When autumn is merging with winter, storm clouds present themselves more often, and mornings are crisp and chilly, I crave reading books that make me feel cozy and loved. Friendships are always valuable to me, but there is definitely something that makes me appreciate them even more in the colder months. There is a warmth to be found in each of these books that I hope you will enjoy!
Written by Alyssa Satin Capucilli
Illustrated by Devon Holzwarth
New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2022. Picture Book.
This book is representative of everything good about relationships and connections. The author puts into words exactly what I have felt about so many of my closest relationships. I love the wide variety of characters represented. There are young children, grandparents, parents and children, siblings, and friends, as well as pets, birds, and insects. The illustrations have beautiful nature scenes, including a gorgeous sunrise, a sailboat on the water, and cozy scenes of home. A variety of seasons are portrayed at different times of the day and night. The first time I read this book I added it to my list of must-haves for my own personal library. I can see this becoming a favorite book for families to read together and incorporate into a nightly bedtime routine.
By Jane Chapman
Wilton, CT: Tiger Tales, 2023. Picture Book.
Mole and Beaver establish a nightly routine together that they enjoy. More animals see the cozy atmosphere Mole and Beaver have created, and one by one, they want to join in. At first, Mole is more than happy to have others join in. However, as the book continues, Beaver becomes more accommodating than Mole. Mole is starting to miss the quiet and solitude she and Beaver used to have together. Eventually, the animal friends come up with a solution that will help them all feel welcome, included, and meet their individual needs. I love books where the main character is free to feel a little different than their friends. Mole, Beaver, and the other animals do an amazing job creating a place where all are loved.
Written by Jen Campbell
Illustrated by Katie Harnett
New York: Thames & Hudson, 2017. Picture Book.
Franklin is a dragon who loves to read! Reading stories out loud is one of his favorite things ever. When he goes to the town near his cave, he can’t find people to read to. They all seem to disappear! When people venture near his cave, they quake and shake. But finally, Franklin finds a girl, Luna, who loves books as much as he does, and she is not afraid of him. They begin to spend time together, reading stories, and eventually they want to create a portable bookshop. When Luna and Franklin fly to the village to share the bookshop, the people are terrified. This time, though, Franklin has Luna as an advocate to moderate the interactions with the villagers. I love when she tells them, “Franklin’s kind and he’s clever and he is my friend.” We all need someone who believes in us like that.
Written by Karma Wilson 
Illustrated by Jane Chapman
New York: Margaret K. McElderry Books, 2012. Picture Book.
Bear is alone in his cave and missing his friends. He decides it could be a good idea to make a dinner he can share with them. Sadly, he doesn’t have any food in his cupboards. Fortunately, Bear has a lot of animal friends who start stopping by and bringing food with them. While Bear is very gracious, he also is worried because he doesn’t feel like he has anything to contribute. As good friends do, they talk to Bear and let him know that they love the stories he always shares with them. Bear realizes that he contributes to the relationship in different ways. The friends spend an evening gathered and celebrating friendships and companionship.
By Becky Cameron
London: Hodder Children's Books, 2018. Picture Book.
Ella and her friends want to go on an adventure. Her friends all have ideas of where they want to go, and they don’t hesitate to share with her, but Ella keeps her idea a secret. The trio head off on many adventures in their hot air balloon. On each adventure, the friends work together to help each other have fun. While traveling, they get caught in a bad storm, and all the children are scared. The balloon crashes in a magical land with strange creatures. Ella jumps up to ask if any of them want to play. After a long day and night, finally Ella sees a dragon, which was her secret wish! The friends are worried about how they will get home. Their new friend says he will fly them there, and they all arrive safely back where they began. I loved how the book ties reality into imagination with beautiful quilt from Ella's bedroom.
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