Families who loved The Class Pet from the Black Lagoon by Mike Thaler 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 facing a new situation and their imagination is spinning out 'worst-case scenarios.' It is a perfect tool for children who experience anxiety about the unknown, especially within the school environment. The story follows Hubie as his teacher announces a new class pet without naming it. Hubie's mind immediately jumps to monsters, giant sharks, and man-eating dinosaurs, capturing the frantic energy of a child's 'what-if' jitters. While the illustrations lean into the silly and grotesque, the book serves as a humorous mirror for internal worry. It helps normalize the feeling of being scared of what we cannot see, ultimately showing that reality is often much friendlier than our fears. With its early reader format and short sentences, it is ideal for kids aged 6 to 9 who are building confidence in both reading and managing their emotions.
