Date : August 14, 2018
Learning how to make friends is one of the most important lessons in a child’s young life, and it’s often fraught with anxiety, shyness and even fear. So how do you help your child learn these important lessons that will help them build the most solid foundations for their future? The answer, as always, lies in books! Read on to find a list of 5 fantastic children’s books about friendship that can help your child foster strong relationships with their peers.
Do You Want to Be My Friend? by Eric Carle
This adorable story about a mouse trying to befriend animals much bigger than him offers classic life lessons not just about friendship, but about finding the perfect friend for you. Not everyone is going to want to be our friend and that’s absolutely fine. It’s important that children learn this hard lesson early on and this book is a wonderful, painless way to learn it.
The Terrible Suitcase by Emma Allen and Freya Blackwood
In this imaginative story, a little girl who longs for a fantastic rocket-themed backpack is instead given a boring old red suitcase to use for school. What follows is what can happen when the powers of imagination and friendship are used together – a creative world of fun and laughter. This book shows that something as simple as a suitcase can act as a catalyst, bringing children together and forging friendships.
Amy and Louis by Libby Gleeson and Freya Blackwood
Next door neighbours their entire lives, Amy and Louis are best friends. They play together constantly and have their very own special sound to call to each other. So when Amy and her family suddenly move to the other side of the world, the two children are heartbroken. But while they miss each other, they find other ways to ensure their special connection stays just as strong as always. This book is a great way to encourage children to interact with their peers through a variety of means – in person, over the phone, through letters and over the internet.
Pearl Barley and Charlie Parsley by Aaron Blabey
Pearl and Charlie are total opposites in every way. Where Pearl is a fearless adventurer with the gift of the gab, Charlie is introverted, cautious and prefers knitting to adventuring. It might seem like two kids who are so different couldn’t possibly become friends. And yet, it is their very differences that help balance the other out. This is a lovely story about how our differences in habits, hobbies, personalities and even fears can attract and even complement people who are completely different to us.
Winnie the Pooh by A. A. Milne
If ever there were a series of stories that could teach little ones about making friends and the value of friendship, it’s A. A. Milne’s beloved Winnie the Pooh books. Pooh and his friends go on amazing adventures, all the while remaining true to themselves and each other. Eeyore is gloomy but loved nonetheless and never forced to feel differently than he does. Piglet is fearful but not coddled and never forced into situations he might find uncomfortable. And Pooh sweeps through each tale with sweetness and empathy, a gentle and loveable character each child is sure to adore.
