Books Like Tough Boris
Families who loved Tough Boris by Mem Fox often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Families who loved Tough Boris by Mem Fox 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 grappling with the idea that 'big' or 'tough' people are not allowed to show weakness or sadness. It is an essential tool for dismantling the pressure of toxic masculinity or the fear of appearing vulnerable, especially after a loss like the death of a pet. Through the repetitive, rhythmic world of pirates, Mem Fox explores the duality of character. While Boris von der Borch is greedy, scary, and tough, he is also shown grieving deeply when his parrot dies. The watercolor illustrations provide a soft, dreamy backdrop to a story that reassures children aged 3 to 7 that having feelings is a universal human experience, regardless of one's outward persona. It is a gentle way to open conversations about empathy and the hidden lives of others.
