Are There Books Similar To 'That'S Not How You Do It'?

One of my favorite things about reading is discovering books that share a similar vibe but bring their own unique twist. 'That’s Not How You Do It' has this playful, almost mischievous energy, and if you loved that, you might enjoy 'The Book of Mistakes' by Corinna Luyken. It’s got that same lighthearted approach to learning and growth, but with gorgeous illustrations that add layers to the storytelling. Another great pick is 'Beautiful Oops!' by Barney Saltzberg—it turns mistakes into creative opportunities, which feels like a natural extension of the themes in 'That’s Not How You Do It.'

For something a bit more narrative-driven but still packed with humor and heart, 'Rosie Revere, Engineer' by Andrea Beaty is fantastic. It’s about a girl who learns that failure is just part of the process, and the rhyming text makes it super engaging. If you’re into the interactive side of things, 'Press Here' by Hervé Tullet is a blast—it’s all about breaking the 'rules' of how you 'should' interact with a book, which feels like a spiritual cousin to 'That’s Not How You Do It.' Honestly, half the fun is watching kids (or adults!) giggle their way through these books, realizing there’s no 'right' way to enjoy them.

If you’re after books that celebrate chaos and creativity like 'That’s Not How You Do It,' 'Don’t Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!' by Mo Willems is a must. The pigeon’s relentless attempts to break the rules are laugh-out-loud funny, and the interactive style pulls readers right into the mischief. Another favorite of mine is 'It’s Not a Box' by Antoinette Portis—it’s a simple concept (a bunny insisting a box is not just a box) that sparks endless imagination. The minimal text and bold illustrations make it perfect for sharing aloud, and it’s a great reminder that creativity thrives when we ignore the 'supposed to.' For something a little quieter but equally rebellious, 'The Dot' by Peter H. Reynolds is a beautiful story about a kid who starts with a single dot and ends up redefining what art can be. It’s like a warm hug for anyone who’s ever felt stuck following the 'right' way to do things.

I’ve been on a kick lately with books that challenge conventional thinking, especially for younger readers. 'That’s Not How You Do It' is such a gem because it flips expectations on their head, and 'The Most Magnificent Thing' by Ashley Spires does something similar. It’s about a girl who tries (and fails repeatedly) to build something perfect, only to realize that the journey is the real reward. The frustration and eventual triumph feel so relatable, and the illustrations are quirky in the best way.

Another one I’d recommend is 'What Do You Do With an Idea?' by Kobi Yamada. It’s more abstract but carries that same message of embracing the unconventional. The way the idea grows and evolves alongside the protagonist is downright magical. And if you’re looking for something with a bit more absurdity, 'This Is Not a Book' by Jean Jullien is hilarious—it’s literally a book that insists it’s not a book, playing with expectations in the most delightful way. These all share that core idea: rules are made to be bent, if not broken entirely.