John Brown, Rose, and the Midnight Cat

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with feelings of jealousy, possessiveness, or the 'third wheel' dynamic often caused by a new sibling or pet. It is a masterfully subtle exploration of how we protect the people we love from newcomers, and how hard it can be to share our favorite person's attention. The story follows John Brown, a loyal dog who lives happily with his owner, Rose. When a 'midnight cat' appears in their garden, John Brown does everything in his power to ignore it and keep it outside, fearing it will disrupt his perfect life with Rose. This gentle, beautifully illustrated tale validates the difficult emotions of territoriality and fear of replacement. It provides a safe space for children ages 3 to 8 to discuss why they might feel grumpy when someone new enters the family circle.