Friendship is one of the most important life lessons for young children to learn, and books are a wonderful way to teach it. Stories about friendship can help children understand how to be a good friend, the value of teamwork, and how to handle conflicts with kindness and empathy. Below is a carefully curated list of the best kindergarten books about friendship that will inspire young readers and instill valuable lessons about companionship.
1. “Should I Share My Ice Cream?” by Mo Willems
In this delightful story, Gerald the elephant grapples with a decision: should he share his ice cream with his best friend, Piggie? This book explores themes of sharing, selflessness, and the joy of giving to friends.
Why It’s a Must-Read:
- Teaches the importance of sharing with loved ones.
- Combines humor with a heartfelt message.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you feel when a friend shares something with you?
- What are some ways you can share with your friends?
Activity:
Draw a picture of something special you would like to share with a friend.
2. “Stick and Stone” by Beth Ferry
This charming book tells the story of a stick and a stone who become the best of friends. When Stone is teased by a pinecone, Stick steps in to help, showing the power of standing up for a friend.
Why It’s a Must-Read:
- Highlights the importance of standing up for others.
- Simple yet impactful storytelling with vibrant illustrations.
Discussion Questions:
- How can you stand up for a friend who is feeling sad?
- Why is it important to be kind to everyone?
Activity:
Create friendship bracelets to give to a classmate or friend.
3. “The Rainbow Fish” by Marcus Pfister
This classic story features a beautiful fish with shiny scales who learns that sharing his special scales brings true happiness and friendships. The book focuses on sharing, generosity, and the rewards of kindness.
Why It’s a Must-Read:
- Encourages generosity and selflessness.
- Stunning illustrations captivate young readers.
Discussion Questions:
- Why did the Rainbow Fish feel lonely at the beginning?
- How did sharing make the Rainbow Fish feel?
Activity:
Make a rainbow fish craft with shiny scales to symbolize acts of kindness.
4. “Friendshape” by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld
This fun and creative book uses simple shapes to tell a story about friendship. Through clever illustrations and wordplay, it teaches children how friends can come in all forms and work together to create something beautiful.
Why It’s a Must-Read:
- Promotes teamwork and inclusivity.
- Playful language makes learning about friendship engaging.
Discussion Questions:
- What do you like most about your friends?
- How can you work together with friends to solve problems?
Activity:
Draw pictures of you and your friends as different shapes working together on a project.
5. “Peanut Butter and Cupcake” by Terry Border
In this whimsical tale, Peanut Butter is looking for a friend to play with. Along the way, he meets several other food characters, learning the value of persistence and celebrating differences.
Why It’s a Must-Read:
- Encourages acceptance and resilience in making friends.
- Funny and relatable for young readers.
Discussion Questions:
- Why is it important to keep trying when making new friends?
- How can you celebrate what makes each friend unique?
Activity:
Create your own food characters and write a short story about their friendship adventures.
6. “The Big Umbrella” by Amy June Bates
This delightful book uses the metaphor of a big umbrella to show that there’s always room for everyone, no matter their differences. It emphasizes inclusivity and kindness.
Why It’s a Must-Read:
- Encourages inclusivity and community.
- Simple yet impactful storytelling.
Discussion Questions:
- How can you make someone feel included?
- Why is it important to make room for everyone?
Activity:
Create a class or group “umbrella” project where each child decorates a section with pictures of their friends.
7. “Strictly No Elephants” by Lisa Mantchev
In this heartwarming story, a boy and his pet elephant find themselves excluded from a pet club. They decide to start their own inclusive group where everyone is welcome, no matter how different they are.
Why It’s a Must-Read:
- Teaches the importance of acceptance and inclusion.
- Encourages children to embrace diversity.
Discussion Questions:
- How can you make sure everyone feels included in your group?
- What makes you and your friends unique?
Activity:
Design a “Welcome Club” sign that celebrates diversity and inclusion.
Highlighting Author Contributions
The authors featured in this list are pioneers in children’s literature, using storytelling to convey important social values like kindness, empathy, and inclusivity.
Mo Willems, with his renowned Elephant and Piggie series, masterfully combines humor and relatable scenarios to teach young readers about friendship, compromise, and emotional intelligence. His ability to create characters that resonate with children makes his books a staple in classrooms and homes.
Marcus Pfister, author of The Rainbow Fish, not only captures the importance of generosity but also revolutionized children’s book illustrations with his shimmering, colorful artwork. The visual appeal of his stories engages readers while reinforcing meaningful lessons about sharing and community.
Amy Krouse Rosenthal contributed significantly to themes of teamwork and inclusivity with books like Friendshape. Her creative use of shapes as characters encourages children to think beyond appearances and appreciate the unique qualities in everyone.
These authors have set benchmarks in storytelling by weaving social lessons seamlessly into their narratives. Their works continue to inspire educators and parents to use books as tools for teaching lifelong values.
Tips for Parents and Educators
Teaching friendship through books can be a transformative experience for children. To make storytime more interactive and impactful, try these strategies:
- Engage in Role-Playing: After reading a story, encourage children to act out scenarios that demonstrate good friendship behaviors. For example, they can practice sharing, taking turns, or comforting a friend who is sad. Role-playing helps children internalize these values in a fun and memorable way.
- Friendship Charts and Rewards: Create a “Friendship Chart” to track acts of kindness and positive interactions. Celebrate milestones with simple rewards like stickers or a special storytime.
- Host Friendship-Themed Days: Dedicate one day a week to activities that celebrate friendship, such as “Friendship Fridays.” Use this time for children to share stories, crafts, or drawings that highlight their favorite moments with friends.
- Establish a Friendship Library: Set up a designated space with books about friendship. Encourage children to borrow, read, and discuss these books to foster a deeper understanding of companionship and empathy.
- Incorporate Group Activities: Introduce collaborative projects that require teamwork, such as creating a mural or assembling a classroom quilt. These activities teach cooperation and the joy of working together.
By integrating these tips into daily routines, parents and educators can create an environment that nurtures empathy, kindness, and strong social connections.
Using these books to teach friendship can be a fun and interactive experience. Here are some tips to make the most of storytime:
- Role-Play Scenarios: After reading a book, act out scenarios where children practice being good friends. For example, they can take turns sharing a toy or comforting a friend who is sad.
- Friendship Charts: Create a chart to track acts of kindness and good friendship behavior in the classroom or at home. Reward children for completing friendship-related tasks.
- Start “Friendship Fridays”: Dedicate one day a week to celebrating friends. Children can share stories, crafts, or experiences that highlight their favorite moments with friends.
- Create a Friendship Library: Set up a special shelf with books about friendship and encourage children to borrow and discuss their favorite titles.
Real-Life Applications
Books about friendship provide more than just stories—they serve as blueprints for building real-world connections. Here are actionable ways children can translate lessons from these books into everyday life:
- The Friendship Jar: Encourage children to create a “Friendship Jar” where they can write down kind acts they’ve done or witnessed. Review the notes weekly to celebrate acts of kindness and reflect on the importance of friendships.
- Friendship Role-Play: Set up role-playing scenarios inspired by the books. For example, children can practice sharing toys like Gerald in “Should I Share My Ice Cream?” or welcoming a new friend like Bear in “Bear’s New Friend.” Role-playing not only reinforces lessons but also boosts social confidence.
- Inclusive Playdates: Host themed playdates based on the books. After reading “The Rainbow Fish,” children can bring items to share or exchange, symbolizing the act of giving.
- Collaborative Projects: Organize group activities like creating a class mural or building a model. Use “Friendshape” as inspiration for teamwork and inclusivity, encouraging children to work together and celebrate their accomplishments.
- Welcome New Friends: Take inspiration from “Strictly No Elephants” by encouraging children to create “Welcome Kits” for new classmates or neighbors. These could include drawings, small crafts, or notes to make newcomers feel included.
- Weekly Friendship Challenges: Set weekly goals for friendship-building, such as making a new friend, helping someone in need, or inviting a shy classmate to join a game. Recognize and celebrate these efforts to motivate children further.
These practical applications empower children to practice kindness, inclusivity, and teamwork beyond the pages of their favorite stories, helping them nurture meaningful friendships that last a lifetime.
Books about friendship can inspire children to take meaningful actions in their daily lives. Here are some ideas to help children apply the lessons they learn:
- Friendship Jar: Have children add notes to a jar about kind things they’ve done for a friend. Celebrate these acts at the end of the week.
- Plan a Playdate: Encourage children to organize a playdate based on their favorite book, such as sharing ice cream after reading “Should I Share My Ice Cream?”
- Classroom Activities: Introduce group projects that encourage collaboration, such as building a model or creating artwork together.
- Support New Friendships: Help children include new classmates or neighbors by organizing activities that make everyone feel welcome.
Building Friendships Through Stories
Friendship is an essential part of childhood, and these carefully selected books offer a valuable foundation for teaching kindness, inclusivity, and the joy of companionship. Each story provides a unique perspective on what it means to be a good friend, whether it’s sharing, standing up for others, or embracing differences.
By reading these books, parents, teachers, and caregivers can help children develop social-emotional skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Pairing these stories with discussions, activities, and real-life applications creates opportunities for young readers to connect lessons to their own lives, fostering stronger relationships and a deeper appreciation for the friends they have.
In a world where connection matters more than ever, these stories are a stepping stone toward building a generation of compassionate, empathetic individuals.