Families who loved It's My Birthday! by Steve Metzger 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 big, prickly feelings that arise when someone else is the center of attention. Whether it is a peer's birthday at preschool or a sibling's special day, it can be hard for a young child to feel left out of the spotlight. This story validates those feelings of jealousy while modeling how to move through them toward kindness. Set in a dinosaur preschool, the story follows Albert as he navigates Brendan's birthday party. While the other Dinofours are excited, Albert feels grumpy and acts out because it is not his special day. Through relatable dinosaur characters and gentle teacher guidance, the book demonstrates that while everyone gets a turn to be special, being a good friend is its own reward. It is a perfect choice for teaching birthday etiquette and emotional regulation to children ages 3 to 5.