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Be a Friend


Written and Illustrated by Salina Yoon
Bloomsbury, 2016.  Picture Book.

"Dennis was an ordinary boy...who expressed himself in extraordinary ways."  Little Dennis doesn't speak, but loves to act and mime.  However, he soon begins to feel invisible, separate, and lonely around other children.  That is, until he meets a friend named Joy.  Joy understands Dennis and has the ability to see the world as he does, resulting in a sweet friendship.

This is a lovely book about feeling different, recognizing emotions, and embracing new friendships.  Yoon's beautiful digitally-colored pencil drawings add a whimsical yet tender depth to the story.  Be a Friend is a great read to help children who may feel shy or like they don't quite fit in, and encourages little ones along the path of self acceptance.

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