Families who loved The Sheep, the Rooster, and the Duck by Matt Phelan 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 transitioning from short chapter books to longer stories or when they feel like the quietest member of a group. It is a perfect choice for kids who love animals and historical mysteries but might be intimidated by dense text. This hybrid novel uses graphic illustrations to bring the true historical event of the first hot air balloon flight to life, reimagining the animal passengers as secret agents. The story explores themes of hidden bravery, teamwork, and the idea that even the most unassuming individuals (like a sheep, a rooster, and a duck) can foil a grand conspiracy. It is age-appropriate for elementary readers, offering a fast-paced spy plot set in 18th-century France and America. Parents will appreciate how it humanizes historical figures like Benjamin Franklin while celebrating the loyalty and unique talents found within a found-family of friends.
