Families who loved Pete the Cat and His Magic Sunglasses by James Dean 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 wakes up on the wrong side of the bed or is struggling to bounce back from a morning of minor frustrations. It is a perfect tool for parents whose children are prone to a grumpy mood and need a gentle reminder that while external tools can help us reset, the power to change our outlook ultimately comes from within. Pete the Cat provides a relatable, non-judgmental model for navigating big feelings without the lecture. The story follows Pete as he encounters a series of animals who are each having a tough time. Through the gift of some magic sunglasses, Pete experiences a literal shift in his perspective, seeing the world in a brighter light. As the story progresses, the sunglasses break, leading to the important realization that the magic was never in the glasses. It is an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students who are beginning to develop self-regulation skills and emotional awareness.
