Books that show tension as in The Cat in the Hat

Dr. Seuss is one of the most imaginative and brilliant children's authors of all time. He definitely had a way of making his books come to life. The Cat in the Hat is one of his most popular books. In this story, two bored young children are home alone with nothing to do, that is, until the Cat in the Hat arrives at their house. The Cat in the Hat turns the children's boredom into fascination as the Cat performs outrageous tricks. In the story, the children's pet fish is the voice of reason, making bold statements such as, "He should not be here when your mother is out!" and the children allowing the character of the cat do what he wants represents the tension between anarchy and maintaining order.
One contemporary book that I feel also depicts the tension presented in The Cat in the Hat is a book entitled I Ain't Gonna Paint No More! (2005) by Karen Beaumont and illustrated by David Catrow. In this story, a rebellious little boy finds a paint set. Naturally he desires to paint anything he can get his hands on. He paints the floor, the curtains, the walls, and even the ceiling. When his mother discovers what he is up to, she scolds him by telling him that he will not paint anymore. She then puts him in the tub to soak. When the mother hides the paint in the top of a closet, her son saw exactly where she placed the paint. So, when the mom wasn't looking, he went straight and maneuvered his way to the top of the closet where she placed the paint. Once he had the paint in his hands again, he decided that this time he would paint himself! I feel this story displays kid-friendly anarchy. The mischievous little boy tests his small freedoms with his mother.
I feel this book would appeal to children for various reasons. The use of vibrant colors utilized throughout the book would catch the attention of young children. Also, this book features simple rhyme, which allows the text to flow smoothly. This book can be sung to the tune "It Ain't Gonna Rain No More" which can make it exciting for children. Additionally, the author writes the story in a way that leaves children guessing which body part the little boy will paint next. Finally, I believe children will find this story humorous and some will be even be able to relate to similar experiences.
Another contemporary book that displays tension is Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus (2004)by Mo Willems. I read and responded to this book for one of my Caldecott Honor choices earlier in my blog. In this story, the pigeon desperately wants to drive a bus while the bus driver is away. However, the bus driver gives the reader specific instructions to not allow him to drive the bus. The pigeon pleads to try and persuade the reader to allow him the freedom to drive the vehicle. He even imagines himself at the end of the story driving a big truck. In this story, the bus driver is the character who does not quite condone anarchy.
I believe this book would appeal to children because the story is highly interactive. Willems allows the reader to play an important part in the story from the very beginning. Simple text and illustrations are ideal for this children's book.