Families who loved The Octonauts and the Scary Spookfish by Grosset & Dunlap 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 hesitant to try something new because it looks scary or different, or when they are expressing a fear of the dark. It is a perfect tool for moving from 'scary' to 'scientific,' helping children reframe their anxieties through the lens of curiosity and facts. This story follows Peso the Penguin, who becomes stranded in the deep ocean and encounters a Spookfish with giant eyes and a ghostly appearance. While the setting is the deep, dark sea, the story focuses on empathy and overcoming first impressions. It teaches children that what we find frightening often has a logical explanation or a friendly purpose. At a 32-page early reader level, it is perfectly paced for 4 to 6-year-olds, offering a balance of mild suspense and a reassuring resolution that emphasizes teamwork and the value of making unexpected new friends.
