Families who loved Pinky and Rex and the Perfect Pumpkin by James Howe 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 comes home feeling wounded by a peer's exclusion or a friend's 'mean' relative. It is the perfect tool for navigating those tricky social dynamics where a third party threatens a solid friendship. This story follows Rex as she joins her best friend Pinky's family for their annual pumpkin picking tradition, only to find herself the target of Pinky's jealous and territorial cousin, Abby. Through Rex's experience, children learn that feeling left out is a valid emotion and that true friends will stand up for you once they realize what is happening. James Howe captures the subtle nuances of childhood jealousy and the bravery required to speak up for oneself. It is an ideal choice for elementary aged readers who are beginning to navigate more complex social circles beyond one on one playdates. You might choose it to help your child find the language to describe social friction and to reassure them that their place in a friendship is secure even when others are unkind.
