Families who loved Carl the Misunderstood Crocodile by Kimberly Wylie 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 expresses feeling left out because of their appearance or when they seem discouraged by others making assumptions about them. It is a perfect choice for navigating the sting of being judged or 'labeled' before having a chance to show one's true character. The story follows Carl, a crocodile who is actually quite sweet and helpful, but finds that others flee in terror just because of his sharp teeth and scaly skin. It tackles themes of empathy, loneliness, and the importance of looking past the surface with a gentle, age-appropriate touch for children aged 3 to 7. Parents will appreciate how it models the courage it takes to be kind even when you feel misunderstood, providing a natural opening to discuss how we treat others who may look different or intimidating.
