Picture books tagged with: friends

The Lion Inside

A delightful story showing that everyone feels scared sometimes. Great for encouraging children to find their own voice.

The Christmas Extravaganza Hotel

The Frog in the story learns that doing simple festive activities with a friend can be as much (if not more) fun than a lavish, all-singing-all-dancing Christmas. The Bear who welcomes Frog into his home is generous and considerate.

Perfectly Polite Penguins

A book that encourages good manners and co-operation, and reminds us that nobody is perfect.

The Mermaid Who Couldn’t

Many children struggle with self-esteem, like Mariana The Mermaid. Through Mariana's journey to happiness, a child who is struggling to feel good about themselves will see that, over time, and with friends, good things can happen.

Too Many Carrots

A sweet book that encourages children to share, and gently reminds the reader of what is really important in life.

Under the Love Umbrella

A book to comfort 'anyone who has ever felt lonely, lost or alone'. Useful for children who are experiencing separation anxiety or loneliness, it sends the comforting message that wherever you are, you are loved.

Ice in the Jungle

Ice the little polar bear cub suddenly has to move from her North Pole home to a new life in the jungle when her mother gets a new job. Ice is understandably upset, and finds the new place very unfamiliar. She misses her friends. But with time, and through the kindness of others, she settles in to her new life just fine.

Here I Am

A hopeful story about making a new country feel like home, told through illustrations.

Worried (Dealing with Feeling…)

Helps to identify what worries are and provides tips and advice on how best to express and deal with them.

That Fruit Is Mine!

An entertaining picture book that encourages children to co-operate and share.

The Colour Monster

A good book to help young children identify, recognise and explore their emotions.

I Don’t Want to be Small

A picture book about learning to love what you have and who you are, it will inevitably chime with any child who can't wait to be grown up.

Tad

A heart-warming and empowering story with a central character who uses her intelligence and bravery to compensate for her small size and lack of physical strength. A gentle reminder to children who are desperate to be 'grown up' that we all get there, in our own time.

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.