Families who loved Those Darn Squirrels and the Cat Next Door by Adam Rubin 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 playground bully or struggling to navigate a difficult social dynamic with a neighbor. It is an excellent tool for children who feel small or powerless in the face of mean-spirited behavior. While the setup is hilariously absurd, the core conflict is deeply relatable: a new arrival (Muffins the cat) begins disrupting a peaceful community through intimidation and unkindness. The story follows the eccentric Old Man Fookwire and his backyard squirrels as they contend with the feline bully next door. Through creative problem-solving and an unlikely alliance, the characters demonstrate that brains and teamwork can outsmart brawn and bluster. It is a perfect choice for parents who want to model standing up for oneself and others without resorting to aggression, all while keeping the mood light and laughter-filled for ages 4 to 8.
