Frog and Toad Are Friends
Arnold Lobel
Five short stories about two very different friends who keep showing up for each other. Simple enough for new readers, deep enough to talk about afterwards.
All categories
6 handpicked books
Friendship
Friendship is a skill children practise, not a talent they are born with. These books show the small moves — apologising, inviting, standing up — that hold a friendship together.
Stick and Stone
Beth Ferry
A stick and a stone become friends, and Stick stands up for Stone when someone teases them. Rhyming, brief, and clear about loyalty.
A Sick Day for Amos McGee
Philip C. Stead
When zookeeper Amos is too sick to visit, his animals take the bus to care for him. A tender, funny model of friendship that goes both ways.
Enemy Pie
Derek Munson
A boy's dad promises a pie that will get rid of his enemy — but first the boy has to spend a day with him. Ends with a satisfying lesson about assumptions.
Peanut Butter & Cupcake
Terry Border
Peanut Butter searches for someone to play with, meeting foods who just do not quite fit. Playful photographed scenes and a light touch on finding your people.
Those Shoes
Maribeth Boelts
Jeremy wants the shoes everyone at school has, and discovers something better than fitting in. Honest about money and generosity without ever being preachy.
A note for grown-ups
After reading, ask who in their class might need an invitation this week.