Books are central to children’s education, and parents can use literature to teach their kids about issues and activities outside of the classroom, too. Many children make friends easily and naturally at school, but if your kid is struggling, or if you think discussing what good friendships look like could be useful, it’s possible to do this through books. Check out these three titles, each of which delivers inspiring and practical messages to help children feel empathy for others and make and maintain friendships.
All About Friends by Felicity Brooks and Mar Ferrero
This title is great for slightly younger children. It teaches children why friendships are so important to our health and happiness, and offers some good advice on how to make friends (offer to share something, suggest a game to play). It also discusses the possibility that we can fall out with our friends and suggests great remedies for solving some common friendship problems.
The Grouchy Ladybug by Eric Carle
Eric Carle is a best-selling children’s author for a reason—he knows how to write an exceptionally entertaining story that is also touching and poignant. This classic follows the grouchy ladybug who is struggling to make friends or even be nice to anyone. As the book follows his journey, he learns the importance of being polite and courteous to others and accepting friendship when it is offered.
The Boy at the Back of the Class by Onjali Q. Raúf
This touching story helps its readers to imagine the struggles of a refugee boy arriving in a new and strange classroom for the first time. It’s a great option for teaching kids about empathy and how to offer friendship to others. It’s also useful for introducing topics such as asylum-seeking to slightly older children who might have questions about this.