Understanding what a good friend is and how to be one is invaluable for children’s social wellbeing. These ten fun books demonstrate how to grow a caring, generous, and empathetic friendship.
1. STICK AND STONE
By Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld
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The blossoming friendship between Stick and Stone reveals important ideas, such as that friends stick up for each other and don’t give up on one another
2. PEANUT BUTTER & CUPCAKE
By Terry Border
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Peanut Butter is looking for a friendship. When it doesn’t happen immediately with Hamburger, Egg, Cupcake, and others, he doesn’t give up and eventually finds Jelly! The two play soccer together and the other foods happily join inLooking for games to play with siblings or friends?
3. THE RABBIT LISTENED
By Cori Doerrfeld
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Taylor’s castle of bricks comes tumbling down, and a rabbit models being a good friend by listening to his feelings with loyalty
4. THE BIG UMBRELLA
By Amy June Bates
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A big umbrella is a helpful friend because with open arms, it accepts everyone as they are. There is always room beneath the big umbrella, and this is what makes an inclusive friend
5. THE INVISIBLE BOY
By Trudy Ludwig
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At school, Brian feels forgotten by everyone, from his classmates to his teacher. When a new kid called Justin is teased about his food at lunch, Brian writes him a kind note and makes a friend
6. PINK TIARA COOKIES FOR THREE
By Maria Dismondy
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When Jasmine moves in across the street, Sami doesn’t want to share her best friend Stella for fear of being left out. She soon discovers that life is much sweeter in a friendship of three
7. THOSE SHOES
By Maribeth Boelts
Amazon I BookShop
Friendship thrives on generosity. When Jeremy purchases the latest trendy shoes that don’t actually fit, he gives them to Antonio, who needs a new pair. This story also touches on socioeconomic differences and not being able to afford the same things as one’s classmates
8. THE RAINBOW FISH
By Marcus Pfister
Amazon I BookShop
Sharing is caring! In giving away his prized, shimmery scales to others, the Rainbow Fish discovers happiness and a whole school of friends
9. ENEMY PIE
By Derek Munson
Amazon I BookShop
A smart dad helps his son befriend his enemy through a secret recipe, which doesn’t include fighting back but rather kindness and sharing the treat of ‘Enemy Pie’
10. STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS
By Lisa Mantchev
Amazon I BookShop
Pets come in all shapes and sizes, but the Pet Club refuses to admit elephants. A boy and his pet elephant demonstrate what it means to be a true friend
These ten book suggestions are all about friendship. Whether you are a parent, educator, or librarian, we have plenty of resources to encourage friendship skills. Check out the free Book Bingo game, use our storytime planner to host a virtual or in-person story with friends or siblings, or pay it forward by making a plate of pink tiara cookies for a friend with our meal labels!