In honor of the Friends reunion, here are some of our favorite books about friendship for preschool readers.
This post includes affiliate links, and I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase (thanks!). As always, check your local library first.
Looking for just one book? The Rabbit Listened (Amazon and Bookshop) is my quick pick!
How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? (Amazon and Bookshop) by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mark Teague. “Does he hide all his dump trucks, refusing to share?” is hilarious given our four-year-old’s love of trucks. How great that all the illustrations also have the names of the dinosaurs!
In a Jar (Amazon and Bookshop) is an epically illustrated book about two rabbit friends who capture memories in jars… until one of them moves away. At the end of this one my partner goes, “Wow, that was really good.” So you know, it’s good. Written and illustrated by Deborah Marcero.
Owen & Mzee: The True Story of a Remarkable Friendship (Amazon and Bookshop) is the true story of a hippo and a tortoise who become friends. Owen, a baby hippo, was stranded during a tsunami. And he’s adopted by a 130 year old tortoise Mzee (“wise old man”)! They sleep next to each other and rub noses! So sweet. This book is fantastic for kids who love animals, the zoo, and nature. By Craig Hatkoff and Isabella Hatkoff, illustrated by Peter Greste.
The Rabbit Listened (Amazon and Bookshop) is such a good read! All about feelings and emotions. When Taylor builds a tower and it falls, well-meaning animals come by with lots of things to say. The illustrations help you feel the mad, the sad, the frustration of the elephant and chicken and hyena and everyone else. Including all the emotions Taylor goes through. By Cori Doerrfeld. If you’re looking to get just one book, this is the one.
The Sandwich Swap (Amazon and Bookshop) by her majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah and Kelly DiPucchio, illustrated by Tricia Tusa. Yes indeed, this is by the Queen of Jordan! “Her hurt feelings turned mad” is my favorite moment in this book. How often has that happened to you? And then soon the insults have nothing to do with what you were mad about in the first place. The kids try each other’s sandwiches at the end and… well I can’t tell you. It’s so great.
Should I Share My Ice Cream? (An Elephant and Piggie Book) (Amazon and Bookshop) by Mo Willems – honestly how do you pick just one Mo Willems book? We love this one for Gerald’s internal conundrum about whether to share his ice cream… I mean, Piggie wouldn’t even know if he didn’t! But she would really like the flavor…. what to do, what to do?
Strictly No Elephants (Amazon and Bookshop) is a favorite we go back to over and over. We originally purchased this book as a way to tap about racism. At the surface, this book is about a boy and his pet elephant who are turned away from the pet party because elephants aren’t allowed. It’s a beautiful story about how to be a good friend, meeting new friends, being inclusive and much more. By Lisa Mantchev, illustrated by Taeeun Yoo.
The Unexpected Friend: A Rohingya Children’s Story (Amazon and Bookshop). What a beautiful book about different kinds of friendship, and of letting go. This is a story about refugees in Myanmar and is in partnership with Save the Children. Many of the refugees in Bangladesh are children. It’s a heartbreaking topic, but so important. This is a story about resilience and the power of children’s voices, and it’s gentle enough for littles to read. By Raya Rashna (author) and Mitali Perkins (consultant), and illustrated by Inshra Sakhawat Russell.
Looking for more ideas? How many of the 100 Children’s Books to Read in 2021 have you checked off?
Photo by Marcus Wallis on Unsplash.