3 picture books about friendship

I regularly receive picture books to review, and this list includes three titles I’ve enjoyed with messages about friendship and being kind to others:

Lenny Makes a Wish by Paula Metcalf (Oxford University Press, £6.99)
For a book with a message about making friends from a different background, I would recommend looking out for Lenny Makes a Wish by Paula Metcalf, which will be out on 6 February 2020. The picture book tells the rhyming story about a rabbit who spots a lonely, little fish in a pond and wants to be her friend. The two soon discover the challenges of playing when one lives on land and one in water, but they meet again when the little fish – a tadpole – has turned into a frog. With charming illustrations and rhyming text, I think the beautiful book makes an ideal story to read aloud to young children.

My Name is Bear by Nicola Killen (Egmont, £6.99)
In My Name is Bear by Nicola Killen, children learn about being polite and considerate towards friends. Self-assured Bear has moved to a new home, but when meeting his new neighbours he’s rude and makes fun of their names. Soon, Bear learns to be respectful of his new friends, and even welcoming towards a newcomer with a hilarious name. This is a laugh-out-loud funny story with sweet illustrations, and I’ve recently bought the book as a birthday present.

A Home Full of Friends by Peter Bently (Hodder Children’s Books, £6.99)
The delightful book A Home Full of Friends by Peter Bently, illustrated by Charles Fuge, tells the story about a badger who opens up his home to animals in need despite his initial concerns about lack of space and limited food. I think the rhyming story is touching because it teaches readers about being a good friend, being welcoming and helping others – and also having fun in the process.

Tags: Children's books, Egmont, Hodder Children’s Books, Oxford University Press, Picture books