Picture books tagged with: friends

Amazing

A joyful book that celebrates friendship, play and acceptance. The story features 'incidental' inclusion: the central character uses a wheelchair, which features prominently in the illustrations but is not mentioned in the text.

The Hospital Hoppities

This story gives a voice to children in long-term hospital care and normalises the hospital environment. It recognises how many selfless acts of kindness are performed in hospitals every day by staff, volunteers and the families of sick children. It also encourages children to be kind and helpful.

All the Ways to be Smart

So often children are led to believe that being smart is all about academic achievement. This delightful, positive and diverse picture book re-frames the concept of being smart to include many other wonderful qualities.

Through the Eyes of Me

A useful picture book to simply explain autism to children, it is a positive exploration of how a young girl with autism perceives the world.

Ruby’s Worry

'A reassuring and sensitive book - the perfect springboard for talking to children about sharing their hidden worries no matter how big or small they may be'

The Memory Tree

'A celebration of life and memories that live on when a loved one dies'. This gentle and comforting book is a good choice for a child who has been affected by the loss of an elderly relative or friend.

The Squirrels Who Squabbled

A laugh-out-loud tale about friendship and learning to share, two squirrels squabble over one nut but ultimately put their differences aside and co-operate.

The Suitcase

This simple and powerful story about the arrival of a stranger could be a catalyst for exploring so many concepts and themes with young children: trust, curiosity, tolerance, hope, kindness, making amends, friendship, ‘doing the right thing’ and telling the truth to name just a few.

The Unstoppable Maggie McGee

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

The Last Chip

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.

AdoraBULL

Separation can be hard for children, and in this original story, young Tom is devoted to his wonderful pet bull, Alfred. When he starts school, Tom starts searching for a strategy to help Alfred whilst he is absent, and in the end, finds a way to keep everyone happy!

Where Happiness Lives

Encourages children to appreciate what they have and realise that family and friendship generates more happiness than wealth and material possessions.

William, The What If Wonder

A story about an anxious boy's first day at school that will help children recognise the difference between worry and reality.

Along Came A Different

A fun story about different shapes who learn to put aside their differences and get along. Promotes open-mindedness, kindness and tolerance.

Lula and the Sea Monster

This quirky and empowering story of the friendship between a girl and a rapidly-growing sea creature contains lots of helpful messages about the importance of kindness and perseverance, standing up for your beliefs and protecting the environment. It also acknowledges how difficult it is for children to leave their family home.

The Worry Box

A great choice for children with occasional worries, the bear in the story is given strategies to help ease his anxiety.

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.

The Prince and the Frog

This book will certainly provide reassurance to any child who may be experiencing confusion regarding their sexuality. it encourages children to listen to others, be kind, and embrace diversity and equality.

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.