Families who loved Penny Dreadful Cooks Up a Calamity by Joanna Nadin 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 has had a day where their big ideas and 'helpful' gestures resulted in a giant mess or a misunderstanding with an adult. It is the perfect antidote for the child who feels like a 'troublemaker' despite having a heart of gold. Penny Dreadful is a relatable protagonist whose creative solutions often spiral into hilarious catastrophes, providing a safe space for children to laugh at mistakes and realize they aren't alone in their accidental mayhem. Through three short stories involving cooking disasters and DIY projects, the book explores themes of resilience, friendship, and the importance of intentions. While Penny's world is full of chaos, it is grounded in a supportive family environment. It is an excellent choice for children aged 7 to 10 who are transitioning to independent reading and need stories that validate their experimental nature while normalizing the process of making amends.
