Families who loved The New Friend by Holly Hobbie 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 starts comparing themselves to others or feels eclipsed by a friend who seems to be perfect at everything. As Opal meets Daphne, a talented newcomer who excels at drawing and diving, she begins to feel small and uninteresting by comparison. Through the gentle guidance of Puddle and Toot, the story reveals that everyone has their own struggles and that true friendship is not a competition. This beautifully illustrated chapter book is perfect for children ages 4 to 8 who are navigating the complex social dynamics of new arrivals in their social circle. It provides a soft place for children to land when they feel 'not good enough' and helps them understand that what we see on the surface of a person rarely tells the whole story.