Families who loved The New Year's Eve Sleepover from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler 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 facing their first night away from home or expressing 'what-if' worries about a new social experience. This humorous chapter book follows Hubie as he navigates the anxiety of an upcoming New Year's Eve sleepover. He worries about everything from strange beds and homesickness to his friend's bad jokes and the mysterious 'New Year's Revolution.' Through monster-sized hyperbole and puns, the story validates the very real fears children have about independence and unfamiliar environments. It is perfect for early elementary readers who appreciate slapstick humor and need a gentle reminder that their imagination can sometimes make situations feel much scarier than they actually are. Parents will find it an excellent bridge for discussing separation anxiety and the excitement of growing up.
