Families who loved Little Black Goes to the Circus by Walter Farley 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 struggling with the 'third wheel' feeling or experiencing a sting of jealousy because a friend or pet is getting all the attention. It is a vintage, gentle story about a boy whose pony, Little Black, becomes the star of a circus. While the pony is busy performing impressive tricks for the ringmaster, the boy is left on the sidelines feeling lonely and forgotten. This story provides a safe, low-stakes way to talk about the complex emotions of sharing someone you love with the world. Written by Walter Farley as part of the classic Beginner Books series, it uses simple vocabulary and bright illustrations to help early readers navigate feelings of displacement. It is an ideal choice for kids aged 4 to 7 who are learning that a friend's success doesn't mean they are being left behind forever.