Making New Friends: Picture Books about FriendshipIn Pirkei Avot, a collection of brief sayings from the Jewish law code the Mishna, it says “Make for yourself a teacher, acquire for yourself a friend, and judge every person favorably.” In school children have access to plenty of teachers, but forming friendships is a more delicate undertaking. Making and keeping friends is major part of not only the lives of young children, but of all of us.

When it comes to great kids’ books about friendship there are many old favorites—both of us at GBJCL immediately thought of Arnold Lobel’s Frog and Toad, James Marshall’s George & Martha, and Leo Lioni’s well-known stories on the topic. However, in the sprit of making new friends, we’d like to introduce you to some lesser known titles that explore aspects of friendship, such as self-respect, empathy, and solidarity. The children in your life will delight in these gutsy characters and additional takes on friendships.

Click here for our list of Picture Books about Friendship.

For our booklists on other topics, click here.

For a broader range of resources for tutors, click here.

Wishing you health, happiness, and friendship as we enter the new year of 2014.

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