Children’s Books About Friendship of 2025

Pooh is slow and thoughtful. Tigger is bouncy. Rabbit is grumpy. Yet, they all fit together. These stories teach children that friends can have wildly different personalities and still care for one another. It is a timeless lesson in acceptance.

It is a beautiful story of sacrifice. However, it deals heavily with death and loss. Parents should be aware of this. It might be overwhelming for very young or sensitive readers, but it offers a safe space to discuss grief.

She doesn’t fight back; she just wants to be friends. Alexis O’Neill uses colorful illustrations to flip the script on bullying. It shows kids that sometimes, disarming a bully just takes a little kindness and confidence.

Louise Fitzhugh creates a complex character here. Harriet isn’t perfect. This makes it great for preteens. It teaches hard lessons about privacy, words, and the consequences of honesty without tact.

Big Al proves his worth when he saves the other fish from a net. Andrew Clements delivers a clear message for elementary kids: don’t judge a book (or a fish) by its cover. True friendship is about action, not looks.

Roald Dahl is a master of fantasy. The vocabulary is inventive and fun. We recommend reading this aloud to help with the made-up words. It is best for ages 8 and up, as the concept of giants eating children can be a bit dark.

Ted Hughes tackles big themes here. It touches on war, peace, and environmentalism. The bond between the boy and the machine is touching. It is a great choice for older children ready for heavier concepts.

Wiz uses his powers to improve Harriet’s life. Dick King-Smith writes a charming, oddball story. The premise is strange enough to keep kids intrigued, and the friendship is genuinely sweet.

Jacqueline Wilson captures the teenage voice perfectly. Teen girls will see themselves in Ellie. Parents should note there are mature themes here, so it is strictly for the older crowd.

This book is a phenomenon for a reason. R.J. Palacio writes a story that is tough, touching, and necessary. It is perfect for reading aloud to kids 10 and up to spark conversations about kindness and inclusion.

Philip C. Stead created a gentle masterpiece. The illustrations are soothing. It is perfect for children aged 6 and up. It teaches that friendship is a two-way street.

From the team behind “The Gruffalo,” this story is a visual treat. It shows toddlers that even the smallest friend can make a massive difference.

This is a modern classic. It is great for ages 9 and up. The core of the story isn’t the spells; it’s the loyalty between three friends fighting adversity.

He neglects Vulture. Aaron Reynolds tackles a very modern problem here. It teaches kids (around age 8) about the shallow nature of online popularity versus the value of a real-life friend.

Salina Yoon created an adorable story here. It teaches young kids that they don’t have to change who they are to fit in. The right friend will get you, quirks and all.

Jenn Bailey provides a window into the mind of a child on the autism spectrum. It helps children aged 5 to 8 develop empathy for neurodivergent classmates.

Mo Willems is a genius at simple, expressive storytelling. This book is hilarious but also touching. It shows young readers that sometimes, the best way to help a sad friend is just being there.

Kathryn Otoshi uses abstract characters to teach a concrete lesson. It explains the power of standing up for others. It is simple enough for toddlers but deep enough for school-age kids.

Jacqueline Wilson tackles the pain of separation here. It is suited for preteens. If your child has a bestie moving schools or houses, this book will resonate deeply.

Katherine Applegate writes a heart-wrenching story. It deals with captivity and animal welfare, so it is better for older kids. The friendship between Ivan and Ruby drives the plot and ultimately saves them.

Sharon Creech writes this entire book in free verse. It is quick, emotional, and unique. It is a fantastic way to introduce boys to poetry and the emotional bonds we form with pets.

Rudyard Kipling’s classic is about belonging. Mowgli is torn between the human world and his animal family. It is a wild adventure that defines loyalty.

Because of the dog, she meets the locals and repairs her relationship with her father. Kate DiCamillo writes with soul. This is a must-read for kids 9 and up about how one friend can open up your entire world.

Ciara Flood creates a charming story about breaking down walls. Mr. Bear eventually learns that being alone isn’t nearly as good as having friends. It is beautifully illustrated and perfect for toddlers.

This wordless book by Chris Raschka won the Caldecott Medal. It deals with loss and recovery in a way young children understand. It’s perfect for ages 3 to 7, showing that even when things break, everything will be okay.

The humor is dry and witty. Adults will laugh just as much as the kids. It’s a great pick if you want a book that doesn’t feel like a chore to read on repeat.

Michelle Knudson writes a warm story about breaking rules for the right reasons. It shows kids ages 4 to 8 that friends can be found in the most unlikely places, even the quiet section of the library.

It covers making friends, toxic relationships, and cyber-bullying. It’s a non-fiction survival guide. Parents can read it too to get a glimpse into the social pressures their teens face daily.

Elizabeth Wein delivers a gut-punch of a novel. It is intense, heartbreaking, and brilliant. Best for older teens, it showcases a female friendship that survives even in the face of death.

Taro Gomi uses simple text and bold colors. It’s perfect for toddlers. The message is subtle but lovely: the world is full of friends if you are open to learning from them.

Lynn Reiser uses this bilingual book to show that play is a universal language. It teaches kids that barriers like language are only as big as you make them.

Patricia Polacco writes deeply emotional stories. This one bridges the gap between generations and cultures. It is a wonderful read for kids 4 and up about finding common ground.

Todd Snow’s illustrations are diverse and inclusive. It is great for preschoolers who are just learning the social ropes.

Eric Carle tells the story almost entirely through pictures. It allows you to “tell” the story to your toddler in your own words. The journey ends happily, showing that persistence pays off.

Does he follow his friend and get in trouble, or does he do the right thing? Laura Malone Elliott creates a relatable scenario for kids aged 4 to 7 about peer pressure and individuality.

Wendy Mass mixes magic with middle-school drama. It’s “Groundhog Day” for preteens. The time loop forces the characters to reflect on their grudge and find a path to forgiveness.

He doesn’t get mad. Instead, he finds other kids with “unusual” pets and starts a new club where everyone is welcome. Lisa Mantchev writes a sweet story for ages 4 to 8 about inclusion and creating your own community.

This story pushes kids to look past prejudice. It emphasizes patience and kindness. The illustrations are vibrant, keeping kids 4 to 8 engaged while they learn that diversity makes friendship stronger.

Mo Willems captures the internal struggle perfectly. Sharing is hard. This book validates that feeling while showing why generosity is worth it. It’s great for ages 4 to 8.

David McKee’s illustrations are a feast for the eyes. It is a gentle, visually stimulating story that teaches young readers to celebrate what makes them unique.

Terri Libenson captures the brutal reality of middle school social dynamics. It deals with gossip, exclusion, and “frenemies.” Preteens will connect immediately with the confusion and hurt of a friendship falling apart.

Instead of changing, Malu doubles down on being herself. Celia Pérez writes a spirited story about a Mexican-American girl finding her tribe without compromising her identity.

This is practical advice. It validates a girl’s feelings and offers scripts on what to say. It is an essential toolkit for preteen girls and their parents.

Mark Pett tells a wordless story of intergenerational friendship. The girl works hard, but the real reward is the bond she forms with the neighbor. It is sweet, quiet, and emotionally resonant.

Instead of fighting, they decide to share the pair. Karen Lynn Williams creates a powerful story about generosity amidst scarcity. It creates a teaching moment about the refugee crisis and the universal need for connection.

The letters continue for six years. They share their lives, despite the massive economic gap between them. This true story is incredibly moving. It shows preteens that friendship can cross oceans and change lives forever.

But anger doesn’t solve anything. Ame Dyckman writes a funny story about misdirected anger and the importance of apologies. It teaches kids that everyone makes mistakes, and forgiveness fixes more than shouting does.

Otto is still a worm. Can they still be friends now that they are so different? Nick Bruel explores how friendships evolve. It reassures kids that growing up (and changing) doesn’t mean leaving your friends behind.

He is in pain and vulnerable. A tiny mouse braves the jaws to help him. Faustin Charles writes a classic moral story. It teaches that selfishness leads to loneliness, while kindness builds community.

Jealousy is a heavy emotion for a child. Linda Sarah handles it with grace. This book validates Birt’s feelings but gently shows him that adding a third friend adds to the fun rather than taking it away.