Families who loved Cliff the Failed Troll by Barbara Davis-Pyles 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 frustration about not being good at the things they are supposed to do, or when they feel like an outsider in their peer group. It is particularly healing for children who feel they have to mask their true interests to fit in at school or home. Cliff the Failed Troll is a heartwarming and hilarious story about a young troll who fails at every traditional troll metric: he is too cheerful, too active, and too much of a vegetarian. The book explores themes of self-confidence and the courage to seek out a community where your unique quirks are celebrated rather than corrected. It is an excellent choice for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating the social pressures of preschool or early elementary school. Parents will appreciate the gentle humor and the reassuring message that failing at someone else's expectations often means you are just beginning your own successful adventure.