Friendship is such an important part of life! I love to have my friends to celebrate life's victories with. When I am having a rough time, I also rely on the strength of my friends. Picture books are a great way to talk to kids about friendships. With a new school year just around the corner, I think talking with kids about friendship and how to be a good friend is so important. These five books have friendships in them that might help facilitate discussions with your people!
By Amy Adele
New York : Magic Cat Publishing, 2025. Picture Book.
In this sweet story, there is a lovely garden that an elderly couple tends to with joy in their heart. When the woman is sent to the hospital for an extended stay, the animals that love the garden worry it won't be the same. But through grit and determination and teamwork, they work together and do what friends do best: take care of each other! The illustrations are absolutely amazing and will have kids enthralled with all of the little critters.
By Matthew Schufman
New York : Random House Studio, 2025. Picture Book.
Willow is a bear who wants to be brave and go on adventures, but she is a little nervous to go out into the world. Willow has several friends who point out the beauty and joy to be found outdoors, and help convince her that even if she is afraid, she can lean on others to help her. This is another book with fabulous illustrations that really help bring the scenes to life. I appreciate all my friends who have helped me to be brave!
Written by Carolyn Crimi
Illustrated by Shamar Knight-Justice
Somerville, MA : Candlewick Press, 2026. Picture Book.
There are many times in a child's life when they might have cause to be nervous. One of those is when moving! Jayden is a young boy who has always liked to notice small details around him. One of his favorite things to notice is rocks! He is worried that his new place won't be the same and there won't be kids around who like to notice the things he does. It's a great story about change and resilience and friendship.
Written by Taraneh Matloob
Illustrated by Kristen Balouch
Brooklyn, New York : Red Comet Press LLC, 2026. Picture Book.This book really moved me and made me so grateful for kids who reach out to others to help them know they will be friends, in spite of differences. A young girl is new in a foreign land and doesn't understand the language, which makes it even more difficult to form new friendships. Luckily, there is someone who notices that she likes to draw, and gives her a notebook. I love the beautiful reality that small actions can make a dramatic difference when someone needs to form friendships and feel like they belong.
At the Rescue Cat Cafe
Written by Anna Humphrey
Written by Anna Humphrey
Illustrated by Kari Rust
Berkeley, CA ; Toronto, ON : Owlkids Books, 2025. Picture Book.
I adore cats and I wished I could be there at the cafe, helping these cute cats. This is another book that shows the importance of noticing things around you. A young child in the background watches and observes as multiple cats get adopted. I loved the concept of caring for and developing feelings for a cat who other people kept passing by. I think many of us relate to being passed by or not picked. But when the right match finally comes along, it can be so magical.
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