Families who loved The Case of the Haystack Kitties by John R. Erickson 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 grappling with the gap between how they want the world to see them and who they actually are. It is a perfect choice for kids who struggle with perfectionism or the fear of looking foolish, as it uses high-energy humor to normalize the experience of making mistakes and feeling embarrassed. Through the voice of Hank, a self-important ranch dog, children learn that even the most 'serious' leaders can find themselves in ridiculous situations. The story follows Hank as he survives a chaotic ride in a runaway truck only to face his ultimate nemesis: a group of tiny, defenseless kittens. While the plot is full of slapstick ranch adventures, the underlying emotional themes deal with empathy, the burden of responsibility, and the humility required to care for those smaller than ourselves. It is a lighthearted, vocabulary-rich read that helps middle-grade students find the humor in their own daily blunders.
