Families who loved Netty and the Big Escape Plan by Jan-Mai Jones 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 starts seeing scary shapes in the shadows or feels a surge of anxiety about the dark hallway between their bedroom and the bathroom. This charming rhyming tale follows Netty, a young girl who believes a monster is blocking her path, and her imaginative, elaborate strategies to overcome her fear. It moves beyond simple reassurance by validating that fears feel very real to a child while celebrating their ability to use creativity as a tool for bravery. Appropriate for preschoolers through second graders, the story strikes a perfect balance between humor and heart. Parents will appreciate how it models self-reliance and the power of a 'plan' without dismissing the child's perspective. It transforms a common nighttime struggle into a whimsical adventure, making it an excellent choice for a calming bedtime routine that builds confidence and leaves children feeling empowered rather than afraid.