Picture books tagged with: friends

“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!

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.

Hodge the Hedgehog

Encourages children to see the pleasure in sharing and playing well with others.

Frank and Teddy Make Friends

The Rainbow Fish

This may encourage a child to share.

It’s Not Your’s It’s Mine!

All young children find sharing extremely difficult. The story of Blieka and Blieka's beloved ball will help a small child to acknowledge their own feelings of possessiveness and see the benefits of sharing.

I’m Special, I’m Me!

Promoting tolerance, co-operation and acceptance and celebrating diversity. May help to boost a child's self-esteem and realise that being different isn't a negative trait.

Having Fun! (Just Like Us!)

A board book for babies and toddlers which introduces the concepts of sharing, friendship and fun.

The Bad Tempered Ladybird

Encouraging children to share and value friendship, rather than bullying to get what they want.

Manners in School

By encouraging children to behave in a thoughtful, polite and caring manner at school.

All For One

Rivalries and conflicts of childhood friendships.

Freddy Meets Nutmeg: The Squirrel Who Was Allergic to Nuts

This is a gentle and informative picture book for young children about severe food allergy and anaphylaxis.

The Sunflower Sword

A good choice of book to reinforce the message that friendship is far better than fighting. It also has a theme of acceptance, and encourages the reader not to judge people on outward appearance.

Freddy Meets Ginger: The Fox Who Was Allergic to Eggs

This is a gentle and informative picture book for young children about severe food allergy and anaphylaxis.

Let’s Talk: My Friend has Down’s Syndrome

By inspiring and encouraging children to overcome barriers that can exist between children with Down's syndrome and their playmates.

Duck, Death and the Tulip

ATCHOO: The Complete Guide to Good Manners

Appealing and amusing way to show children the consequences of unkindness and bad manners.

My Big Brother, Boris

Shows children that teenage siblings, although they spend more time with their friends and sometimes argue with Mum and Dad, will always love them and remain part of the family.

Freddy Goes Flying: The Important Lesson of Flying with an Allergy

This picture book for young children is about travelling with a severe food allergy.

Chill

Acknowledges that everyday situations may give rise to negative emotions in young children. The story offers some practical suggestions that young children can use to ease anxiety and frustration, such as deep breathing.

Do Unto Otters: A Book about Manners

Encouraging young children to respect differences in others and act with kindness and politeness.

Ping and Pong are Best Friends (mostly)

When your child falls out with their best friend this book will show that even the greatest friendships have their ups and downs.

It’s Not Fair (Your Feelings)

Explores the concept of unfairness in a child-friendly way and encourages children to come to terms with this emotion. Also touches upon the subject of anger and violence as the child in the story feels like 'hitting out' when she considers things to be unfair.

Bear and Me

Patience/Growing Up/Friendship

Beegu

A story for anyone who has ever felt lonely, lost and unloved. Children who have experienced loneliness may empathise with Beegu. This book teaches the importance of being kind to others, particularly those who have moved from a different place and may be feeling homesick and anxious.

Odd Bird Out

Whilst generally children want to fit in with their peers many others either cannot or do not want to be like everybody else.