Families who loved Leave It to Plum! by Matt Phelan 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 navigating the tricky social waters of a playground or classroom where a peer seems determined to be grumpy or unkind. It provides a gentle, humorous framework for talking about how to maintain your own inner light and kindness even when someone else is trying to dim it with jealousy or bitterness. The story follows Plum, a relentlessly cheerful and helpful purple squirrel living in a public park, and Brawley, a grumpy rival who is tired of Plum's popularity. Through charming animal interactions and lighthearted humor, the book explores themes of resilience and the power of a positive attitude. It is an ideal bridge for early elementary readers who are transitioning to longer chapter books but still crave visual support and a hopeful, manageable narrative.