Families who loved Disgusting Denzil by Tessa Krailing 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 older child is feeling overlooked or invisible following the arrival of a new baby. It is an ideal choice for the child who expresses their frustration through acting out or 'disgusting' behavior, providing a humorous outlet for the very real sting of sibling rivalry. The story follows Denzil, who feels so forgotten by his parents that he considers running away. However, the narrative takes a delightful turn when he realizes his new baby sister is just as messy and 'monstrous' as he is, sparking a unique and prideful bond. At 48 pages with a manageable chapter structure, this book is perfect for early elementary readers (ages 5 to 8) who are transitioning into longer stories. It uses humor and mild gross-out elements to normalize feelings of jealousy and loneliness without being overly sentimental. Parents will appreciate how it shifts the perspective from competition for attention to a shared identity between siblings, making the new addition feel like an ally rather than an intruder.