Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!
Mo Willems
Like Neck & Neck, it builds its comedy on a self-centred character who refuses to accept a no, and kids will love reading the bold, pleading lines aloud.
9 books to read next
Books Like Neck & Neck
If you loved Neck & Neck by Elise Parsley
Readers who love Neck & Neck tend to enjoy its cheerful humor and its punchy read-aloud rhythm. The story turns on a classic rivalry: a vain star is upstaged by a shiny newcomer, and the comedy comes from how seriously the characters take themselves. Bright illustrations, quick page turns and a gentle lesson that actions matter more than appearances give it a warm, confident tone that works for young listeners and the adults reading along.
Vain characters and rivalry humor
Creepy carrots!
Aaron Reynolds
A rabbit becomes convinced that the carrots are out to get him, a sly, escalating joke about jealousy and imagination that rewards close looking, much as Neck & Neck does.
Self-esteem and being yourself
Chrysanthemum
Kevin Henkes
A young mouse is teased for her name and learns to feel good about herself, a gentle take on self-esteem that echoes Leopold's wounded pride and eventual self-acceptance.
The Adventures of Beekle
Dan Santat
A lonely character searches for someone who will accept him as he is, a tender story about belonging with the same heartfelt message about looks versus inner worth.
Laugh-out-loud read-alouds
We Don't Eat Our Classmates
Ryan T. Higgins
A young dinosaur struggles to fit in at school, and the sharp, self-absorbed humor and well-timed reversals will appeal to readers who enjoyed the zoo face-off.
No, David!
David Shannon, Teresa Mlawer
A mischievous boy keeps getting into trouble, and the loud, expressive pages make it as fun to read aloud as Neck & Neck, with a big-hearted ending.
A quieter, bigger-hearted read
How to Catch a Star
Oliver Jeffers
A boy sets out to befriend a star, a gentle, dreamy story about wonder and persistence that shares the book's warmth and its focus on admiration.
It's a Book
Lane Smith, L. Smith
A witty, short picture book that teases its audience with a playful tone, offering the same knowing humor and quick, satisfying lines for readers who enjoyed Neck & Neck's cheekiness.
I Want My Hat Back
Jon Klassen
A deadpan, minimal story of a bear searching for a missing hat, with deliberate pacing and sly humor that rewards attentive readers in the same way Neck & Neck does.
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