Illustrated by Catia Chien. 38 p., Houghton Mifflin, 2008. Sometimes being a friend means letting go. A little girl finds a beautiful sea serpent in her bathtub. They play together in the bath, and when it isn't bath time, she keeps him in a fish tank. The girl asks the serpent whether he misses the sea, and he says he does. In response, she promises to take him back, but the next couple of days are rainy, and she doesn't think that's good beach weather. In the meantime, the serpent is growing rapidly, and although she has mixed feelings about it, the girl realizes that if he grows any larger, she won't be able to take him home to the sea. So they go to the beach in spite of the rain. Knowing that people and serpents have different needs, and so need different homes, the girl says goodbye to the serpent. It's hard for both of them, but they take the time to share memories of their time together, the girl gives the serpent lots of reassurance about his life in the sea. When she's gone home, the girl finds comfort in her memories of the sea serpent. The story is illustrated with charcoals and semi-transparent washes of acrylic in a palette of greens and blues. Children will understand that there are times when it's best for both of you to put your friend's needs first, and that although this can be painful, it's bearable. Ages 4-8
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label friendship. Show all posts
The Cardboard Piano by Lynne Rae Perkins
32 p., Greenwillow, 2008. Sometimes it's hard to accept differences between friends even when you know that it's OK to have them. Debbie and Tina, who are best friends, are alike in some ways and not in others, and "mostly it evened out." But when Debbie starts taking piano lessons and Tina doesn't, this feels like a big difference. Tina expresses a wish to play the piano, but she doesn't have one to practice on, and doesn't want to practice on Debbie's. Debbie gets the idea to make her a cardboard practice piano. With this piano, you have to hear the music in your mind. Debbie gives the piano to Tina, and dreams about the fun they'll have playing together. She even gives Tina lessons. But Tina finds that she doesn't really like playing the piano, at least this way. Debbie is crushed. She tries out different explanations for her disappointment, but none of them seem to work. Then she tries actually playing the cardboard piano, and she understands Tina's experience - she doesn't hear the music in her mind, and so it isn't fun. Instead, she and Tina bake cookies together, and they bring some to their neighbor, Mr. K. Mr. K teaches them a dance from the country where he was born - a dance that people dance long into the night. Debbie is excited about the three of them dancing together like that. Now she has something that she and Tina can enjoy together again. This book is illustrated with colorful, vibrant, ink and watercolor paintings that feel very true to childhood experience, and comes with a DVD in which the author narrates an animated version. The story supports children in sustaining their friendships while navigating their differences. Ages 4-7
What a Treasure! by Jane Hillenbrand
Illustrated by Will Hillenbrand.24 p., Holiday, 2006. Finding treasures can depend on your perspective. In this story, Mole gets a new shovel. When he digs for treasure, at first he finds things that are treasures to birds, snails, and squirrels. He generously gives these things to the creatures who identify them as treasures. Finally, he finds a new friend, another mole – a treasure for himself. With charming repetition in its text and unique, colorful, cheerful illustrations, this story gives children meaningful messages about believing in yourself, sharing, and the value of friendship. Ages 2-5
A Cat and a Dog/Un Gato y un Perro by Claire Masurel
Translated by Andrés Antreasyan. Illustrated by Bob Kolar. 32 p., Ediciones Norte-Sur, 2001. When you live in the same house, you might have lots of disagreements and fights. Such is the case for the cat and the dog in this bilingual (Spanish/English) story. Of all the things the cat and the dog fight about, they fight most about their toys. Each is very protective of her or his own toys. But one day, the cat loses his/her toy in the water, and the dog loses his/her toy in a tree. Neither can get their own toy - but each can get the other's toy. They both see this solution to their problems, and each gets the other one's toy and returns it. After that, they become friends. With its simple, colorful illustrations, this story shows children an a way to cooperate, rather than fighting, with those they live with. Ages 3-7
The Real Winner by Charise Neugebauer
Illustrated by Barbara Nascimbeni. 28 p., North-South, 2000. When everything is a competition, it's easy to forget kindness - and it isn't even fun. Such is the case for Rocky, a raccoon who has no friends. Humphrey, an endlessly kind, patient hippopotamus, believes that this is because "Rocky turned everything into a contest, and if he didn't win, he whined and cried." Indeed, when Humphrey agrees to let Rocky come fishing with him, Rocky immediately makes the first part of their journey into a race. This happens over and over again, and the refrains quickly become familiar to readers. When Humphrey is ahead, Rocky says, "It's not fair!" But soon, Humphrey sees an animal that needs help - a bird that has fallen from its nest, a duck who has lost its family, a frog trapped inside a bucket. Each time, Humphrey stops to help these creatures gently, and forgets about the race, and Rocky shouts, "I won! I won! wait till I tell my mom!" Eventually, Rocky becomes panicky about winning the fish-catching contest that he's proposed, before it gets dark and they have to go home. Humphrey explains that it isn't possible to fish fast, and tells Rocky to relax and enjoy the process. When Rocky can do this, he catches the first fish, and wins the contest. But surprisingly, he isn't happy or excited. He just feels compassion for the struggling little fish. And just as he has seen Humphrey do with the other creatures, he sets the fish free. He has learned that kindness and being a friend are more important than winning. And happily, his mother is very proud of him! With its vividly colored illustrations, outlined in black, this story helps children see a happy alternative to competitiveness. Ages 4-9
Sally and the Some-Thing by George O'Connor
32 p., Roaring Brook, 2006. Sometimes, making new friends involves looking past both appearances and an initial impression that you don't have anything in common. When Sally is bored, she rides her bike to the pond and goes fishing. She doesn't catch any fish, but she meets a green, slimy-looking Some-Thing. Many kids would be scared, but Sally isn't - she's happy that the Some-Thing isn't borning, and invites him to play. The Some-Thing isn't good at the kinds of things Sally likes to do, and it turns out that Sally finds the Some-Thing's favorite things either boring or too difficult. But Sally is a natural problem-solver, and she doesn't give up. Instead, she proposes that they make up new games to play together. This works out wonderfully for them - they play all day, until the Some-Thing is exhausted, and Sally takes him home to the pond. Colorfully and expressively illustrated, this story supports children in using their problem-solving skills toward making new friends. Ages 4-7
Yes We Can! by Sam McBratney
Illustrated by Charles Fuge. 32 p., HarperCollins, 2007. When children make fun of each other, they feel bad. In this story, three animal friends (Little Roo, Quacker Duck, and Country Mouse) goad each other to do things that they can’t do, and then laugh at them when they can’t. Not surprisingly, they all end up feeling grumpy. When Little Roo’s mother sees this, she tells them that no one likes being laughed at, and suggests that they demonstrate what they can do, instead of what they can’t. Each one shows off a skill that one of the others had failed at earlier, and each time, receives compliments from the other two. Then Roo’s mother asks them whether they can be friends again. That’s something that all of them can do. With its friendly, colorful illustrations, this story encourages children to be empathic when someone can’t do something, and offers a way for them to feel good about themselves and their friends. Ages 3-7
Houndsley and Catina by James Howe
Illustrated by Marie-Louise Gay. 36 p., Candlewick, 2006. Friendship can help us to discover what's really important to us. In this story, Houndsley is a dog who enjoys cooking. Catina, his best friend, is a cat who wants to be a famous writer. Unfortunately, she's also a terrible writer, and while Houndsley tries to be supportive, he knows this, and worries about her. Houndsley is an excellent and creative cook. Catina encourages him to enter a cooking contest, telling him that he has to share his talent with the world. But when he does, he gets so flummoxed that he cooks terribly, and is profoundly embarrassed. When they talk about this later, Houndsley wisely remarks, "Trying to be the best made me nervous, and I did not have fun. If you do not have fun doing something you like to do, what is the point?" There's an important lesson here for Catina, who realizes that she doesn't like to write. But she wants to be good at something. Houndsley tells her that she's already a good friend, and she realizes that this is what's really important to her. With its charming illustrations in watercolor, pencil, and collage, this story offers children accessible insights into both self and relationships. Ages 5-7
Willy and Max: A Holocaust Story by Amy Littlesugar
Illustrated by William Low. 40 p., Philomel, 2006. Friendship can transcend war. Willy (who would grow up to become the narrator's Grandpa Will) lived in Belgium, where his parents owned an antique store. A shy little boy, Will wishes he had a friend. His wish comes true when Professor Solomon and his son, Max, visit the store. While Professor Solomon buys a special paining called The Lady, Willy and Max discover that they both like to play hide-and-seek. From then on, the two boys are inseparable. Willy understands that because Max is Jewish, he is in danger from the Nazis. But they don't talk about that. They play in the park, and one Friday, Willy has Shabbos dinner at Max's home. When Max and his father have to leave Antwerp because of Nazi persecution, Willy's father hides The Lady for them. However the Nazi soldiers steal it from them. More than sixty years later, when grandpa Will lives in the United States, a museum calls him, saying they've found something that belongs to him. They had recovered The Lady. With it was a photograph of Willy and Max as boys. The curator has been unable to find Max, and Will asks him to try harder. Eventually, she finds out that Max had died recently, but has a family. There is a moving reunion of the two families at Shabbos dinner. With its warmly-colored mixed-media illustrations that have the feel of oil paintings, this story celebrates the strength of friendship, in spite of war. Ages 7-10
Pepo and Lolo Are Friends by Ana Martín Larrañaga
24 p., Candlewick, 2004. Regardless of their differences and conflicts, friends can still be friends. Pepo, a pig, and Lolo, and chick, are friends. They like to do many of the same things, although sometimes one has better skills. Although they can become angry at each other, this never lasts long, because their friendship is more important. With its simple, expressive, colorful mixed-media illustrations, this story introduces important ideas about friendship to the youngest children. Ages 1-3
Finklehopper Frog Cheers by Irene Livingston
Illustrated by Brian Lies. 24 p., Tricycle, 2005. Friends not only have fun together, but also support each other in difficult moments. In this rhyming story, Finklehopper Frog worries about going to a picnic because others might laugh at him or try to grab his hat. But he goes anyway, even though he's scared, because his friend, Ruby Rabbit, will be there. And when bullies tease him about his hat, Ruby answers them with cheerfulness, and they slink off. Then it's time for a race, and it's Ruby's turn to worry - she faces tough competition from Sue Kangaroo. But with Finklehopper's encouragement, she tries her best. When she finishes second to Sue, she bursts into tears, yelling "no fair!" Finklehopper tells her he's proud of her because she did her best, and raced even though she was worried. Ruby congratulates Sue on her win, and has learned that when everyone does their best, then everyone wins. The story ends with happy high-fives. The energy of the color illustrations matches the liveliness of the rhyming text. Finklehopper and Sue are lovely examples of supportive friendship, and children will learn important things about coping with bullies and competition too. Ages 4-6
Pepo and Lolo and the Red Apple by Ana Martín Larrañaga
24 p., Candlewick, 2004. When friends work together, they can get what they need. In this very simple story, Pepo (a pig) and Lolo (a chick) see an apple hanging on a branch. Neither one can reach it. But when they work together to get it - Lolo climbs on Pepo's back - they get the apple, and share it. They're both happy, and ants carry away the core. With its bright, cheerful mixed-media illustrations, this story shows the youngest children how to collaborate and share. Ages 1-3
Sorry! by Trudy Ludwig
Illustrated by Maurie J. Manning. 32 p., Tricycle, 2006. Many children have difficulty apologizing. In this story, Jack's friend, Charlie, does hurtful things and tries - usually successfully - to convince Jack to do them too. Charlie thinks that all you have to do is say "sorry," even if you don't mean it, and everything will be fine. Jack is in a difficult spot: he feels that he needs Charlie's friendship because without it, he was a "nobody," and would be again. He has even stopped hanging out with his friend Leena, "because it didn't look good to be friends with a brainiac girl ... [and] a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do to be cool." When Charlie callously ruins Leena's science project, their teacher expects him not only to say he's sorry, but also to make right what he's done. Charlie has no idea what to do, so Jack explains that they have to make replacements for the parts of the project that he ruined. Jack turns down basketball with the guys to help Leena, beginning to renew his friendship with her. An afterword explains the significance of good apologies. An author's note, discussion questions, and a list of "Apology Dos and Don'ts" are also included. Illustrated in digital pastel and watercolor, this story shows kids the meaning of apology, and helps them understand how to use an apology to repair a relationship. Along the way, they may also understand more about the importance of genuine friendship, as compared to being cool. Ages 5-8
Flabbersmashed About You by Rachel Vail
Illustrated by Yumi Heo.32 p., Macmillan, 2012. It can be hurtful when your best friend wants to play with someone else. Katie has this experience when her best friend, Jennifer, would rather chase imaginary bad guys with Roy at recess than make imaginary soup with her. Katie feels lonely, hurt, angry, and "completely flabbersmashed." The children have to walk inside from recess with one buddy each, and Jennifer chooses Roy. But a quiet new girl, Arabella, chooses Katie.Katie feels accepted, and finds herself hopeful that she can have fun with Arabella. It's clear that this is a very different feeling from the lonely, angry, flabbersmashed feeling. The illustrations are energetic and evocative. This story offers children empathy for an important experience in their lives, and shows them that they can feel better. Ages 4-8
Sofie and the City by Karima Grant
Illustrated by Janet Montecalvo.32 p., Boyds, 2006. When you move to a new country, you miss the beauty and friendliness of home. Such is the case for Sofie, who has moved to a large U.S. city (perhaps New York) with her parents from Senegal. In phone conversations with her grandmother, Mame, Sofie describes her experience of her new home as ugly and isolating. She tells Mame that she wants to return to Senegal. Her wise Mame tells her, "before you come back, you will just have to make it pretty." Beauty and friendship arrive together, in the form of a neighbor girl named Kenya who colors on the sidewalk with chalk. When Sofie joins Kenya in coloring, she draws her first home and her grandmother. This allows her to connect her old and new homes, and with a new friend, her new home doesn't seem so ugly any more. With its colorful illustrations, this story shows children important ways to feel at home in a new country. Ages 3-7
Heron and Turtle by Valeri Gorbachev
40 p., Philomel, 2006. Friendship can grow from doing things together, being considerate, and adapting to each other. In this story, Heron and Turtle are neighbors. One day, Turtle invites Heron to go for a walk with him. But they don't walk well together, because Heron walks much faster than Turtle. Turtle solves the problem: instead of walking, they ride in his boat together. Heron also stops by Turtle's house for a spontaneous visit, apologizing for its unexpectedness; Turtle responds by making lunch that meets both friends' needs. And both friends enjoy watching the sun set over the lake, listening to the sounds of the evening. With its peaceful ink and watercolor illustrations, this story gently shows children important aspects of being a friend. Ages 3-6
That's What Friends are For by Valeri Gorbachev
32 p., Philomel, 2005. Being a good friend means caring about your friend, being willing to help, and maybe most of all, being empathic. In this sweet, funny story, Goat wakes up one morning, excited to be having dinner at his friend Pig's house that night. But he sees that Pig is in tears. He imagines all sorts of terrible things that might have happened, and thinks about how he'll help Pig in each of the situations he's imagined. For example, if Pig has fallen and broken his leg, he'll play chess with him every day to help him forget how much pain he's in. Finally, Goat can't stand worrying any longer, and he goes to Pig's house, equipped to help with all of the disasters on his mind. Pig is still in tears - and asks Goat to help him chop onions! Goat happily agrees, and is soon crying right along with Pig. With its lively ink and watercolor illustrations, this story not only conveys a wonderfully warm perspective on friendship, but also delivers an important message about worrying. Ages 3-6
Roasted Peanuts by Tim Egan
32 p., Houghton, 2006. Sometimes you have to change your plans to become the best you can be, and that might mean changing your ideas about how to be friends. Sam (a horse) and Jackson (a cat) are best friends who love baseball. Sam is a talented player, and although Jackson can throw, he can't pitch, and he has no other baseball skills at all. Not surprisingly, when they're old enough to play for a team, Sam is selected and Jackson isn't. They're both sad, Jackson because he didn't make the team, and Sam because playing isn't fun without his best friend. In fact, Sam is so sad that his playing suffers. He encourages Jackson to become a peanut vendor, saying he'd be good at it because he throws well, but at first, Jackson is too discouraged to try. When Jackson finally does become a peanut vendor, his presence at the games cheers Sam, who begins to play well again, and Jackson discovers that people truly appreciate and enjoy his peanut-tossing skills. Each one becomes famous for what he does best. In one exciting game, Jackson even helps Sam's team win, if inadvertently. In the end, Jackson's career is longer-lasting than Sam's. With its expressive illustrations, this story shows children that when each of us does what we do best, even if that means being different from our friends, we can stay connected to both ourselves and our good friends. Ages 5-8
Gigi and Lulu's Gigantic Fight by Pamela Duncan Edwards
Illustrated by Henry Cole. 40 p., HarperCollins/Tegen, 2004. Sometimes it takes an argument to learn that best friends don't have to be the same in every way. Gigi (a pig) and Lulu (a mouse) are best friends, and always wear the same thing. The adults around them comment on how much they're the same, "two peas in a pod." But then, one day, Lulu accuses Gigi of knocking over her block building. Gigi accuses Lulu of putting the blocks in her way. They each declare that they'll never speak to each other again. Although the adults try to get them to make up, they refuse. Soon it's twin day at school, and neither child wants to choose someone with whom they'll dress alike and bring the same lunch. Their teacher suggests that they just wear and bring what they like best. When they get to school, each discovers that she's had misconceptions about what the other's favorites are, and that they really don't share as many tastes as they'd thought. But they do have their favorite green sneakers in common, along with a shared routine of wearing them on Wednesdays. They decide that even though they really aren't "two little peas in a pod," they can each be themselves, and can be friends again. Children will learn that it's not only possible, but maybe necessary, to be unique individuals while being friends. Ages 4-7
Hot Day on Abbott Avenue by Karen English
Illustrated by Javaka Steptoe. 32 p., Clarion, 2004. It can be hard to stay best friends when you're angry, and, as a neighbor points out, "Hot days sure can make tempers short.". On the hot, hot day in this story, Renée is furious at Kishi because Kishi bought the last blue ice pop, Renée's favorite, from the ice cream man. Kishi retorts that blue ice pops are her favorite, too. Each one plays alone a little, but mostly they do nothing. Adults try to get them both to help with things, but they see right through this, and refuse. But neither girl can resist the chants that go with double-Dutch jump rope, and both join in with a group of their friends. Gradually, the fun of jumping rope replaces their anger. And when the ice cream man comes again, all the girls except Renée get blue ice pops - and there are no more left. This time, Kishi shares with Renée, and soon the two feel good about being best friends again. This story is illustrated with stunning cut paper and found-object collages that are full of depth, texture, and energy. With Kishi and Renée, children will understand that even when you're angry, it's possible to soothe yourself, repair relationships, and be friends again. Ages 5-8