Books like 'The Strays of Paris'
Readers who enjoyed The Strays of Paris by Jane Smiley also liked the following books featuring the same tropes, story themes, relationship dynamics and character types.
contemporary fantasy action / adventure animals literary-fiction magical-realism horses humor friendship historical-fiction
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The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo
Rated: 4.35 of 5 stars · 40 ratingsA timeless tale by the incomparable Kate DiCamillo, complete with stunning full-color plates by Bagram Ibatoulline, honors the enduring power of love."Someone will come for you, but first you must open your heart. . . ."Once, in a house on Egypt Street, there lived a china rabbit named Edward Tulane...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship historical-fiction journey low-fantasy magical-realism -
![The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson]()
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsA mouse is taking a stroll through the deep, dark wood when along comes a hungry fox, then an owl, and then a snake. The mouse is good enough to eat but smart enough to know this, so he invents . . -
![A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron]()
A Dog's Purpose by W. Bruce Cameron
Rated: 4.34 of 5 stars · 65 ratingsThis is the remarkable story of one endearing dog's search for his purpose over the course of several lives... -
![The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao]()
The One and Only Ivan by Katherine Applegate, Patricia Castelao
Rated: 4.28 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsIvan is an easygoing gorilla. Living at the Exit 8 Big Top Mall and Video Arcade, he has grown accustomed to humans watching him through the glass walls of his domain. He rarely misses his life in the jungle. In fact, he hardly ever thinks about it at all.Instead, Ivan thinks about TV shows he’s seen and about his friends Stella, an elderly elephant, and Bob, a stray dog...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs family friendship historical-fiction humor low-fantasy -
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![A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron]()
A Dog's Journey by W. Bruce Cameron
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 39 ratingsThe direct sequel to the New York Times and USA Today bestselling A Dog's Purpose.Buddy is a good dog.After searching for his purpose through several eventful lives, Buddy is sure that he has found and fulfilled it. Yet as he watches curious baby Clarity get into dangerous mischief, he is certain that this little girl is very much in need of a dog of her own... -
![Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker]()
Pax, Journey Home by Sara Pennypacker
Rated: 4.39 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsFrom award-winning author Sara Pennypacker comes the long-awaited sequel to Pax ; this is a gorgeously crafted, utterly compelling novel about chosen families and the healing power of love. A New York Times bestseller! It’s been a year since Peter and his pet fox, Pax, have seen each other. Once inseparable, they now lead very different lives...Categorized as:
animals family realistic friendship outdoors anthropomorphism historical-fiction xenofiction -
![Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes]()
Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.32 of 5 stars · 49 ratingsWritten and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon, Chrysanthemum is a funny and honest school story about teasing, self-esteem, and acceptance to share all year round.Chrysanthemum thinks her name is absolutely perfect—until her first day of school...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship humor realistic xenofiction action-adventure -
![Stella by McCall Hoyle]()
Stella by McCall Hoyle
Rated: 4.40 of 5 stars · 15 ratingsSTELLA has been nominated for 14 state awards in FL, ME, NE, NM, OK, PA, KY, KS, LA, AL, MA, SC & TX!"This empathetic read is also full of important themes and lessons for young readers bravery, how to overcome fears, and that mistakes don't have to define us... -
![The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell]()
The Shark Caller by Zillah Bethell
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsDesperate to become a shark caller to avenge the death of her parents, Blue Wing is instead charged with befriending infuriating newcomer Maple. At first they are angry and out of sync with the island and each other...Categorized as:
animals outdoors magical-realism friendship family anthropomorphism myths low-fantasy -
![Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel]()
Frog and Toad Together by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 31 ratingsFrog and Toad are best friends—they do everything together. When Toad admires the flowers in Frog's garden, Frog gives him seeds to grow a garden of his own. When Toad bakes cookies, Frog helps him eat them. And when both Frog and Toad are scared, they are brave together...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship humor xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Frog and Toad Are Friends/Book and Toys by Arnold Lobel]()
Frog and Toad Are Friends/Book and Toys by Arnold Lobel
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 65 ratingsOne summer day Toad was un- happy. He had lost the white, four- holed, big, round, thick button from his jacket. Who helped him look for it? His best friend, Frog. Another day, Frog was unhappy. He was sick in bed and looking green. Who gave him some tea and told him a story? His best friend, Toad...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship humor outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood]()
The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear by Audrey Wood, Don Wood
Rated: 4.30 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsLittle Mouse worries that the big hungry bear will take his freshly picked, ripe, red strawberry for himself and finds a very good way to keep it safe...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship humor outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt]()
Scaredy Squirrel by Mélanie Watt
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsScaredy Squirrel never leaves his nut tree. It's way too dangerous out there. He could encounter tarantulas, green Martians or killer bees. But in his tree, every day is the same and if danger comes along, he's well-prepared. Scaredy Squirrel's emergency kit includes antibacterial soap, Band-Aids and a parachute.Day after day he watches and waits, and waits and watches, until one day ..Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism friendship humor outdoors xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Stellaluna by Janell Cannon]()
Stellaluna by Janell Cannon
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 42 ratingsStellaluna is the tender story of a lost young bat who finally finds her way safely home to her mother and friends. This award-winning book by Janell Cannon has sold over 500,000 copies and was on the bestseller list for more than two years...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship outdoors realistic xenofiction action-adventure -
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![The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter]()
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 71 ratings"Now, my dears," said old Mrs Rabbit one morning, "you may go into the fields or down the lane, but don't go into Mr. McGregor's garden."But what does Peter Rabbit do? Beatrix Potter's delightful 'Tale of Peter Rabbit' tells the story...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family humor literary-fiction outdoors retellings xenofiction -
![The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers]()
The Eyes and the Impossible: by Dave Eggers
Rated: 4.31 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe illustrated story of a dog who unwittingly becomes a hero to a park full of animals.Johannes, a free dog, lives in an urban park by the sea. His job is to be the Eyes—to see everything that happens within the park and report back to the park’s elders, three ancient Bison... -
![Charlotte's Web by E.B. White]()
Charlotte's Web by E.B. White
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 87 ratingsA gorgeous full-colour large format edition of Charlotte's Web, one of the best-loved animal stories of our time.The unforgettable story of a girl called Fern who loves a little pig called Wilbur. It tells how Charlotte A...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship historical-fiction humor literary-fiction low-fantasy -
![Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann]()
Officer Buckle and Gloria by Peggy Rathmann
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 27 ratingsOfficer Buckle knows more about safety than anyone else in Napville, but his dull presentations put his audiences to sleep. Enter Gloria, Napville's new police dog. Gloria knows just how to liven up the safety speeches--as long as Officer Buckle's back is turned! Full color... -
![Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner]()
Skippyjon Jones by Judy Schachner
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsHere is the book that launched a thousand chimichangoes - the first in the best-selling series about the rambunctious Skippyjon Jones, the Siamese kitty boy with the overactive imagination. He would rather be El Skippito, the great sword fighter, who can do anything. Like saving a roving band of Mexican Chihuahuas from a humongous bumblebeeto that is tormenting them... -
![Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson]()
Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 28 ratingsOne by one, a whole host of different animals and birds find their way out of the cold and into Bear's cave to warm up...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship humor outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae]()
Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae
Rated: 4.29 of 5 stars · 38 ratingsGerald the giraffe longs to dance, but his legs are too skinny and his neck is too long. At the Jungle Dance, the warthogs waltz, the chimps cha-cha, and the lions tango. "Giraffes can't dance," they all jeer when it's Gerald's turn to prance. But with some sound advice from a wise cricket, Gerald starts swaying to his own sweet tune...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism friendship humor outdoors xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss]()
Diary of a Spider by Doreen Cronin, Harry Bliss
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsThis is the diary... of a spider. But don't be worried – he's more scared of you and your gigantic shoe! Actually, he's a lot like you. He goes to gym class and has Grandparents' Day at school. But he also spins sticky webs, scales walls, and takes wind–catching lessons...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship humor outdoors xenofiction action-adventure -
![Primeval and Other Times by Olga Tokarczuk]()
Primeval and Other Times by Olga Tokarczuk
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsSet in the mythical Polish village of Primeval, a microcosm of the world populated with eccentric, archetypal characters and guarded by four archangels, this novel from Nobel Prize winner Olga Tokarczuk chronicles the lives of the inhabitants over the course of the feral 20th century in prose that is forceful, direct, and the stylistic cousin of the magic realism in Gabriel García Márquez's One...Categorized as:
family historical-fiction journey literary-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism myths retellings -
![A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin]()
A Dog’s Life by Ann M. Martin
Rated: 4.21 of 5 stars · 24 ratingsMy name is Squirrel. I was born in a wheelbarrow.There were five of us puppies in the beginning, but only my brother and I survived. So we set off on our own to see the world.Life as a stray has been hard - but filled with adventure!I've been adopted and I've been abandoned. I lost my brother, but found new friends. I've been in scrapes, but I always survived.This is the story of my life... -
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![Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin]()
Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsThis is the diary . . . of a worm. Surprisingly, a worm not that different from you or me: He lives with his parents, plays with his friends, and even goes to school. But unlike you or me, he never has to take a bath, he gets to eat his homework, and because he doesn't have legs, he just can't do the hokey pokey -- no matter how hard he tries. Oh, and his head looks a lot like his rear end... -
![The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate]()
The One and Only Bob by Katherine Applegate
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 26 ratingsBob sets out on a dangerous journey in search of his long-lost sister with the help of his two best friends, Ivan and Ruby. As a hurricane approaches and time is running out, Bob finds courage he never knew he had and learns the true meaning of friendship and family... -
![The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass, Mark Turetsky]()
The Candymakers and the Great Chocolate Chase by Wendy Mass, Mark Turetsky
Rated: 4.25 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThe highly-anticipated sequel to the New York Times bestselling novel The Candymakers by beloved author Wendy MassIt has been a few months since the nationwide New Candy Contest, and Logan, Miles, Philip, and Daisy have returned to their regular lives. But when the winning candy bar comes down the conveyor belt at the Life is Sweet candy factory, Logan realizes something's very wrong...Categorized as:
family friendship humor journey low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
![Chalk by Bill Thomson]()
Chalk by Bill Thomson
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsThree children discover a magical bag of chalk on a rainy... -
![Olivia by Ian Falconer]()
Olivia by Ian Falconer
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 35 ratingsOlivia is a gorgeous little pig who likes to dress up, sing songs, dance, think, snooze and is even quite good at building sandcastles. At the end of the day, when she snuggles up in bed and her mother reads her a story (or three), Olivia feels very full of love. Ages 3+...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family humor realistic xenofiction action-adventure audiobook -
![Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig]()
Sylvester and the Magic Pebble by William Steig
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsSTORIES TO GO!Sylvester the donkey finds a magic pebble and unthinkingly wishes himself turned into a rock when he's frightened by a lion. How Sylvester is eventually reunited with his loving parents is a tender, magical tale of the transforming power of love. This Caldecott Medal-winning book is a modern classic beloved by children everywhere... -
![The Sweetest Fig by Chris Van Allsburg]()
The Sweetest Fig by Chris Van Allsburg
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratings"These figs are very special," the woman whispered. "They can make your dreams come true." -- Thus Monsieur Bibot, the cold-hearted dentist, was given two ordinary-looking figs as payment for extracting a tooth from an old woman's mouth. Monsieur Bibot refused to believe such nonsense and proceeded to eat one of the figs for a bedtime snack... -
![Gorilla by Anthony Browne]()
Gorilla by Anthony Browne
Rated: 4.19 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsAnthony Browne’s incomparable artwork illuminates the deeply satisfying story of a lonely girl, a friendly gorilla, and their enchanted night out.Hannah spends all of her time reading gorilla books, watching gorilla TV shows, and drawing gorilla pictures. She has gorillas on her bedside lamp and even on her box of cereal...Categorized as:
animals family friendship journey low-fantasy magical-realism abuse action-adventure -
![Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague]()
Dear Mrs. LaRue: Letters from Obedience School by Mark Teague
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 32 ratingsA dog laments his fate at obedience school through a series of hilarious letters home.When Ike LaRue is "imprisoned" at the Igor Brotweiler Canine Academy, he tries everything to get sent home -- from weepy letters to his owner to illness. In reality, Brotweiler is more like camp than prison, but still, Ike's not cut out for life without Mrs. LaRue... -
![City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems]()
City Dog, Country Frog by Mo Willems
Rated: 4.17 of 5 stars · 18 ratingsIn spring, when City Dog runs free in the country for the first time, he spots Country Frog sitting on a rock, waiting for a friend. “You’ll do,” Frog says, and together they play Country Frog games. In summer, they meet again and play City Dog games. Through the seasons, whenever City Dog visits the country he runs straight for Country Frog’s rock... -
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![Finding Bear by Hannah Gold]()
Finding Bear by Hannah Gold
Rated: 4.50 of 5 stars · 12 ratingsThe unmissable follow-up to the award-winning The Last Bear— perfect for fans of Rosanne Parry and Sara Pennypacker. April Wood has returned home from her adventure on Bear Island. But even though it's been a whole year, she can’t stop thinking about Bear... -
![Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes]()
Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 41 ratingsThe irrepressible mouse heroine of Chester's Way and Julius, the Baby of the World returns for another true-to-life and very funny episode. Lilly loves everything about school, especially her teacher, Mr. Slinger--until he takes away her musical purse because she can't stop playing with it in class. Lilly decides to get revenge with a nasty drawing of "Big Fat Mean Mr...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship humor realistic xenofiction action-adventure -
![Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett]()
Sam and Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett
Rated: 4.15 of 5 stars · 20 ratingsWith perfect pacing, the multi-award-winning, New York Times best-selling team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen dig down for a deadpan tale full of visual humor.Sam and Dave are on a mission. A mission to find something spectacular. So they dig a hole. And they keep digging. And they find . . . nothing. Yet the day turns out to be pretty spectacular after all... -
![Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes]()
Sheila Rae, the Brave by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.23 of 5 stars · 29 ratingsSheila Rae, the Brave is a warm, humorous, and loving story of sibling sympathy and support. Just because Sheila Rae is older, she doesn't always know better!This classic picture book about overcoming fear is written and illustrated by Kevin Henkes, the nationally bestselling and celebrated creator of Lilly's Purple Plastic Purse, Owen, and Kitten's First Full Moon... -
![Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes]()
Chester's Way by Kevin Henkes
Rated: 4.22 of 5 stars · 30 ratings“I like croquet and peanut butter and making my bed.”There is only one way for Chester to do things—his own way. “You definitely have a mind of your own,” said Chester’s mother. “That’s one way to put it,” said Chester’s father.Luckily Chester’s best friend, Wilson, likes doing things just the same way as Chester. When they cut their sandwiches, it's always diagonally...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship humor realistic xenofiction action-adventure -
![The Three Pigs by David Wiesner]()
The Three Pigs by David Wiesner
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 24 ratings"Clever, whimsical and sophisticated.” —New York Times Book Review Taking visual narrative to a new level, this picture book from the creator of Tuesday and Flotsam begins a seemingly familiar tale of three pigs preparing to build houses of straw, sticks, and bricks. But when the Big Bad Wolf comes looking for a snack, he huffs and puffs the first little pig right out of the story . . -
![Everywhere With You by Carlie Sorosiak]()
Everywhere With You by Carlie Sorosiak
Rated: 4.33 of 5 stars · 6 ratingsThe heartwarming friendship between a girl and the dog next door tenderly evokes the power of stories to bring—and keep—us together.Two houses stand side by side: one is home to a dog, the other to a young girl. Though a fence divides them, girl and dog build a sweet and sturdy friendship rooted in make-believe…and are lonely no more... -
![Blue Wings by Terri Farley]()
Blue Wings by Terri Farley
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWhen her step-mum picks out a mustang for Samantha's dad's birthday present, Sam thinks it's a perfect idea. The new horse is gorgeous, but he's also energetic and wilful. Only Sam's dad can tame him - if he wants to accept the birthday gift at all...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family horses realistic xenofiction 21st-century action-adventure -
![The Storm by Dayna Lorentz]()
The Storm by Dayna Lorentz
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsWarriors and Guardians of Ga'Hoole fans have a new animal adventure to sink their teeth into A terrible storm -- and the beginning of a thrilling new animal adventure trilogy When a hurricane forces his family to evacuate without him, Shep the German sheperd is confused...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism dogs realistic xenofiction action-adventure book children-books -
![Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, Kate Messner]()
Once Upon a Book by Grace Lin, Kate Messner
Rated: 4.20 of 5 stars · 10 ratingsFrom Caldecott and Newbery Honoree Grace Lin and bestselling author Kate Messner comes a modern folktale about the joy of reading.Once upon a time, there was a girl. She went to a place alive with colors, where even the morning dew was warm. Alice loves to imagine herself in the magical pages of her favorite book...Categorized as:
family animals magical-realism low-fantasy fantasy children-books action-adventure fiction -
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![What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford]()
What Not to Do If You Turn Invisible by Ross Welford
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 14 ratingsA surprising, stunningly beautiful, and funny novel about a girl who turns invisible and, in the process, discovers who she really is, from the author of TIME TRAVELING WITH A HAMSTER Twelve-year-old Ethel Leatherhead only meant to cure her acne, not turn herself invisible. But that's exactly what happens when she combines herbs bought on the Internet with time spent in a secondhand tanning bed...Categorized as:
animals family friendship humor low-fantasy magical-realism realistic action-adventure -
![Wild About Books by Judy Sierra]()
Wild About Books by Judy Sierra
Rated: 4.18 of 5 stars · 30 ratingsIt started the summer of 2002, when the Springfield librarian, Molly McGrew, by mistake drove her bookmobile into the zoo.In this rollicking rhymed story, Molly introduces birds and beasts to this new something called reading. She finds the perfect book for every animal--tall books for giraffes, tiny ones for crickets...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism humor xenofiction action-adventure book children children-books -
![Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London]()
Froggy Goes to School by Jonathan London
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsFroggy's mother knows that everyone's nervous on the first day of school. "Not me!" says Froggy, and together they leapfrog to the bus stop -- flop flop flop. Froggy's exuberant antics, complete with sound effects, will delight his many fans and reassure them that school can be fun."This is a great read-aloud with sounds and words that encourage active participation... -
![I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi]()
I'm Bored by Michael Ian Black, Debbie Ridpath Ohi
Rated: 4.13 of 5 stars · 16 ratingsThere is NOTHING boring about being a kid, but one little girl is going to have to prove it in this anything-but-boring picture book from comedian Michael Ian Black.Just when a little girl thinks she couldn't possibly be more bored, she stumbles upon a potato who turns the tables on her by declaring that children are boring... -
![What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah]()
What It Means When a Man Falls from the Sky by Lesley Nneka Arimah
Rated: 4.14 of 5 stars · 37 ratingsA dazzlingly accomplished debut collection explores the ties that bind parents and children, husbands and wives, lovers and friends to one another and to the places they call home. In “Who Will Greet You at Home,” a National Magazine Award finalist for The New Yorker, A woman desperate for a child weaves one out of hair, with unsettling results...Categorized as:
family friendship historical-fiction journey literary-fiction low-fantasy magical-realism myths -
![LA Trompeta Del Cisne by E.B. White]()
LA Trompeta Del Cisne by E.B. White
Rated: 4.10 of 5 stars · 57 ratingsLouis is a mute swan. His beloved Serena ignores him because of his handicap. To help him, his father steals a trumpet. Louis learns how to play it, not only to give his father the money to pay for the instrument, but also to win Serena's heart...Categorized as:
animals anthropomorphism family friendship historical-fiction humor literary-fiction outdoors
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