Families who loved Celia and the Sweet, Sweet Water by Katherine Paterson 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 feeling powerless in the face of a loved one's illness or when they are struggling to understand why some people in the world can be so unkind. This gentle, folk-style chapter book follows young Celia and her dog Brumble on a quest to find healing water for her sick mother. Along the way, they encounter creatures who have forgotten how to be good, offering a profound but accessible look at how kindness can disarm even the most bitter hearts. It is an ideal choice for children ages 5 to 10 who need a story that acknowledges life's shadows while ultimately providing a hopeful, empowering path forward. Katherine Paterson's timeless prose models how a brave spirit and a soft heart are often the most powerful tools one can possess during a family crisis.
