Families who loved The Boy from the Dragon Palace by Margaret Read MacDonald 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 struggling with the concept of enough or showing signs of entitlement or greed. This traditional Japanese folktale follows a poor flower seller who is rewarded by the Dragon King with a magical boy who brings wealth and prosperity. However, the story takes a turn when the man becomes ungrateful and demanding, leading to a gentle but firm lesson about how we treat those who help us. Appropriate for elementary-aged children, this story provides a clear, magical metaphor for the consequences of losing one's sense of appreciation. Parents will value how the book models the transition from gratitude to greed, allowing for a safe discussion about how our attitudes affect our relationships and our happiness. It is a culturally rich way to explore the value of kindness over material gain.
