Families who loved When Will Sarah Come? by Elizabeth Fitzgerald Howard often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their younger child struggles with the long, quiet hours while an older sibling or parent is away at school or work. It tenderly follows a little boy named Jonathan as he listens to the sounds of the day, repeatedly asking his father when his big sister, Sarah, will be home. The book beautifully validates feelings of loneliness and impatience, transforming the act of waiting into a gentle, hopeful experience. It’s perfect for preschoolers who are adjusting to new family schedules, offering immense comfort and normalizing the ache of missing someone you love.