Families who loved Follow That Bus! by Pat Hutchins 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 is in the mood for a high energy, screwball comedy that rewards a keen eye for detail. This classic caper follows a class of second graders on what was supposed to be a simple farm trip, but a luggage mix up involving a pair of bank robbers turns their outing into a frantic, hilarious chase. It is an excellent choice for a child who enjoys being 'in' on the secret while the adults in the story remain hilariously oblivious. Beyond the slapstick humor, the story celebrates the competence and collective action of children. As the students of Class 2 work together to outsmart the criminals, they demonstrate that observation and teamwork are powerful tools. It is a lighthearted, fast paced mystery that is perfectly suited for transitional readers who are ready for longer narratives but still crave the visual payoffs of a well timed gag. Parents will appreciate the clever construction and the way it encourages kids to pay attention to the small clues hidden in plain sight.