Dolores Meets Her Match

Reach for this book when your child is grappling with the green-eyed monster of jealousy or feeling 'less than' compared to a new friend. It perfectly captures the social anxiety that arises when a newcomer seems to outshine us in every category, from fashion to feline companions. Dolores is a wonderfully relatable, slightly messier-than-average girl who meets Hillary, a neighbor who appears perfect. The story follows Dolores as she tries to compete with Hillary's sophisticated cat and polished demeanor, leading to a series of humorous but poignant social blunders. It is a fantastic choice for the 4 to 8 age range because it validates the sting of comparison while gently guiding children toward a more authentic sense of self-worth. Parents will appreciate the way it models the messy, non-linear path of making friends and learning that 'different' doesn't mean 'better.'