Families who loved Feeling Boo by Alex Boniello 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 seems to be carrying 'the heavies' or experiencing a low mood that they cannot quite explain. It is a gentle resource for those days when a child feels down and needs validation rather than a quick fix or a forced smile. The story follows ghost friends Ollie and Ellie. When Ollie feels sad, Ellie tries every high-energy distraction possible to cheer him up. Ultimately, the story reveals that the most powerful thing a friend can do is simply sit quietly and be present. It normalizes the experience of sadness as a natural, albeit temporary, part of life. Perfect for children ages 4 to 8, this book provides a beautiful blueprint for both empathy and self-compassion, teaching kids that it is okay to not be okay and that true friendship involves holding space for all types of feelings.