Families who loved I Barfed on Mrs. Kenly by Jessica Harper 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 has experienced a moment of intense public embarrassment or is struggling with the 'I want to disappear' feeling after a social blunder. It is an ideal resource for children who over-internalize mistakes or feel that one awkward moment will define their entire social standing. In this relatable chapter book, Cleo's excitement for a birthday party is derailed by a messy bout of motion sickness right in front of her friend's mother. The story follows Cleo as she navigates the heavy weight of shame and the fear of being judged by her peers. Through the gentle intervention of a kind adult and the discovery of her own physical competence in the pool, Cleo learns that she is much more than her most embarrassing moment. It is a humorous, comforting, and realistic look at building social resilience for children aged 6 to 9.