9 Favorite Children's Books About Friendship
A curated collection of picture books celebrating the joys and challenges of friendship
Explore the power and beauty of friendships through this special collection of picture books. Each story explores what it means to make and keep friends.
These stories feature characters who learn to bond over shared interests, face adventures together, and embrace each other's differences. They teach valuable lessons about empathy, trust, and the importance of being true to oneself when forming connections with others.
Ideal for reading any day of the year, these books celebrate how relationships with friends can enrich our lives and help us grow.
Featured Title
A Friend Like You by Frank Murphy and Charnaie Gordon
Celebrating the special qualities that make a friend truly exceptional, this book is the perfect way to highlight the importance of friendship.
A Little SPOT of Belonging: Being True to Yourself and Making Friends by Diane Alber
Part of the Little Spot social-emotional book line, this book is a terrific story of the importance of self-acceptance and the joy of building genuine friendships with people who appreciate you for who you are.
Can We Be Friends? Unexpected Animal Friendships from around the World By Erica Sirotich
Featuring five unlikely animal friendships in sanctuaries and zoos around the world, this book will open your child’s eyes to the power of friendship across differences.
Friend Ship by Kat Yeh
Set on a charming boat, the story follows a group of animal friends as they embark on a journey to discover the true meaning of companionship. With vibrant illustrations and a fun, catchy narrative, the book shows young readers how friendship can bridge gaps, bring joy, and help overcome challenges.
Ghoulia: Book 1 by Barbara Cantini
“Making new friends can be scary…if you’re a zombie!” Ghoulia - a young zombie - isn’t allowed to make friends with the other children until Halloween night comes and she accidentally shares her true identity. It can be scary to show your true self, but - in the end - that is the making of a true friendship.
How to Apologize by David LaRochelle
With a warm, approachable tone and relatable examples, this book explains how a sincere apology can repair friendships and build trust. It emphasizes the key elements of a genuine apology: acknowledging the mistake, taking responsibility, expressing regret, and showing a commitment to do better.
Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival
Making friends can be a challenge! Help your child see themselves and build empathy in this story of Meesha learning to make friends through a shared interest.
Prunella by Beth Ferry
Prunella is born with a purple thumb and has an affinity for all plants prickly, poisonous, and carnivorous. This makes it tough to make friends, but eventually a friend with a similar interest pushes his way into her life, bringing other friends with him. A beautiful story of trusting that if you are true to yourself, you will find your people.
Stick and Stone: Best Friends Forever! by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld
Stick and Stone set out on an adventure to find Stick’s family tree. After facing challenges on the journey, Stick realizes he has found family in Stone, a friend he can always count on.
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The recommendations we offer are based solely on our mission to empower parents to raise children who care and contribute.