Friendships can be rewarding, difficult, confusing, and wonderful all at once! Especially when you are still learning about social skills. So let these books about friendship help! They encompass all the ways that we can be, make, and relate to our friends.
For read aloud videos, click on the book cover picture.
MAKING AND CARING FOR FRIENDS
Samson In The Snow by Philip C. Stead
Samson is a gentle mammoth that has always wanted a friend. He meets a small bird who then gets lost in a snowstorm. When Samson sets out to find her, he comes across another small creature who is also looking for bird. The three become an unlikely trio that weather the storm together. This book can help children explore the idea of making friends, being a helper, and caring for others.
The Lion and the Bird by Marianne Dubuc
Lion is quite content with life, gardening, fishing, and reading by the fire. Until Lion cares for an injured bird and the two spend a lovely winter together. When the weather warms up, bird flies off and Lion is left to wonder if bird will return. This book is beautiful, sparse and delicate, and tugs at the heartstrings. It can help children learn about being happy alone, as well as being comfortable with a good friend. It also really highlights the idea that we are still friends even when we are far apart.
We Are Going To Be Pals! By Mark Teague
An egret and a hippo might seem like unlikely friends. But they are going to be pals! This story clearly defines the different characteristics of a friend and adds to the friendship vocabulary.
Maybe Tomorrow by Charlotte Agell and Ana Ramírez González
A darling crocodile meets a sad hippo that is stuck with a giant block. What happens next is the epitome of how to care for a friend who is sad. I love this book so much that I have it on multiple book lists.
Luli and the Language of Tea by Andrea Wang and Hyewon Yum
Luli attends a childcare where all the children speak different languages. While their primary caregivers are in an ESL class, the children play. But it can feel lonely when no one speaks your language. Luli figures out that they all speak the language of tea, and she brings enough to share. This darling book shows how we can connect with new friends and share with others. Not just things, but ourselves and our culture and traditions.
Everyone Is Welcome: Inclusivity
Going Up! By Sherry J. Lee and Charlene Chua
A young girl and her father are going to a birthday party in their building. Along the way, the elevator stops many times to let in their friendly neighbors. They all make room for each other, even if it is a tight squeeze! No matter how different they seem to be from one another, they make it work. This one really showcases inclusivity and acceptance in a fun and vibrant way.
The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates
This is a simple story of an umbrella that is able to fit everyone underneath. We can all make room for one another and share what we have. It’s just right for illustrating how inclusivity works for very young children or visual learners.
Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchiev and Taeeum Yoo
A young boy and his pet elephant are good friends. They love each other! So when they go to the pet club only to find out that it does not accept elephants, what can they do? Start a new club that welcomes everyone, of course! A lovely and funny book that shows children how to include others and make new and interesting friends.
More Than Words by Roz MacLean
This book is beautiful in both illustrations and sentiment. All about the different ways we can communicate with each other and include others, even if we use words or not.
Kindness and Standing Up For Others
Be Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller and Jen Hill
When a classmate spills juice on her new dress, everyone laughs. But how can her friend help to comfort her? What can she do to be kind? This book examines what it means to be kind and all the ways we can care for each other.
I Walk With Vanessa by Kerascoet
When Vanessa is being bullied, everyone rallies around her…literally. They all gather together to walk with her so she knows she is supported. This wordless picture book helps to show children how a small thing like showing up for someone is actually big.
Dealing With Jealousy In Friendships
Big Friends by Linda Sarah and Benji Davies
When a pair of best friends make a new friend, the duo turns into a trio. But that doesn’t feel great at first. This gentle book shows how we might feel jealous or even excluded when more friends are added to the mix, but that there is a chance it might be even more fun in the end.
Love Is In The Bear by Judith Henderson and Nahid Kazemi
When Bear and Bird becoming a duet, they think they will sing together forever.When they try out for the Opera, Bird gets a part and will sing the duet with Frog, not Bear. Will Bird and Bear still get to sing together, and more importantly, will they still be best friends? This book is a gentle way to show how we can be friends and support each other even if we don’t get to do everything together the way we planned.
Imaginary (and Not-So-Imaginary) Friends
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
Beekle is waiting for a friend to call on him to be their very own. But when that doesn’t happen, Beekle sets out to find a new friend and adventure ensues. This sweet book opens up the idea that imaginary friends are a great jumping off point for adventure, and making not-so-imaginary friends too.
The Snow Lion by Jim Helmore and Richard Jones
A young girl moves with her family to a new place where she don’t know anyone. But while playing inside, she meets The Snow Lion. They become best friends until the girl is ready to make new friends of the human variety. This is a lovely book about gathering the courage to meet new people, and that the best time to make new friends is whenever you are ready.
Leave a Reply