Books Like The Real Hole
Families who loved The Real Hole by Beverly Cleary 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 Real Hole by Beverly Cleary 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 deeply immersed in a project that others might see as just a mess or a phase, but to them, it is serious work. It is the perfect choice for the young child who values competence and wants to be treated like a grown-up with a real job to do. This classic Beverly Cleary story follows four-year-old Jimmy as he decides to dig a truly big, serious hole in the backyard. While his twin sister Janet suggests he pretend it is a dragon's cave or a nest, Jimmy insists on the reality of his labor. The emotional core of the book lies in the father's respectful response: rather than filling the hole back in or dismissing it, he recognizes Jimmy's hard work and finds a permanent, purposeful use for it. It is a gentle, affirming look at a child's need for autonomy and the pride that comes from a job well done. It is ideal for preschoolers and early elementary children who are beginning to take pride in their physical capabilities.
