My daughter is at the age where she comes back from preschool and feels sad that her friend didn’t talk to her today. Reading children picture books together is my way of approaching a topic with her such as early childhood friendships. These 5 preschool friendship books show how small acts of kindness, sharing, and understanding can create strong and lasting friendships. These books offer a fresh perspective on what it means to be a good friend, helping kids develop empathy and social skills—all while enjoying engaging, heartwarming tales perfect for bedtime reading.
1. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson
A tiny snail and a massive whale embark on an adventure across the oceans. Through their journey, they discover the importance of both courage and teamwork, with the snail ultimately becoming a hero by saving the whale.
Highlights: I recommend this book because it focuses on the power of unlikely friendships and mutual support. The story shows how friendships can form between very different individuals, like a tiny snail and a giant whale. Their bond grows stronger through their shared adventures, and the whale helps the snail explore the world, while the snail ultimately saves the whale when it’s in danger.
Friendship lesson: This book emphasizes how friends can complement each other, with each bringing their own strengths. It also highlights how friendships are not defined by external appearances or differences but by the support and trust that friends offer each other in times of need.
2. I Walk with Vanessa by Kerascoët
The Wordless Book by Vanessa Wells tells the story of two characters who meet and slowly form a friendship.
Highlights: The wordless format allows children to create their own interpretations of the plot, but at its core, the book focuses on how friendships develop through shared experiences and empathy.
Friendship lesson: The absence of words highlights the non-verbal communication that often underlies strong friendships. It allows children to explore how emotions, shared experiences, and acts of kindness contribute to a deep sense of friendship, even without dialogue.
3. Enemy Pie by Derek Munson
A young boy wants to make his “enemy” go away, and his father suggests making enemy pie. As he spends time with his supposed enemy, he learns that they are not so different after all and they eventually become friends.
Highlights: This book focuses on conflict resolution and forgiveness in friendships. The boy initially sees the other child as his enemy, but through spending time together and shared experiences, he realizes that misunderstandings often create unnecessary barriers between potential friends. The pie, a metaphor for reconciliation, helps them overcome their differences.
Friendship lesson: It teaches children that friendships sometimes require effort and that forgiveness and empathy are key to resolving conflicts. The story shows that initial judgments can be wrong and that getting to know someone better can transform an “enemy” into a friend. It reinforces the idea that patience and understanding are essential components of healthy relationships.
4. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
The Rainbow Fish is admired for his beautiful scales, but his refusal to share them leaves him lonely. Once he shares his scales with others, he finds the true meaning of friendship.
Highlights: This book centers on the idea that generosity and selflessness are key to building meaningful friendships. At the beginning of the story, the Rainbow Fish’s beauty isolates him because he doesn’t want to share his shimmering scales. Only when he starts sharing with others does he experience true friendship and happiness.
Friendship lesson: The book teaches that friendship is about giving and sharing, rather than materialistic qualities. It illustrates how sharing not only strengthens bonds but also helps individuals experience joy and fulfillment. This lesson encourages children to understand that friendships grow through acts of kindness and generosity, rather than selfishness.
5. Being Kind by Pat Zietlow Miller
This book presents various ways in which kindness can be shown in everyday life, from comforting a friend to helping a stranger. Each act of kindness has a ripple effect, leading to more positivity.
Highlights: I recommend this book for its focus on the small acts of kindness that form the foundation of friendships. Through various examples, it shows how simple, everyday gestures can build trust and mutual respect in relationships. The ripple effect of kindness spreads, making both the giver and receiver feel valued and connected.
Friendship lesson: The book highlights that friendships are often built on consistent acts of kindness. It demonstrates how empathy, thoughtfulness, and consideration for others’ feelings create stronger and more compassionate connections between people. Children learn that being kind is the basis of creating and maintaining friendships, and that these small actions can lead to a big impact on others.
About Serene
My journey into writing began when my daughter was born. I wanted to create stories that would help my daughter—and other children—learn more about themselves and the world around them.
Now a mother of 2, my goal is to bring families closer together, inspiring meaningful conversations among readers of all ages.
I Love My Little Brother
My book is about the whirlwind of emotions an older sister experiences when a new baby arrives. Central to the story is the message that a new sibling brings even more love into a family.
What makes this book so special is that it tells the story from the older sister and the parent’s perspective, making it very relatable for an older sibling.
