Families who loved Marisol McDonald and the Monster by Monica Brown 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 nighttime fears or feeling like they don't quite fit into a single box. Marisol McDonald is a vibrant, non-conformist protagonist who faces the universal challenge of a 'monster' under the bed, but she does so using her unique creative spirit and bicultural identity. It is a perfect choice for validating a child's imagination while providing them with practical, creative agency to overcome anxiety. Through Marisol's journey, the story explores themes of self-confidence, bravery, and the beauty of being 'mismatch' or multiracial. The bilingual text (English and Spanish) provides a rich linguistic experience for all readers. It is ideal for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating the transition to sleeping alone or who need a boost of confidence in expressing their authentic selves. Parents will appreciate how the book moves away from 'checking the closet' to empowering the child to redefine their own fears.