Picture books tagged with: friends

The Unstoppable Maggie McGee

A warm, positive reflection of the imagination, friendship and trust of children in long-term hospital care.

Sharing this story with a child would be a good catalyst for a conversation about kindness and resilience. The Last Chip has important messages about the harmful effects of bullying and violence, and challenges negative stereotypes of homeless people and those in poverty.

Kind

A beautiful picture book which explores and encourages kindness in many forms. It promotes sharing, acceptance, tolerance and empathy.

How to be a Lion

A brilliant and entertaining story with a strong and clear message: Don't be afraid to be yourself; embrace the differences in yourself and others.

What’s worrying you?

A great picture book to help children explore their worries. While it is normal to feel anxious now and then, when anxiety escalates and can't be controlled, sitting down with your child and reading this book together should help.

Isaac and His Amazing Asperger Superpowers!

Explains Asperger's syndrome in a simple, gentle and positive way to very young children.

The Koala Who Could

An entertaining story that encourages children to try something new. Perfect for children who find change difficult.

Grumpy Frog

A thoroughly entertaining and engaging book which explores some important themes: forgiveness, tolerance, co-operation, and how moods and behaviour affects others.

Perfectly Norman

"Find the courage to be yourself"

Minnie & Max are OK!

A good choice to help a child develop a positive body image, “Minnie & Max are OK!” sends out a strong message that everyone is different and that we all have our own specific strengths. The book will reassure a child with insecurities, and encourage them to look at the wonderful diversity all around them.

We’re All Wonders

This story shows how one child copes with his own differences, and other people’s reactions to them. The reader will find comfort in Auggie’s imaginative tactics, and his positivity about being able to change the way others see him.

Yummy Ice-Cream

The book has the simple but effective message that sharing with friends is a good thing

Bella and Monty: A Hairy Scary Night

May comfort a child who is anxious about the dark, spiders, ghosts or monsters, and make them realise they are not alone.

The Bear and the Wildcat

This book covers themes of grief, loneliness and loss in a clear and touching way.

This Book Belongs to Aye-Aye

This entertaining book explores the idea of 'being different'. The central character has less conventional looks than his classmates, but the story reveals that his kindness and intelligence are more important than the way he looks. The book also has an anti-bullying message.

The Great Big Book of Feelings

A child struggling with negative emotions may find great comfort in this sympathetic, entertaining and reassuring book which explores many different feelings: happy, sad, excited, bored, interested, angry, upset, calm, silly, lonely, scared, safe, embarrassed, shy, confident, worried, jealous and satisfied.

Rabbityness

Celebrates individuality, encourages creativity in everyone and positively introduces children to dealing with loss of any kind

Starting School

Providing a good overview of what happens at a typical primary school. A good starting point to encourage children to talk about anxieties and emotions they may be experiencing related to starting school.

I’m the Happiest

A lovely story which teaches children that the path to true happiness is to be content with what you already have. While all the other animals compete and compare, Racoon is happy to be himself.

Take turns, Max and Millie

An ideal book to encourage a toddler to share.

I Am Not a Copycat! (Hugo & Bella)

This book comically reflects a behavioural quirk that many children display at some point: imitating those around them to the point of extreme annoyance! The story gently promotes tolerance in others.

What Makes Me Happy?

May help a child to identify emotions they are experiencing and encourage them to discuss any they feel uncomfortable with. Reassures children that it is normal to experience a wide range of emotions.

Looking after Louis

Explaining to young children how autism can affect behaviour and promoting tolerance and understanding of others.

Banana!

A simple and funny tale of two monkeys showing the importance of sharing, co-operation and saying "please".

The Boy in the Big Blue Glasses

A picture book which acknowledges that getting used to wearing glasses can be a challenge for some children. The boy in the story ultimately grows to accept them.

When Sadness Comes to Call

A powerful exploration of sadness, this picture book helps children to accept and process periods of sadness and empathise with and support others who are experiencing sadness or depression.

Super Duper You

A positive picture book that encourages children to celebrate their uniqueness and stop worrying about not fitting in with the crowd.

The Bravest Fish

The Bravest Fish is a delightful book that follows the journey of a little fish, Stanley, after he is separated from his school and fish family. The book follows Stanley’s journey through the ocean to find his family. The story highlights the importance of being positive, never giving up and harnessing strength and bravery.

Peace Lily

A moving story of friendship, bravery and perseverance which is sure to inspire young children, this beautiful picture book pays tribute to the contribution of women during World War One.

Rooster Wore Skinny Jeans

An entertaining and amusing story that encourages children to be comfortable with and proud of who they are.

The Bumblebear

An amusing story that tells children about the importance of friendship, and that our differences can be our strength.

Hortense and the Shadow

This book encourages the reader to see strengths within themselves that they may have originally thought were weaknesses. It uses a quirky, abstract message to promote self-respect. It would be a good starting point for a conversation about tolerance and respect for others too.

Odd Dog Out

This appealing and witty picture book has a very important central message for children: you don't have to be like everybody else - be who YOU are.

Will You Be My Friend?

This is a very useful guide to help children understand how friendships work. The content can be discussed with an adult, but could also be used as a self-help guide - a go-to resource if needed - to help children through tricky situations with their friends.

Edie

Inquisitive children who love to help will engage with Edie. They will be able to relate to her, and understands what she is doing. Furthermore, readers can be encouraged to look closely at the pictures, to see how any help Edie is giving might be received, and to think of ways in which their own helping strategies might be improved. This book affectionately explains a child’s thought processes, and reminds the adult reader that perhaps what might sometimes be seen as “naughtiness” is often just a small person’s way of helping.

“Oh, No,” said Elephant

Helps a child to see that not everyone is good at the same thing. Individuals have different strengths, and everybody is good at something!

Be a Friend

Reassures children that it is normal to be different! Encourages the reader to celebrate these differences and understand that there are other people who feel the same way, who are out there waiting for friendship, too. This story would help children with mutism or other communication issues, who struggle to relate to those around them.

Monster in the Hood

This story tackles the fear of the unknown, and helps a child to consider that situations they might initially think are scary can turn out to be harmless, and even enjoyable. It also challenges prejudice.

The Wolf Who Cried Boy!

Challenges preconceptions that may be associated with unfamiliar situations, and promotes tolerance of other ways of life.

Introducing Teddy

This book may strike a chord with children struggling with gender identity. There are also other clear messages: accepting people for who they are/celebrating diversity and encouraging children to share worries with friends rather than keep them bottled up.

See You Later Mum

Comforting for children starting playgroup or nursery.

Doctor Monkey

This would be a great choice for a child who is poorly to read in bed.

Witches and Fairies

Children can sometimes form friendship circles which exclude others, which can be difficult for the children left on the outside. This book focusses on Clotilda, a little girl who doesn't really fit into the group of fairies and group of witches she longs to play with.