Families who loved Curious George in the Big Surprise by H. A. Rey 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 struggling with the agony of anticipation or when their well-meaning attempts to help have resulted in an accidental mess. It is a perfect choice for the preschooler who wants to be a big kid but still finds that their curiosity occasionally gets the better of their self-control. The story follows George as he tries to navigate the rules of a surprise party, dealing with the temptation to peek and the guilt of a mishap. Appropriate for ages 4 to 7, this classic character provides a safe space to discuss the difference between being naughty and being impulsive. It reinforces the idea that even when we make a mistake, we are still loved and can still be part of the celebration. Parents will appreciate the gentle way it models forgiveness and the importance of honesty when things go wrong.
