Heartwarming Picture Books About Friendship that Kids Will Love

A Friend Like You by Frank Murphy and Charnaie Gordon

A Friend Like You is a sweet picture book that celebrates the diverse and special nature of friendship. It highlights the different types of friends as well as the various roles that friends play in our lives. It also shares the joy that comes with laughter, supporting each other and the adventures that come with friends, both old and new.

Between Two Windows by Keisha Morris

Between Two Windows is a heartwarming picture book that celebrates the bond between two friends. It follows two friends who use a clothesline to pass messages and drawings back and forth between their apartment windows. When the clothesline is taken down, they need to find another way to keep their friendship alive. It’s an incredibly sweet story that celebrates creativity as well as the enduring nature of friendship.

Gussie & Max by Deirdre Sullivan

Gussie & Max is a delightful story of a koala and a monkey that highlights the journey of their friendship from the start to all of the new experiences they share. It explores the value of friendship as well as the shared adventures and support that friends provide for each other. It’s a pure delight!

Little Blue Truck Makes a Friend by Alice Schertle

The #1 New York Times bestselling Little Blue Truck is back in this adorable story about friendship. When a new friend arrives on the farm, the animals are both nervous and excited. Little Blue Truck’s kind and welcoming nature helps set the tone which reminds little readers that being friendly and helpful is important. The Little Blue Truck series is always entertaining but this one is particularly great at celebrating friendship.

Lost and Found by Oliver Jeffers

Oliver Jeffers always writes such wonderful stories and Lost and Found is no exception! When a boy finds a lost penguin at his door, he embarks on a journey to return it to the South Pole. During the difficult journey, he shares stories with the penguin and he realizes that the penguin isn’t lost — he’s lonely. Readers of all ages will adore this book!

Lucky by Christy Mandin

Lucky is such a charming picture book. When Lucky the pearl finds her home destroyed by trash, she sets out to find a new home. While she’s on her journey, she discovers the value of friendship. She also learns about the harmful effects of ocean pollution. It’s a wonderful book that is both entertaining and educational.

Me and You in a Book Made for Two by Jean Reidy

Me and You in a Book Made for Two is a delightful picture book by Jean Reidy that celebrates the joy of sharing stories with a friend. It encourages young readers to be the authors of their own adventures while emphasizing the importance of friendship, collaboration and teamwork. This book is a perfect book for read-alouds and will certainly be a hit with readers of all ages!

Old Friends by Margaret Aitken

Old Friends is a wonderful debut picture book by Margaret Aitken. It celebrates the importance of intergenerational friendships as well as the theme of “found family.” When Marjorie seeks a friend with similar interests, she finds a special connection with an older individual. This book is delightful and does such a wonderful job at showing that friends can be found in unexpected places and age is just a number.

Rani’s Remarkable Day by Saadia Faruqi

I really love this picture book because it’s humorous and engaging. When Rani, a South Asian princess, starts feeling lonely in her palace, she sets out to find adventure at the beach. While there, she experiences a journey of self-discovery and the joy of finding an unexpected friend outside the palace. Rani’s Remarkable Day is a celebration of friendship as well as independence.

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole by Mac Barnett

Sam & Dave Dig a Hole is a fantastic picture book by the award-winning team of Mac Barnett and Jon Klassen. It follows Sam and Dave who are on a mission to find something spectacular, leading them to dig a hole — only to find nothing. But, the day ends up being spectacular. It’s such an engaging story about finding joy in the unexpected, especially with friends by your side.

Snake’s Big Mistake by Sarah Kurpiel

Snake’s Big Mistake is a heartwarming picture book that shares the story of Snake, who makes a big mistake in art class that hurts a friend. When Snake’s own art project fails, he takes credit for his friend Turtle’s work. Sarah Kurpiel does a wonderful job at exploring friendship as well as apologizing and forgiveness. It’s the perfect book for social and emotional learning, especially in the classroom. With sensitive text and relatable story, readers will certainly love this book.

Something’s Wrong by Jory John

Jory John is one of my all-time favourite picture books, so it’s no surprise he’s featured on this list! Something’s Wrong follows Jeff the bear who has definitely forgotten something, but he can’t figure out what it is. Thankfully, his friends are there to help him get through his bad day. It’s full of humour and everyone will love it!

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone is a delightful and humorous picture book by Beth Ferry that features the New York Times bestselling duo, Stick and Stone. The story follows Stick and Stone, whose friendship is tested when Stick gets stuck and Stone has the chance to return the favour. It’s full of humour and wonderful rhyming text. It also has charming illustrations that everyone will love.

Strictly No Elephants by Lisa Mantchey

Strictly No Elephants is an adorable picture book that tells the story of a boy and his tiny pet elephant who are not allowed to join the Pet Club because of the elephant’s size. But, they work together to demonstrate the true meaning of friendship by showing that pets come in all shapes and sizes — just like friends. It really highlights the importance of acceptance and inclusion.

Tea with Oliver by Mika Song

Tea with Oliver is a sweet picture book that shares the unexpected friendship between Oliver the cat and Philbert the mouse. Oliver loves cookies and tea but he really wants a friend to share them with. When Philbert tries to get his attention by writing notes, they realize that friends come in unexpected places. It also shows how friends can come in all shapes, sizes and forms.

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

The Adventures of Beekle is a magical and award-winning picture book by Dan Santat. It shares the story of an imaginary friend who sets off on a journey to find his perfect match. Paired with the stunning illustrations, this book does a wonderful job at emphasizing friendship, imagination as well as drawing on courage to find your own place in the world. This one will become a new favourite for so many readers.

The Friend Ship by Kat Yeh

The Friend Ship tells the story of a lonely hedgehog who is in search of the mythical Friend Ship, after hearing others talk about it. Along the way, she meets other lonely animals who are eager to join in. It’s such a tender and beautiful story that shows readers that sometimes what you’re searching for, is right in front of you. This one is so sweet, you don’t want to miss it.

The House That Friendship Built by Igloo Books

When Giraffe needs to find a home that’s big enough for her long neck, everyone comes together to help. The House that Friendship Built is a fantastic story about empathy, understanding as well as collaboration. By working together, these friends are able to build the perfect home which helps readers to understand that teamwork is important.

The Kindest Red by Ibtihaj Muhammad and SK Ali

The Kindest Red is the sequel to the New York Times bestseller The Proudest Blue. It follows Faizah on picture day, where she wears a special red dress passed down from her mother and her sister. When it’s time for sibling pictures, Faizah realizes that she and her older sister don’t match like her classmates do with their siblings. But, with the help of her classmates inspired by Asiya’s hijab, Faizah discovers the meaning of friendship and the act of kindness. It’s a stunning book, both with its words and illustrations.

The Scarecrow by Beth Ferry

The Scarecrow is a heartwarming picture book about an unlikely friendship between a lonely scarecrow and a baby crow. Despite their differences, they are able to form a strong bond. The story is an exploration of the enduring power of friendship as well as the importance of helping others. Paired with the stunning illustrations by The Fan Brothers, this book is not to be missed.

The Sour Grape by Jory John

The Sour Grape is another book by Jory John that’s mentioned on this list. I wasn’t kidding when I said he’s one of my favourite authors! It tells the story of a grape who always holds grudges. When a friend holds a grudge against the Sour Grape, the grape realizes that the unfairness of grudges. It’s all about forgiveness and compassion, which are important skills for children to learn. I absolutely adore the entire Food Group series, but this one is a definite favourite!

The Story of Fish & Snail by Deborah Freedman

When Fish wants to show Snail a grand story about pirates, Snail is hesistant to leave their familiar world. This ultimately leads to a feud, and raises the question of whether their frendship can endure. The Story of Fish & Snail is a wonderful look at friendship, bravery as well as the different ways that friends can bring us outside of our comfort zone.

Turtle and Tortoise are NOT Friends by Mike Reiss

Turtle and Tortoise are NOT Friends is an adorable story about two stubborn creatures who, despite their differences, learn the value of friendship. This book does a fantastic job at highlighting the way that people can judge each other by their exterior, or their shells, but it’s what’s on the inside that counts. Young readers will learn that making assumptions can take you away from making wonderful friends.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T Higgins

Penelope the dinosaur faces a challenge making friends at school because her classmates are so delicious! But, she soon realizes eating her classmates might not be the best way to make friends. It’s a hilarious book (and series) that little readers are going to love that offers a fresh take on friendship and acceptance.

You Will Be My Friend! by Peter Brown

You Will Be My Friend is an oldie but a goodie! Lucy sets out to make a new friend but faces challenges due to her size and nature. But, she finally finds a friend who accepts her just the way she is. It’s an entertaining story that really helps to explore the importance of persistence, friendship and the fact that friends can come in unexpected places.