Families who loved Dangerously Ever After by Dashka Slater 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 feels like their interests are a little too loud, too messy, or too 'dangerous' for the typical crowd. It is a wonderful choice for the little one who prefers mud and thorns over glitter and tea parties, or any child navigating the vulnerable process of making a first friend who truly gets them. The story follows Princess Amanita, a royal who scoffs at pretty things and prefers her garden of stinging nettles and cactus. When a well-meaning but shy Prince Florizel brings her seeds for what he thinks are beautiful roses, a comedic mix-up leads to an unexpected adventure and a blooming friendship. It is perfect for ages 4 to 8, celebrating the idea that being true to your prickly self is exactly how you find your people. Parents will appreciate the clever subversion of gender tropes and the gentle reminder that friendship is about appreciation, not transformation.