Families who loved Gertie Milk and the Keeper of Lost Things by Simon Van Booy often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent should reach for this book when their child feels like an outsider or is quietly struggling with a loss. Gertie Milk is a lonely orphan who discovers she is the last in a line of Keepers of Lost Things. Her destiny leads her to a magical island where all lost objects go, but a sad, shadowy figure is stealing their memories. Gertie must use her empathy and quiet strength not to fight a villain, but to heal a deep sadness. This whimsical, gentle fantasy is perfect for sensitive readers aged 8-12. It wraps heavy themes of grief and belonging in a comforting, magical adventure, offering a hopeful message about the power of memory and kindness.
