Testing the Bonds of Friendship
By Luisa LaFleur, The Children’s Book Review
Published: January 7, 2013
Most friendships have their ups and downs. Some survive, while others perish—but the memories of those friendships can last a lifetime. Here are some precious tales for the younger set about trials and tribulations and the joys of having a best friend.
By Philip C. Stead; Illustrated by Erin Stead
Reading level: Ages 2-4
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Roaring Brook Press
What to expect: Friendship, seasons, passage of time
In this timeless tale about the permanence of friendship, Bear sets out to tell his friends a story. But pressing concerns intervene—the animals must prepare for winter and Bear puts his story on hold to help his friends. The animals rush to find shelter and begin the long hibernation during the winter. As time passes and the weather warms, Bear awakens and goes to find his friends. He still wants to tell his story. In a clever twist, we learn that the story itself is irrelevant but his friendships are precious.
Add this book to your collection: Bear Has a Story to Tell
By Jeff Mack
Reading level: Ages 2-4
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Chronicle Books
What to expect: Friendship, comic catastrophes, perseverance
In this sure-to-become classic children’s book, a bunny and a mouse set out for a picnic. With clever illustrations and just four simple words, we’re taken on a turbulent journey filled with trials and tribulations that would test any relationship. But the friends persevere and find a way to enjoy each other’s company despite the whims of destiny. A great book to help children understand that sometimes things are beyond our control and yet we can still find a way to make the best of situations.
Add this book to your collection: Good News Bad News
By Diane Kredensor
Reading level: Ages 2-4
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Random House
What to expect: Emotions, friendship, perseverance
In this cleverly laid out story, Ollie and Moon are great friends in New York City. Ollie loves a good laugh and Moon enjoys making him laugh. But sometimes, laughs don’t come easily and Moon is tested to her limit while trying to make Ollie laugh. With instantly recognizable photographic scenes set in New York, this is a great story for little ones to learn the value of laughter and friendship.
Add this book to your collection: Ollie and Moon: Fuhgeddaboudit
By Gyo Fujikawa
Reading level: 2-4 years
Hardcover: 37 pages
Publisher: Sterling Children’s Books
What to expect: Descriptions of children at play in various situations
This beautifully illustrated book captures the essence of childhood in its descriptions of different settings–at the park, at school or at a picnic–and the activities of children at play. Sometimes the activities are joyful, sometimes sad (like when one of the children is having a bad day) but all of them highlight the fun to be had with one’s friends.
Add this book to your collection: Are You My Friend Today?
By Jon Katz
Reading level: 4-8 years
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
What to expect: Unlikely friendships, farm animals
In this beautifully photographed book, author Jon Katz documents the true story of the friendship between a puppy named Lenore and a grumpy ram named Brutus. When Lenore first comes to the farm, she finds it hard to make friends. Although she tries, the other animals aren’t interested, until she meets Brutus. Her attempts at friendship are richly rewarded in the end.
Add this book to your collection: Lenore Finds a Friend: A True Story from Bedlam Farm
By Martin and Isobel Springett
Reading level: 4-8 years
Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Henry Holt and Company
What to expect: Unlikely friendships, country life
Pippin, a young fawn that was found by the author’s wife, is brought to live with Kate, a Great Dane that has never had any puppies. The photographs chronicle the loving relationship that develops between Kate and Pippin, as each one becomes the other’s family. This true story may require some explanation for little ones—such as why Pippin was abandoned—but ultimately, it is a heartwarming tale about finding love in a non-traditional way. It allows for numerous teaching moments about the strength of love and loyalty, regardless of the origin of the familial bonds.
Add this book to your collection: Kate & Pippin: An Unlikely Love Story
By Yumi Heo
Reading level: Ages 4 to 7
Hardcover: 30 pages
What to expect: Lessons on teamwork; how to value your friends
Lady Hahn is a seamstress who sews lovely silk shirts and skirts. She has a team of helpers—seven important tools that help her make the beautiful clothes. Mrs. Ruler helps with measuring the silk, Newlywed Scissors helps with cutting the fabric, Young Bride Needle helps with the actual sewing, and so on—and each believes she is most important to the process. There’s an argument and eventually Lady Hahn comes to understand that the shirt can only be completed when they all work as a team. This cleverly written story is based on a Korean classical essay from the 1800s—but its message is timeless. Perfect for helping little ones understand the importance of teamwork and the value of friendship.
Add this book to your collection: Lady Hahn and her Seven Friends
The book list Friendship Stories: Books About Friends was curated by Bianca Schulze. Follow along with our articles and reviews tagged with friendship, to discover more great titles just like these ones.