Books Like Frank and the Bad Surprise
Families who loved Frank and the Bad Surprise by Martha Brockenbrough often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Frank and the Bad Surprise by Martha Brockenbrough 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 feeling displaced by a new addition to the home, whether it is a rowdy new pet or a crying new sibling. Frank the cat has a perfectly curated life of quiet naps and snacks until a 'bad surprise' arrives in the form of a slobbering, boundary-crossing puppy. This charming chapter book uses a humorous animal lens to validate the very real feelings of resentment, jealousy, and the loss of personal space that children experience during family transitions. It is an ideal bridge for early readers (ages 5 to 8) that moves from the frustration of shared territory to the eventual, gentle realization that a new companion might just be a friend in disguise. Parents will appreciate how it normalizes negative emotions without judgment, providing a safe space to discuss how we handle big changes in our 'kingdom.'
