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Cy Makes a Friend
Cy is a Cyclops who knows how to make just about anything—except a friend. So Cy practices friend-making skills and then sets off. When beaming confidence, making eye contact, and winking don’t work, he comes up with another plan. Knowing that it’s nice to share, he builds a chariot for two—for himself and his friend-to-be. Sure enough, Cy’s chariot catches the eye of a phoenix, Sunny, who’s always longed to fly. She offers a set of wings, and Cy and his new friend take off together. Funny and satisfying, this is a tale that celebrates being yourself and following your dreams.
32 pages, Hardcover
First published March 7, 2017
35 people want to read
About the author
Ann Marie Stephens
23 books24 followersAnn Marie Stephens is the author of numerous picture books including the ARITHMECHICKS series, the CATastrophe! series, SO MANY BOOKS, and more. She is a retired, award-winning elementary teacher with over 30 years in the classroom. Ann Marie’s poetry and literacy work has been featured in Bon Appetit Magazine and on NPR. She is represented by Emily Mitchell at Wernick & Pratt Agency. Visit her at www.annmariestephensbooks.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
June 19, 2017
I love books about monsters, and these ones are all super adorable. Cy is a creative little guy and I'm glad he has a friend now.
Here are some of the cool monsters from the endpapers:
Here are some of the cool monsters from the endpapers:
September 23, 2017
Stephens, Ann Marie Cy Makes a Friend, illustrated by Tracy Subisak. PICTURE BOOK. Boyd Mills Press, 2017. $16.95.
Cy is a cyclops who is naturally gifted at building. He can build anything! But his gift with tools does not mean he knows how to make a friend. Cy realizes he will have to venture out into the world and practice a whole new set of skills in order to make a friend. It takes hard work, but he eventually finds a new friend in a Phoenix and they ride off in his chariot together.
I instantly loved this book. The illustrations are fun and engaging. The text is the perfect length for a read-aloud. The story itself is one that will connect with many young readers who struggle with making friends. I love that Cy has to make a true effort to learn how to be a friend and put himself out there, but it is a success! The use of mythological creatures to tell the story is also just a fun touch.
EL (K-3), EL--ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
Cy is a cyclops who is naturally gifted at building. He can build anything! But his gift with tools does not mean he knows how to make a friend. Cy realizes he will have to venture out into the world and practice a whole new set of skills in order to make a friend. It takes hard work, but he eventually finds a new friend in a Phoenix and they ride off in his chariot together.
I instantly loved this book. The illustrations are fun and engaging. The text is the perfect length for a read-aloud. The story itself is one that will connect with many young readers who struggle with making friends. I love that Cy has to make a true effort to learn how to be a friend and put himself out there, but it is a success! The use of mythological creatures to tell the story is also just a fun touch.
EL (K-3), EL--ESSENTIAL. Reviewer: TC
https://kissthebook.blogspot.com/2017...
June 17, 2017
Cy is a cyclops and his story is filled with making, seeking friendship, and Greek Mythology creatures sure to delight readers! This story is an excellent addition to any Makerspace collection, as Cy is a gifted inventor and maker. Cy also learns that sharing his creations is a way to make friends and when he gives it a try, he is successful despite feeling a bit awkward. This story is a gentle introduction to Greek Mythology, part of 2nd grade curriculum, which may sometimes be hard to address because mythology tales are usually heavy on violent responses to unwanted behavior. For text-to-text, text-to-self, and text-to-world connections pair it with: Prudence the Part Time Cow by Jody Jensen Schaffer, Scaredy Squirrel Makes a Friend by Melaniè Watt, and There's a Boy in the Girl's Bathroom by Louis Sachar.
January 21, 2020
This is a cute one, and we had fun with it. I loved all the monsters based in classical mythology (more for the adults reading it, I think) and they're all so cute too! We (me and my storytime crowd) had some fun discussions on all the magical animals we saw, how the chariot could fly, all sorts of "fantasy physics." (Like, if the dog has 3 heads, he's probably a magical dog and could very well run fast enough to get the chariot off the ground). Plus with a very relatable theme of being brave and making new friends.
I've used it with a storytime on friendship, but can see also using it with themes on shyness/being brave, or on tinkering/inventing (he could be considered a Maker with all his Projects, right?). Plus we talked about being polite and using good manners. A good number of fun points to this one.
I've used it with a storytime on friendship, but can see also using it with themes on shyness/being brave, or on tinkering/inventing (he could be considered a Maker with all his Projects, right?). Plus we talked about being polite and using good manners. A good number of fun points to this one.
May 22, 2017
Cy is a shy monster. A shy monster who likes to build and create and knows the basics of good manners (sharing and making eye contact). But Cy wants friend. So he has to muster up his bravery and venture out of the house and to the market to find a missing piece to his latest creation. A creation he wants to share with a new friend.
This is such a sweet book about shyness, finding friends and the application of manners in different settings. Cy practices his manners at home, but it doesn't work out as well on his first attempts at the market. There are lots of great talking points in this book for young children. Particularly on how it takes effort to go out and make effort, it takes some bravery to venture out of your comfort zone, and to not give up after one failed attempt.
This is such a sweet book about shyness, finding friends and the application of manners in different settings. Cy practices his manners at home, but it doesn't work out as well on his first attempts at the market. There are lots of great talking points in this book for young children. Particularly on how it takes effort to go out and make effort, it takes some bravery to venture out of your comfort zone, and to not give up after one failed attempt.
September 12, 2017
Cy is an inventor who is socially awkward but tries really hard. Eventually, he builds a chariot for two that he hopes will interest someone to become friends with him. The build-up to this point is good, but the details of how he and his friend reach an understanding is a little confusing, especially the wings that the friend adds to the chariot. Illustrations are engaging and contain nods to mythology (Cy is a cyclops; his dog has three heads...).
October 22, 2017
The best part of this book is the "Note About Mythological Creatures" in the beginning of the book. If you can keep the back endpage secret, readers could spend considerable time identifying each creature as it appears in the story. However, the friendship lessons don't depend on these creatures.
There are a couple humorous phrases that youngsters may miss, ("With an eye for detail...").
Illustrations were drawn in pencil and colored digitally.
There are a couple humorous phrases that youngsters may miss, ("With an eye for detail...").
Illustrations were drawn in pencil and colored digitally.
May 31, 2017
The illustrations in this book are darling. I love that all the characters are "monsters". The story is cute but oversimplified. Cy has a hard time making friends because he is shy and venturing out is scary. It doesn't take much for him to make a friend so it is a bit unrealistic. It would make a good place to start though for teaching children about friendship.
April 10, 2025
Very, very good book, almost made me shed some tears. Heartwarming story about overcoming fears and making friends and embracing the differences that might come along with it. Charming illustrations and relatable storyline, helps children see the importance of friendship and the courage it takes to connect with other people.
March 8, 2018
This would be a great reference for teaching social skills to kids who are shy or are somewhere one the spectrum. Cy has trouble making friends, but with a little determination and some practice, he knows he can do it!
May 5, 2017
Cy learns that making new friends means venturing out of his comfort zone. Easy picture book perfect for Toddler Storytime.
May 31, 2017
This was fine, but the most novel thing was the monster characters.
Okay and I'd definitely be friends with someone who could build me a chariot.
Okay and I'd definitely be friends with someone who could build me a chariot.
June 3, 2017
Nice book to share with a shy child or a child who has trouble making friends; also with a class about making and being a friend.
June 8, 2017
Cute, well illustrated, and written for a very young group, Cy Makes a Friend is a great way to help your youngster get out of their discomfort zone and into the friend zone.
June 22, 2017
Loved the line "he had an eye for detail."
July 25, 2017
A sweet, gentle introduction for young readers into the world of Greek mythology. Cy just wants to make a friend, but isn't sure how. This relatable, pun-filled story is adorable.
September 4, 2017
A one-eyed monster works up the courage to venture out and find a friend.
September 15, 2017
A book with mythological critters?! She had me at Cerberus. And the illustrations are just as cute and adorable as the story itself. This one is a keeper!!!
October 16, 2017
The message is good, but the execution may be a little confused.
March 17, 2021
A cyclops tries to make a new friend in this preschool book
February 25, 2022
Cy uses his skills, faces his fear, and goes out to make s friend.
Love the subtle use of Greek mythological creatures! Very clever and appealing.
Love the subtle use of Greek mythological creatures! Very clever and appealing.
March 21, 2017
A nice short story about friendship and building things. Perfect length for storytime.
March 13, 2017
Cy is terrific at building things, but a building a friendship takes different skills.
March 12, 2017
A super cute book that reminded me of Monsters, Inc. but incorporates mythological creatures as well as creativity and friendship. There's basically something for everyone in this picture book.
August 13, 2017
Have you ever had trouble making a friend? Well, your problems were nothing compared to Cy's. He is a builder and inventor, great with tools and creating things - but you can't make a friend on a workbench. "Making a friend means venturing out." And while Cy is confident in his tool skills, this big hairy Cyclops isn't too sure of his social skills. He practices conversation, eye contact, and looking friendly, and even builds a chariot for two to share with a friend. When he goes into town to buy wheels for the chariot, he tries out the eye contact "perhaps a little too much" and tries to look confident "possibly not enough." But he heads home with the wheels and then returns with the chariot to try and find a friend. This time his efforts pay off!
The text is brief, but clear, and makes this a book that encourages readers to look to the illustrations for more detail. When it says that "Cy was born to build." we can see his workshop with the neatly organized workbench and blueprints hanging on the wall. In the scene where "he practices polite conversation", we gaze at Cy pouring tea and speaking to the robotic centaur he has assembled out of a footstool. The illustrations themselves are colorful and filled with creatures from mythology, everything from a centaur to the Teumessian Fox. And the variety of things that Cy can make (minus friends, of course), is amazing.
For young readers who are nervous about making friends, perhaps starting school for the first time, this would be a great book to share with them and then talk about how they could follow some of Cy's tips.
I received a review copy from the publisher.
The text is brief, but clear, and makes this a book that encourages readers to look to the illustrations for more detail. When it says that "Cy was born to build." we can see his workshop with the neatly organized workbench and blueprints hanging on the wall. In the scene where "he practices polite conversation", we gaze at Cy pouring tea and speaking to the robotic centaur he has assembled out of a footstool. The illustrations themselves are colorful and filled with creatures from mythology, everything from a centaur to the Teumessian Fox. And the variety of things that Cy can make (minus friends, of course), is amazing.
For young readers who are nervous about making friends, perhaps starting school for the first time, this would be a great book to share with them and then talk about how they could follow some of Cy's tips.
I received a review copy from the publisher.
February 9, 2017
Ann Marie Stephens has done it again, following up last year’s Scuba Dog with another gem of a picture book. Cy Makes a Friend is the charming story of a skillful, ambitious young Cyclops who can build anything he sets his mind to – except for a friend. Unfortunately, Cy is also shy and socially awkward. The confidence he has in his workshop, while wielding his hammer and saw, abandons him as soon as he steps outside. But by putting his ingenuity to work and, like any good inventor, learning from his past mistakes, Cy bravely ventures out and overcomes his social timidity and self-doubt, making for a delightful and instructive ending to his tale.
Cy Makes a Friend is a great addition to any young reader’s library, but especially those who might need a little encouragement in overcoming their own shyness. The fact that nearly all the book’s characters are mythological creatures taken from Greek mythology – and that the book comes with both an explanatory note and an illustrated identification spread – is a fun bonus, and may very well be responsible for sparking a child’s interest in those exciting and instructive stories. Add all this to the fact that illustrator Tracy Subisak delivers one witty, thoughtful, and expressive illustration after another, and you’ve got yourself a picture book that pretty much has it all.
Cy Makes a Friend is a great addition to any young reader’s library, but especially those who might need a little encouragement in overcoming their own shyness. The fact that nearly all the book’s characters are mythological creatures taken from Greek mythology – and that the book comes with both an explanatory note and an illustrated identification spread – is a fun bonus, and may very well be responsible for sparking a child’s interest in those exciting and instructive stories. Add all this to the fact that illustrator Tracy Subisak delivers one witty, thoughtful, and expressive illustration after another, and you’ve got yourself a picture book that pretty much has it all.
February 4, 2017
With adorable, heartwarming illustrations and a cast of mythological creatures, this awesome picture book tells the story of a lonely little cyclops that would love to have a friend. Making friends isn't easy if you're shy and inexperienced at it. Cy loves to spend time building new inventions, but he has no one to share his wonderful creations with. With enough preparation, investigation, and practice, Cy hopes to attract someone with whom he can share his time and inventions with. This book comes out in March and will be terrific to share with young readers who like to invent things and share them with friends, too.
November 18, 2019
Our family LOVES Cy Makes a Friend! While the heart the story is about the vulnerability we all experience when putting ourselves into the world to make friends, Tracy Subisak brings such delight, invention and humor to the story through her illustrations. The reader falls in love with the main character immediately and we are so tickled to follow him as he uses all the resources he has to make a friend. A sweet, fun, silly yet serious story for the whole family! Beautifully illustrated! And the Greek Myth lovers will experience an extra level of enjoyment.
May 10, 2023
"Making a friend means venturing out."
Cy can build anything, but he's not sure how to make a friend. So, he tries to prepare by practicing conversation, observing how his gregarious dog makes friends and he even tries to "look like a friend." But until he goes out into the world, it's pretty difficult to make any friends. Once he ventures out, with confidence, he finds a kindred spirit.
Sweet story. It would make a good read aloud for younger students needing guidance on friendship.
Cy can build anything, but he's not sure how to make a friend. So, he tries to prepare by practicing conversation, observing how his gregarious dog makes friends and he even tries to "look like a friend." But until he goes out into the world, it's pretty difficult to make any friends. Once he ventures out, with confidence, he finds a kindred spirit.
Sweet story. It would make a good read aloud for younger students needing guidance on friendship.
March 26, 2017
Cy loves making robots and toys, but he finds it difficult to make friends. This cuddly cyclops has good intentions, but he is awkward and nervous--more than just shy, he has to practice making the right facial expressions and what to say. Although it’s never specifically said, Cy’s special needs will resonate with kids on the autism spectrum.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews