Families who loved Horrid Henry and the Mega-Mean Time Machine by Francesca Simon 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 restricted by rules or struggling with sibling rivalry and needs a safe, humorous way to process those big feelings of 'it is not fair!' Through the exaggerated antics of Henry, children can explore their own rebellious impulses without real-world consequences. This collection of four short stories follows Henry as he attempts to manipulate his way through spelling tests, swimming lessons, and annoying younger brothers. While Henry's behavior is definitely 'horrid,' the book serves as a fantastic tool for normalizing frustration and jealousy. It is particularly effective for reluctant readers or kids who feel pressured to be 'perfect' like Henry's brother Peter. The stories provide a bridge to discuss why we follow rules and how to handle competitive feelings in a way that feels like pure entertainment rather than a lecture.
