Families who loved Spy Cat by Peg Kehret 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 expresses anxiety about home security or feels unsettled by news of local neighborhood crimes. While the central plot involves a series of burglaries, the story is told through the eyes of Pete the Cat, whose fierce loyalty and humorous observations provide a protective emotional buffer. It is an ideal choice for normalizing the fear of 'bad guys' while shifting the focus toward a family's resilience and proactive teamwork. Peg Kehret expertly balances suspense with comfort, making this 192-page mystery accessible for middle-grade readers. Through the bond between Pete and young Benjie, children see that even small members of a household can play a role in keeping their space safe. Parents will appreciate how the story validates a child's worries without magnifying them, ultimately ending on a note of empowerment and community safety.