A List of the Best Children’s Books About Friendship

Inside: A list of nine warm, funny and kind preschool and elementary children’s books about friendship and its importance.

My best friend growing up and to this day is Lacey. Lacey and Macie (yes, our names rhymed and for young girls that was actually cool, lol). I have so many memories of fun times with Lacey and her family. Beach trips, lake trips, church youth group, carpools to school, and lots of laughs watching Arsenio Hall Late Night (it was the 90s after all).

Did we have teenage girl squabbles? Sure we did. But we also encouraged and supported each other and our friendship has remained strong even now in middle age, living three thousand miles apart. This is what I want for my kids too.

Friends are such a valuable aspect of life and it’s amazing to see my three children forge their own friendships that organically come about. As my kiddos’ budding relationships grow it’s important for them to learn what it means to be a true friend. Children’s books about friendship are a great way to model respect and love to kids.

We are big readers in our family and below is a list of awesome children’s books about friendship that we enjoy. Included are titles for preschool and elementary ages that help teach the meaning of friendship. Happy Reading!

PreK-2nd Grade Children’s Books About Friendship

Stick and Stone. This adorable book is about — you guessed it — a stick and a stone that become best buds. The way they look out for each other is so sweet and the illustrations perfectly capture the fun. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry and Tom Lichtenheld.

Elephant and Piggie Books. Every book in this popular series by Mo Willems is a delight to read. Elephant and Piggie are best friends who truly love each other, which is especially clear in My Friend is Sad. Mo Willems knows how to create characters and tell you just what they are thinking with the simplest drawings. These books are easy to read, yet highly entertaining and thoughtful. Elephant and Piggie by Mo Willems.

Bear Snores On. In this picture book, Bear is hibernating for winter while other animals come into his cave and end up having a party. He sadly misses out but they make it up to him. This popular series by Karma Wilson is about the adventures of Bear and his forest friends. Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson.

The Adventures of Beekle. Of my three children, my daughter is the only one I’ve ever observed play with an imaginary friend. It is such a wonder to watch her actually talk with someone who exists just for her. Beekle is one clever girl’s imaginary friend in this creative story about finding your person. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat.

Wolfie The Bunny. When Wolfie enters the family, Dot the Bunny is none too thrilled. But she learns to love him soon enough and her fierce protectiveness comes out. This large format picture book with contemporary style illustrations is geared towards younger children, yet my 1st grader still enjoys reading it. Wolfie the Bunny by Ame Dyckman.

Thelma the Unicorn. The rhyming text is so cute in this picture book by successful children’s author Aaron Blabey (he also writes The Bad Guys and Pig the Pug series). Thelma becomes a star “unicorn” in the story but her best friend Otis is the one who truly has her back. The recently published sequel, The Return of Thelma the Unicorn, drives home the message of Thelma and Otis’ loving friendship. Thelma the Unicorn by Aaron Blabey.

2nd-5th Grade Children’s Books About Friendship

Big Nate. The Big Nate books are super popular among 8-12-year-old boys. My sons literally laugh out loud and read them over and over again. I must admit Nate is quite funny (warning: there is sarcasm and some potty humor).

In Big Nate Flips Out, Nate ultimately realizes what it means to be a true friend to his buddy Francis. This is a graphic comic-style book. It’s worth noting that I was concerned my son was only reading these types of books and not enough with denser text and fewer illustrations. My media specialist mom friends reassure me graphic novels can be just as helpful for young readers as “regular” books. Good to hear!

The Baby-Sitters Club. As a young in the 1980s, I devoured the original Babysitters Club books by Ann M. Martin. In fact, my mom is still holding onto this incredibly large set of paperbacks for me back home.

The Babysitters Club has found a new audience with graphic novel retellings thanks to successful YA author Raina Telgemeier (author of Sisters and Smile among others). Both of my sons have read these new versions and even though they are written about a group of preteen girls, anyone can take home the message of friends sticking together. There are some heavier issues discussed in the series (i.e., divorce) FYI. The Baby-Sitters Club adapted by Raina Telgemeier.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid. This long-standing series about Greg Heffley, his family, and best friend Rowley has even been made into a movie. In the first book, Greg is a middler schooler trying to become popular while Rowley could care less. True friendship is tested and eventually found in this wildly successful chapter book series with diary-like text and drawings. Diary of a Wimpy Kid by Jeff Kinney.

Friendship Role Models

I’m sure many of your have your own “Lacey” in your life and if not already, someday your kiddos will too. Knowing how to be a friend will certainly be a valuable lesson for them.

I’d love to hear what children’s books about friendships you and your children enjoy. Please share in the comments. Thank you and Happy Reading!