Families who loved Smells Like Dog by Suzanne Selfors 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 feels like they do not quite fit the mold of a traditional hero or is struggling with the pressure of high expectations. Smells Like Dog is a whimsical adventure about Homer Pudding, a farm boy who dreams of becoming a world class explorer despite his lack of typical bold traits. When he inherits a seemingly lazy dog and a cryptic treasure map from his late uncle, he must find the courage to face a conniving museum director and a secret society. This story is ideal for children aged 8 to 12 who are navigating transitions or dealing with the loss of a mentor figure. It beautifully balances the sadness of grief with a lighthearted, humorous quest. Parents will appreciate how it validates the quiet, steady kind of bravery found in being yourself rather than trying to be someone else. It is a secular, hopeful tale that emphasizes loyalty and the idea that everyone has a hidden talent, even if it is just a very good sense of smell.