Families who loved The Squirting Donuts by David A. Adler 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 noticing changes in the adults around them or experiencing a shift in the predictable routines of school life. It is an ideal choice for the transition into longer chapter books, offering a humorous yet grounded exploration of empathy and social observation. The story follows fourth-graders Danny and Calvin as they try to solve the mystery of why their normally strict teacher is acting so out of character. Through the lens of a lighthearted detective story, the book touches on themes of friendship, curiosity, and the realization that adults have complex lives outside of the classroom. It encourages children to look beyond surface-level behavior and ask 'why' with kindness rather than judgment. Parents will appreciate the clever use of drawing as a tool for problem-solving and the gentle way it handles the realization that everyone, even teachers, can have an off day.