I’ve lived for over fifty years as a bashful introvert with social anxiety, which gives me a heightened appreciation for friendships, and for books about making friends. As an author and illustrator—and as a mom—my artistic mission is to create books that help all children feel cherished and appreciated. Everybody wants to be loved, everybody wants a friend. Even the loners and introverts out there. I love and collect books about friendship because they model friendly behaviors. These books give me the desire and the courage to reach out to others, and since I’m an extreme case, I imagine they must have a similar effect on most readers.
By Violet Lemay
Friends can come from anywhere. Friends can live in any kind of house. Friends can be of different ages. Friends can look different. And friends can have different faiths. This sweet board book filled with warm and lively illustrations by Violet Lemay celebrates friendship and the importance of embracing our differences. It joyfully shows diverse children from all over the world and teaches a valuable lesson: we are all just people and we are all worthy of friendship.
Violet Lemay's many charming books for children ages 2 to 5 and their caregivers include Library Babies, The Obamas: A Lift-the-Flap Book, TummyTime: Happy Baby, and Healthy, Healthy. Love, Love, Love.
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By Annie Barrows, Sophie Blackall
This beautifully written, beautifully illustrated, hilarious tale of an unlikely friendship is so fantastic that it spawned a beloved series! Both the words and the art will keep you and your young one engaged and giggling. The original Ivy and Bean remains my favorite, but the entire series is wonderful. Perfect early chapter books for mischievous readers.
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By Kate DiCamillo
A lonely girl adopts a dog who becomes a sort of friendship gateway for her. Because of her new dog—Winn Dixie—India Opal forms many friendships with the people in her new town, and generally brings the community together. This book was a favorite for my son and I to read together when he was small. I return to it every few years and am never disappointed. A perennial favorite.
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By Ellie Terry
Calliope June has Tourrette syndrome to thank for her friendlessness. She doesn't fit in, at all. Lucky for her, she moves in next door to Jinsong, a popular boy who sees Calli as a puzzle that he'd very much like to figure out. Befriending her could have social consequences for him, though, so of course, it's a bumpy ride. Calli's chapters are written in verse. A lovely middle-grade novel.
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By R.J. Palacio
After having been homeschooled all his life because of the medical complications of a severe facial deformity, Augie is enrolled in an actual middle school. Despite his unusual circumstances and many ups and downs, he makes lots of friends—even a best friend—and brings the entire school community together. This middle-grade novel features chapter headers designed by the author, who is also an illustrator and designer. A gorgeous book!
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By Leah Thomas
Ollie and Moritz are in short supply of friends, due to extraordinary circumstances—Ollie is allergic to the world and can't leave his house, and Moritz was born without eyes and is therefore socially "repellent". Encouraged by their mutual doctor to become pen pals, the boys become friends, and their friendship gives them each the courage to reach out and make other friends as well. This entire YA book is told through their correspondence. Rich language, compelling story, lovable characters.
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