Families who loved Elisabeth the Cow Ghost by William Pène du Bois 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 frustrated by being labeled as the good kid or the quiet one and is itching to show off a more spirited, mischievous side. It is a gentle and humorous story about Elisabeth, a cow so famously sweet that everyone ignores her attempts to be tough. When she decides to return as a ghost to prove she can be scary, the results are more funny than frightening. Through William Pene du Bois's classic illustrations and witty prose, the story explores the tension between how others see us and how we see ourselves. It is perfect for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating their own identities and learning that being kind doesn't mean you can't also be strong or assertive. Parents will appreciate the sophisticated vocabulary and the reassuring message that our true nature is something to embrace, even if we occasionally want to play a different part.