Books Like Smudge Finds the Trail
Families who loved Smudge Finds the Trail by Peter Clover often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Smudge Finds the Trail by Peter Clover 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 frustration about not being good at things or feels overshadowed by more capable peers. Smudge is a sweet Labrador puppy who tries his hardest to mimic the specialized jobs of the other farm animals, only to fail at herding like the sheepdog or foraging like the pig. It is a gentle exploration of the anxiety that comes with finding one's place in a community. Through Smudge's journey, children learn that being helpful doesn't always mean following someone else's blueprint. The story validates the feeling of being different while providing a triumphant moment of self-discovery. It is an ideal first chapter book for early elementary students, offering a relatable emotional arc within a cozy, low-stakes farm setting.
