Families who loved When a Dragon Moves In by Jodi Moore 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 deep in a phase of imaginary play or when you want to celebrate the boundless creativity of a solo afternoon at the beach. It is a perfect choice for encouraging a child to see the magic in everyday environments and for validating the very real role that 'imaginary' friends play in their emotional lives. The story follows a young boy who builds a magnificent sandcastle, only to have a dragon move right in. As the day unfolds, the dragon becomes a partner in mischief, snacking on brownies and 'helping' with various beach activities. Parents will appreciate the way the story mirrors a child's internal logic, where the line between reality and make-believe is delightfully thin. It is an excellent tool for building vocabulary related to the seaside and for discussing how we can find companionship through our own creativity.