Families who loved Wish You Were Here 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 a loved one or a close friend has returned from a journey feeling unwell, or when your child is struggling to understand why a playmate needs quiet rest instead of active play. It is a gentle tool for teaching the patience required in caregiving and the importance of looking out for one's 'inner circle' during a recovery period. In this installment of the beloved series, Toot returns from an exotic trip to Borneo with a case of the Violet Virus. While Toot is usually the adventurer, he must now rely on Puddle and the young piglet Opal to nurse him back to health. The story emphasizes empathy and the shift in roles that happens when a strong friend becomes vulnerable. It is perfectly pitched for children ages 4 to 8, offering a cozy, non-threatening look at illness and the comforting power of home and friendship.