Families who loved The Secret Time Machine and the Gherkin Switcheroo by Simone Lia 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 has told a 'tall tale' to look cool and is now panicking because the lie is spinning out of control. It is a perfect choice for kids who struggle with the pressure of being interesting or who find themselves trapped by their own exaggerations. The story follows Marcus the worm as he tries to build a fake time machine to prove a lie he told his bird friend, Laurence. Through hilarious mishaps and a cardboard box adventure, the book explores the anxiety of being found out and the relief of honest friendship. It is an accessible, funny read that models how to own up to mistakes without being preachy. Parents will appreciate how it turns a stressful social situation into a laugh-out-loud lesson on integrity and the value of a friend who likes you for who you are.
