Families who loved Gila Monsters Meet You at the Airport by Marjorie Weinman Sharmat 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 facing a major transition, particularly a move, and is reacting with 'doom and gloom' predictions. It is a perfect choice for the youngster who uses their vivid imagination to fuel anxiety about the unknown, turning unfamiliar territory into a land of monsters and myths. This classic story follows a boy from New York City who is moving to the West. He is certain he will have to live among Gila monsters and outlaws, only to find a boy at the airport who is moving East and fears he will have to dodge taxis and live in a sub-basement. Through humor and hyperbole, the book explores how our fears are often based on silly misconceptions. It is a gentle, funny way to help children ages 4 to 8 realize that while change is scary, the reality is rarely as bad as what they have imagined.
