Families who loved My Mama Says There Aren't Any Zombies, Ghosts, Vampires, Creatures, Demons, Monsters, Fiends, Goblins, or Things by Judith Viorst 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 going through a phase of nighttime fears but also has a sharp, logical mind that catches every small parenting mistake you make. It is an ideal choice for the preschooler or early elementary student who finds 'don't worry, monsters aren't real' to be an unconvincing argument from a parent who sometimes forgets where they put the car keys. Nick is a young boy weighing his mother's credibility. He lists all the times she has been wrong, like the time she said he would like spinach or that his loose tooth wouldn't hurt. Since she was wrong about those things, he reasons, she might be wrong about the lack of ghosts and goblins too. It is a humorous, relatable exploration of the bond between parent and child, acknowledging that while parents aren't perfect, their love and protection are the ultimate comfort. Best for ages 4 to 8, this story uses humor to de-escalate bedtime anxiety.
