Friends Forever Book List
The benefits of reading to your child are enormous! There are countless studies on how reading impacts your child’s vocabulary, language development, cognitive skills, and understanding of the world around them. To enhance your child’s play and encourage literacy, here are some of our favorite books about kindness and friendship to read along with your Friends Forever sensory kit.
Books for ages 0-3
Guess How Much I Love You by Sam McBratney
This is a classic that I will forever love to read! A wonderful bedtime book, Guess How Much I Love You follows a parent and child rabbit as they get ready to go to sleep and tell each other how much they love one another.
Will You Be My Friend? by Sam McBratney
Little Nutbrown Hair is looking for a friend to play with when he meets Tipps. This tale of the adventures of two new friends is a sweet and simple read for even the youngest readers. A wonderful companion to Guess How Much I Love You, it’s sure to leave you smiling.
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld
This is a book I immediately bought for my classroom after I read it. When things come crashing down in Taylor’s life lots of animals come to visit him to try and find a solution. But it’s the rabbit’s quiet steadiness that allows Taylor to dream of new things again. A book about the power of empathy, this is a must read.
How Do Dinosaurs Learn to be Kind? by Jane Yolen and Mark Teague
This sweet book follows lots of dinosaurs as they learn how to be good friends to those around them. With an actionable message and memorable illustrations this books is perfect for little ones as they are learning to navigate early friendships!
Little Blue Truck’s Valentine by Alice Schertle
Little Blue Truck goes on a journey of kindness and friendship as he delivers hand-made cards to each of his friends around the farm. Ending with a surprise, this book is the perfect Valentine’s Day read!
The Kindness Book by Todd Parr
A beginner non-fiction book, The Kindness Book, walks children through examples of what kindness is and ways to be kind in their community. With bright and unforgettable illustrations, we love how this book touches on being kind to yourself as well. A sweet and easy read that is sure to be impactful.
Books for ages 3-6
The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat
Beekle is from the island of imaginary friends. But when his turn to become an imaginary friend never comes, he takes matters into his own hands to make a friend on his own. A tale of perseverance, this is a wonderful book to read as children begin to make friendships of their own.
In My Heart by Jo Witek
Inside of everyone’s heart there are lots of feelings. This book explores how our hearts can contain lots of different things and gives thoughtful descriptions to each feeling. With a beautiful tree-ring of hearts on each page, this book helps children sort out each of their many feelings.
What Love Looks Like Laura Obuobi
When Afia can’t fall asleep she asks her Papa what love looks like. This takes them on a whimsical adventure as they discovery all the things that love can look like! With beautiful illustrations this book is perfect for reading before bed, when on an outside adventure, or anytime in-between.
The Grand Hotel of Feelings by Lidia Brankovic
When you run the Hotel of Feelings you have to learn to care for each feeling differently. Sadness needs someone to listen to, while anger needs lots of space to express itself. Learning not to rush each feeling is tricky. Each feeling is unique and has purpose. This is a book to read as children learn to navigate and regulate their emotions.
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig
Brian felt invisible at school. Until one day a kind note changes everything! This story is a perfect example of how kindness can make such a difference. The Invisible Boy encourages everyone to choose kindness everyday!
My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
Elephant and Piggy are the best of friends, so what should Piggy do when she finds out her friend is sad? A story narrated via speech bubbles, Piggy works to find a way to cheer elephant up until she realized he just needs a friend to sit and be with him. Illustrating the power of a good friend, this is sure to be a favorite!
Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel
This is a personal comfort book. Frog and Toad lead lives full of simple joys and adventures but their friendship is at the heart of it all. With messages that resonate with children as well as adults, Frog and Toad Are Friends is a must-read.
Chester’s Way by Kevin Henkes
Chester and Wilson did everything together… until a new mouse moved into the neighborhood. A delightful tale about two friends who step out of their comfort zone to welcome new friend into their lives. Chester’s Way is sweet, quirky and heartwarming, the perfect combination!
