4.26 avg rating — 15,225 ratings

"At first glance, I made the mistake of thinking this book was just about imaginary friends, but it’s so much more than that. Kids who are shy will especially appreciate this story of what can happen when you push past that initial scary part of trying to make a new friend. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.04 avg rating — 1,132 ratings

"This is a cute story about making room for a new friend. We had great discussions about why it would feel weird to have a new friend join you and how it would feel for the kid who’s trying to befriend you. #happyyouhappyfamily"

3.87 avg rating — 1,162 ratings

"Kids who are shy will especially love this beautiful book about what happens when you take a chance to speak up so you can make a new friend. #happyyouhappyfamily"

3.88 avg rating — 10,106 ratings

"This is a sweet story about surprising a friend when they’re feeling down, and it teaches kids what it means to be a good friend. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.06 avg rating — 5,708 ratings

"My toddler especially loved this cute story about being there for your friend in times of need. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.05 avg rating — 2,458 ratings

"This about sums it up from the back cover: “Happiness is best when it’s shared.” This is a great story for teaching kids what to do when your friend isn’t feeling particularly happy. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.36 avg rating — 11,010 ratings

"You can’t go wrong with the Elephant and Piggie series. Technically, they’re easy readers not picture books, but even babies and toddlers love these stories. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.25 avg rating — 253 ratings

"An important message about doing the right thing to help a friend, even when it’s hard. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.41 avg rating — 5,289 ratings

"This picture book shows kids what to do when a bully is being mean to your friends. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.18 avg rating — 4,717 ratings

"This is an adorable story about the power of friendship, and adults love the puns. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.15 avg rating — 781 ratings

"In this sweet story of two unlikely friends, kids learn the importance of speaking up for your friends when others don’t treat them with kindness and respect. #happyyouhappyfamily"

3.93 avg rating — 561 ratings

"When your child has to say goodbye to someone important like a friend who’s moving away, this is the perfect book. When my preschooler’s favorite babysitter was moving to another state, we read this book several times a day, and it was the number one thing that helped my daughter process those big, scary emotions about losing a close friend. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.17 avg rating — 8,279 ratings

"This is a sweet story about losing a friend and finding a new one. Plus, this book gave us an opportunity to talk about the topic of death and what that means – in a way that wasn’t scary or upsetting for our preschooler. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.28 avg rating — 3,799 ratings

"This little story about a child who befriends a squash is perfect for kids who are struggling with having to say goodbye to a friend who’s moving away. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.37 avg rating — 9,728 ratings

"This story is a perfect fit for kids with hurt feelings because of something another kid did or said. So clever! #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.04 avg rating — 2,787 ratings

"A perfect little story about what to do when you get frustrated with a friend. By the way, this book has only four unique words! #happyyouhappyfamily"

3.73 avg rating — 505 ratings

" When your friends annoy you, what do you do? Kids who have younger siblings will appreciate this funny story of a bird annoying a bear. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.41 avg rating — 7,903 ratings

" Fair warning: This thoughtful story does have a sad ending. However, my kids enjoyed talking about what the main character could have done differently. We ended up having an ongoing discussion about regret and how we all have those moments in life we look back on and wish we’d acted differently. So many great conversations come out of this one every time we read it! #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.18 avg rating — 14,033 ratings

"Mo Willems at his best. This picture book shows kids the power of choosing empathy and friendship even when you’re
“supposed to” exclude someone. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.09 avg rating — 958 ratings

"In this book, kids see that you can be true to yourself, and your true friends will still accept you #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.12 avg rating — 2,647 ratings

"This is a great story to teach the power of acceptance when you see that someone’s trying to fit in and be a part of a group. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.36 avg rating — 4,256 ratings

"This cute book helps kids think about the ramifications of excluding others and how that makes others feel. The perfect way to teach your child to be an includer. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.29 avg rating — 4,247 ratings

"In this story, the main character learns a big lesson about how important friends are – and how success and popularity can’t fill the void of friendship. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.18 avg rating — 5,532 ratings

"This series about the friendship between two hippos is a favorite for kids and adults. Because even though kids may not pick up on the dry humor at first, parents definitely will. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.42 avg rating — 2,040 ratings

" This is a wordless picture book about a girl who saves up for something she wants but then makes a decision to brighten a friend’s day instead. Full disclosure: The “friend” in the story may very well be her little brother, but siblings can be friends too! #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.05 avg rating — 640 ratings

"This is a longer story, but it kept my kids engaged the whole way through. We loved the message of how a real friend can see the best in you even when everyone else thinks the worst. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.07 avg rating — 5,026 ratings

"This is a short collection of mini-stories from Mo Willems about that scary moment when your friend gets another friend. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.02 avg rating — 1,804 ratings

"This picture book does an excellent job of teaching kids how to assume the best in others and make new friends – while also making you giggle. #happyyouhappyfamily"

3.74 avg rating — 317 ratings

"In this story, kids see the power of working together as friends. #happyyouhappyfamily"

3.69 avg rating — 1,051 ratings

"Kids love this funny story about choosing friendship even when you start out as enemies. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.44 avg rating — 11,491 ratings

"Kind of a silly idea when you look at it objectively: a lion in a library? But this is one of the sweetest stories you’ll ever read about friendship. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.44 avg rating — 2,213 ratings

"This is a sweet, simple tale of friendship. A perfect fit for kids who have friends who live far away so they don’t get to see each other very often. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.33 avg rating — 10,594 ratings

"Sometimes friendship surprises you when you’re not expecting it to find you. If you like this story, you may like The Way Back Home by the same author. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.37 avg rating — 2,535 ratings

"This beautifully told story about a friendship between an old woman and a dog will warm the hearts of all ages. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.26 avg rating — 1,685 ratings

"This tale of friendship doubles as a story that will help kids process their fears. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.34 avg rating — 2,738 ratings

"This story shows kids that sometimes it’s important to do something that will help your friend even if it’s difficult for you. This is also a good fit for kids who’ve had to move away from friends. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.26 avg rating — 299 ratings

"What a little gem! Kids love this story about why it’s important to extend kindness to others. They also learn the power of our words when we talk to others and how it can make other people feel. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.11 avg rating — 358 ratings

"From the start of this story, kids feel empathy for the friendless scrawny cat, and the ending is perfect. This one gives you lots of opportunity to talk about how we treat others and about being open to new friends. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.26 avg rating — 21,863 ratings

"Being a friend means showing up, and no other picture book demonstrates that as beautifully as this story does. #happyyouhappyfamily"

3.96 avg rating — 4,421 ratings

"In this quirky story about a sloth, kids learn that it’s important to accept your friends for who they are instead of trying to change them into something they’re not. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.43 avg rating — 498 ratings

"In this funny story, kids see that sometimes friendship means showing up for your friends even when you have to stretch past your comfort zone. #happyyouhappyfamily"

4.42 avg rating — 8,884 ratings

"This special friendship between a boy and an old woman shows kids that friends come in all shapes and sizes (and ages). This is also a great book for kids who
have aging grandparents. #happyyouhappyfamily"