Books like The House in the Night

If you liked The House in the Night, read The Lion & the Mouse, A Ball for Daisy, or A Sick Day for Amos McGee — the closest matches in our database, matched on shared award lists and reading level.

Looking for books like The House in the Night by Susan Marie Swanson (Picture Book · grades K–2)? The 10 titles below are the closest matches in the ReadingList database — each scored on shared themes, shared award lists, genre, and reading level, and each linked to the curricula, states, and grades where it’s assigned, with primary sources.

These are reading-level matches, not just topical ones — so the picks stay grade-appropriate for a grades K–2 reader. See how we judge text difficulty on our methodology page.

10 books similar to The House in the Night

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Why each is a match

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The Lion & the Mousegrades K–3
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3). Amazon →
A Ball for Daisygrades K–2
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–2). Amazon →
A Sick Day for Amos McGeegrades K–3
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3). Amazon →
Biggrades K–3
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3). Amazon →
Finding Winnie: The Story of the Real Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Poohgrades 1–4
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (1–4). Amazon →
Flotsamgrades K–4
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–4). Amazon →
Hello Lighthousegrades K–3
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3). Amazon →
Hot Doggrades K–2
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–2). Amazon →
Kitten's First Full Moon Board Bookgrades K–2
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–2). Amazon →
Locomotivegrades 2–6
Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (2–6). Amazon →

Books like The House in the Night for younger readers (K–2)

Closest matches whose grade range overlaps K2— same scoring, different audience.

  • Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey · 730L Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3).
  • Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe · grades 2–5 Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (2–5).
  • The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat · grades K–3 Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3).
  • The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats · 500L Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–2).
  • This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen · grades K–3 Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3).

Books like The House in the Night for elementary readers (grades 3–5)

Closest matches whose grade range overlaps 35— same scoring, different audience.

  • Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey · 730L Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3).
  • Radiant Child by Javaka Steptoe · grades 2–5 Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (2–5).
  • The Adventures of Beekle by Dan Santat · grades K–3 Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3).
  • The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick · grades 3–7 Both on the Caldecott Medal list and same genre (Picture Book).
  • This Is Not My Hat by Jon Klassen · grades K–3 Both on the Caldecott Medal list, same genre (Picture Book), and overlapping grades (K–3).

Books like The House in the Night for middle school (grades 6–8)

Closest matches whose grade range overlaps 68— same scoring, different audience.

Book data last updated 2026-07-07. Matches are computed from each book’s cited attributes — see the methodology.

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