Introducing the book that began my kidlit journey.

The Jealous Little Munchkin
Award seal from the Story Monsters Purple Dragonfly Book Awards, honoring the children's picture book The Jealous Little Munchkin by author Ali DeMoro.

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 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.

Reading Age / Target Audience: Children ages 3-6 years old.

Ranked #10 on Goodreads’

Facts of Life Book List!

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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.

Meet Munchkin

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

Meet Buttercup

Buttercup is a golden retriever puppy who is adopted by Mama and Papa Kitty. She becomes Munchkin’s new 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 really loves her sister. Unfortunately, it’s not the same love at first sight for Munchkin. Although they’re very different, will Munchkin and Buttercup ever get along?

  • “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!”

    —Chandler M.

  • “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.”

    —Ashlyn P.

  • “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!”

    —Emily

  • “Adding a new sibling to the family can be challenging for everyone, especially older siblings! This sweet story addresses the "big feelings" associated with a growing family. The story has adoption themes too for families that are growing by adoption. Younger children will enjoy this read.”

    —Francie S.

  • “In this delightful spin on older sibling/new baby jealousy, the new sibling is a dog in this cat family. With adorable drawings by Vikkireds, The Jealous Little Munchkin is the perfect book for any older sibling wondering why the family needed another member.”

    —Stephanie W.

  • “The Jealous Little Munchkin is a cute, accessible story for young children about feelings of jealousy associated with adopting a new sibling. The story is told in a gentle manner that validates all feelings, and the illustrations are adorable. It has a satisfying ending where everyone feels included. Readers will be left with the message that there is room for feelings to grow and change when family dynamics shift!”

    —Laurie C.

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