Families who loved Prince Bertram the Bad by Arnold Lobel 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 acting out, showing a streak of 'meanness,' or struggling to understand how their actions affect others. It is a classic tool for addressing impulse control and the concept of consequences through the safe distance of a fairy tale. The story follows Prince Bertram, a spoiled and unkind child who treats everyone around him poorly until a run-in with a witch results in a magical transformation into a small, helpless dragon. Through his time as a dragon, Bertram experiences vulnerability and the kindness of others, which ultimately leads to a genuine change of heart. For children ages 4 to 8, this book serves as a gentle but firm reminder that being 'bad' often stems from a lack of empathy, and that true power comes from being kind. It provides a helpful opening for parents to talk about making amends and how we want to be perceived by our community.