a big kid while still honoring his sister's magic. It is a perfect choice for families navigating the 'magical thinking' phase of early childhood. Byars uses her trademark warmth to show that growing up doesn't have to mean losing your sense of wonder. You might choose this book to normalize the presence of imaginary friends or to model kind, supportive sibling interactions during outdoor play.