FRIENDSHIP

The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships
by Christina Furnival
A thoughtful story that helps children recognize unhealthy friendships, establish boundaries, and learn that it’s okay to stand up for themselves.

The Recess Queen
by Alexis O’Neill & Laura Heliska-Beith
A playful story about bullying, kindness, and the power of friendship. Shows children how a simple act of inclusion can change playground relationships.

Rulers of the Playground
by Joseph Kuefler
A humorous look at power struggles on the playground. Helps children explore cooperation, compromise, and what it really means to be a good friend.

Hunter’s Best Friend at School
by Laura Malone Elliott
A relatable story about friendship and peer pressure. Helps children understand that being a good friend doesn’t mean following someone else’s behavior when it doesn’t feel right.

Hands Off Harry
by Rosemary Wells
A playful story that helps young children understand personal space, respect others’ boundaries, and learn to keep their hands to themselves while building positive friendships.

King of the Playground
by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor
A wonderful story about a father who helps his young son navigate a playground bully—not by telling him what to do, but by listening, asking thoughtful questions, and encouraging him to discover his own solution. An empowering book that helps young children build confidence and develop problem-solving skills.

Let’s Play: A Book about Making Friends
by Amanda McCardie
Making friends can be very hard for children at all ages.  This book has tons of pictures showing children playing together and there are many wonderful teaching moments and helpful definitions of phrases for children like, “being kind,” “being brave,” “feeling embarrassed,” “feeling lonely,” “standing up for,” and wanting to play alone.”

SEPARATION

Owl Babies
by Martin Waddell
A sweet, reassuring story about three baby owls who wake up to find their mother gone. As they wait for her return, they share their worries and comfort one another. A wonderful book for helping young children understand separation, manage their fears, and feel reassured that their parents will return.

The Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn
A heartwarming story about a young raccoon who is nervous about leaving his mother to go to school. His mother shares a special way to help him feel loved and connected, even when they’re apart. A comforting book that helps young children cope with separation anxiety and feel secure knowing their parent’s love is always with them.

Bye Bye Time
by Elizabeth Verdick
This gentle book helps ease the transition to daycare or preschool with simple rituals: hugs and kisses, a big wave, a deep breath, and the confidence to seek comfort with the new caregiver or other children.