Introducing the book that began my kidlit journey.

Cover pages of The Jealous Little Munchkin picture book. Front cover and back cover showing Munchkin the kitty, the kitty family, and Buttercup the dog.

The Jealous Little Munchkin

A 2026 Purple Dragonfly Book Award Honorable Mention Winner in the category of Picture Books, 5 & Younger.

About the book

Munchkin is a kitty who lives happily with her Mama and Papa Kitty. When her parents bring home a new sister, a puppy named Buttercup, Munchkin doesn't know what to do! Life has been thrown upside down since Buttercup’s moved in.

Kids will follow Munchkin through her day that quickly becomes disrupted by Buttercup. However, when unexpected turns happen through the night, Munchkin and Buttercup's dilemma is brought to an upbeat note as Munchkin comes to realize that her life has been enriched since becoming a big sister.

Munchkin and Buttercup's story is great for little ones who are not so excited to have a new sibling. Readers will be left with the message that there is room for feelings to grow and change when family dynamics shift.

Meet Munchkin

Munchkin is a sweet, curious, and shy kitty who lives with her Mama and Papa Kitty. Munchkin lives happily with her Mama and Papa until the day her sister Buttercup arrives. Munchkin doesn’t know what to do, and believes her life has turned upside down! Now she must learn to adjust as this big and fuzzy addition to her family disrupts her day’s routine.

Meet Buttercup

Buttercup is a golden retriever puppy who was adopted by Mama and Papa Kitty. She becomes Munchkin’s little sister. She is very different from Munchkin. She is large, she is very fluffy, playful, pants, and licks a lot! Buttercup loves her Mama and Papa, but she especially loves her older sister, Munchkin. Although they’re very different, will Munchkin and Buttercup ever get along?

Shelved Top 10 on Goodreads in Facts of Life

If you have little ones in your life struggling to live with a new brother or sister, now is the time to meet Munchkin and her little sister Buttercup!

Open the door to healthy conversation around this important topic.

If you’ve enjoyed reading The Jealous Little Munchkin, please consider giving it a review on Amazon and Goodreads. It helps a lot!

What People Are Saying

I read The Jealous Little Munchkin to my kindergarten class, and it was such a hit! The kids loved it so much they kept asking me to read it again, which is probably the best compliment a children's book can get. It's such a sweet story about a kitten learning to share their home with a goofy, energetic new dog, and it opens up great conversations about big feelings and adjusting to change. The illustrations are absolutely beautiful, and the whimsical rainbow colored page was my favorite—it completely captured my students' attention. You can really feel the love that went into this book, and I'm so excited to have it on my classroom bookshelf!

“Such a cute book and story! Bought a couple of these books for those expecting new ones on the way… The kids loved the book and the pet-friendly illustrations.”

“This little book has the sweetest characters and darling illustrations! Not only is this book good for families who are looking for ways to help their kids adjust to new additions, I think it can apply to similar situations where any kid may feel jealous of having to share attention and love (new friends in friend groups, extended family, etc). Great lesson, would highly recommend!”

“Families getting ready to welcome a new baby can use this book to discuss Munchkin's emotions and to prepare older kids for the jealousy and frustration they may feel at first. In the end, does Munchkin decide that sharing the attention (and toys) is worth it? Rest assured the book ends on a sweet, upbeat note.”