Families who loved Don't Forget to Come Back! by Robie H. Harris 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 starts to cling, cry, or protest the moment they see you putting on your coat or hear the word babysitter. It is a perfect tool for navigating the intense separation anxiety that often peaks in the preschool years. The story follows Augusta, a young girl who tries every tactic in the book to keep her parents from leaving, including a dramatic plan to run away to Alaska. Through Augusta's journey, the book validates a child's right to feel angry or sad when parents go out while gently showing that those feelings can coexist with having fun. It helps children visualize the cycle of leaving and returning, which builds the internal security they need to let go. By the end, Augusta discovers that while she misses her parents, her babysitter is actually a lot of fun, making this an excellent choice for normalizing the transition to childcare.