Families who loved King Donkey Ears by Lesley Sims 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 hiding a mistake, feeling ashamed of a physical trait, or struggling with the weight of a 'big secret.' This charming retelling of the King Midas myth follows a ruler who is desperately embarrassed by his donkey ears. He goes to great lengths to hide them, only to discover that secrets have a way of growing until they are shared. It is a lighthearted but meaningful look at self-acceptance and the relief that comes from being your true self. Designed for children aged 5 to 7 who are transitioning to independent reading, it uses simple sentence structures to build confidence while navigating themes of shame and honesty. Parents will appreciate how it turns a potentially heavy topic into a humorous, relatable lesson about the futility of hiding who we are.