Families who loved There Is Not Usually a Hole by Daisy Hirst 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 transition involving new social circles, or if they struggle with the 'gatekeeping' of their own play and toys. It is a perfect choice for the preschooler who finds the world a bit unpredictable and needs a gentle, humorous way to process the idea that unexpected changes can lead to wonderful new friendships. The story follows Betsy and her stuffed crocodile through a surreal discovery: a hole in the ground that produces everything from bananas to new friends. Daisy Hirst uses absurdist humor to explore very real themes of bravery, sharing, and the 'more the merrier' philosophy. It validates a child's natural caution while modeling an open-hearted response to the unknown. Parents will appreciate how it turns a potential moment of loss (a lost toy) into an opportunity for exploration and community building, making it an ideal read for building social-emotional resilience in children ages 3 to 7.