Families who loved Esmeralda and the Children Next Door by Jenny Nimmo often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent might reach for this book when their child feels like they are 'too much' for other kids or when a unique quality makes it hard for them to make friends. Esmeralda is a little girl with giant-sized strength who just wants to play with the children next door. But her unusual abilities scare them, leaving her feeling lonely and misunderstood. The story gently explores themes of loneliness, empathy, and learning to see differences as strengths. It's an excellent choice for early elementary schoolers, as it opens a safe conversation about why we might be afraid of things we don't understand and how kindness can bridge that gap.
