Families who loved Mike's Bulldozer and the Big Flood by Nan Bodsworth 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 feeling small, powerless, or overwhelmed by big events in the news or their community. It is a perfect choice for children who find comfort in the 'helper' roles during emergencies or those who use imaginative play to process their anxieties about the world. This story follows Mike as he uses his beloved toy bulldozers to help protect his community from a rising flood. Through Mike’s actions, the book explores themes of bravery, responsibility, and the power of a child's contribution. It is developmentally appropriate for preschoolers and early elementary students, balancing the tension of a natural disaster with a sense of safety and agency. Parents will appreciate how it validates a child's desire to be useful while providing a gentle entry point for discussing emergency preparedness.
