Books Like The Bear Under the Stairs
Families who loved The Bear Under the Stairs by Helen Cooper 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 The Bear Under the Stairs by Helen Cooper 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 starts expressing fear of the dark or believes there is something scary hiding in the corners of your home. It is a perfect choice for children who have active imaginations that sometimes turn shadows into monsters, providing a safe space to discuss those big feelings before they become overwhelming. The story follows a young boy named William who is convinced a hungry bear lives in the dark closet under the stairs. To keep the bear happy (and away from him), he begins secretly feeding it. This gentle narrative validates a child's internal logic and anxiety while modeling a supportive parent-child relationship. By the end, the mystery is solved with a flashlight and a hug, making it an excellent tool for normalizing nighttime fears and encouraging open communication about the things that go bump in the night.
