10 Best Books About Friendship for Preschoolers (2024)

In a study involving 323,200 participants from 99 countries, researchers found that people who prioritized friendships experienced better health and higher well-being [*]. Moreover, a study showed that those who had no childhood friends were more likely to experience psychological difficulties, compared to those who at least had one friend [*].

These 10 books about friendship for preschoolers offer unique stories that teach valuable lessons about kindness, sharing, and the joys of having friends. These captivating tales not only entertain but also help young children understand the importance of forming meaningful relationships.

10 Best Books About Friendship for Preschoolers

Are you looking to introduce your preschooler to the magic of friendship? Here are the ten best books about friendship that will teach your little one about kindness, sharing, and the joy of having friends.

• Best Overall Friendship Book - The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
• Best Book About Sharing - Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems
• Best Book About Welcoming New Friends - Bear’s New Friend by Karma Wilson
• Best Wordless Friendship Book - The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney
• Best Book About Helping Friends - Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry
• Best Book About Different Friendships - A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom
• Best Book About Playing Together - How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen
• Best Book for Developing Empathy - My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems
• Best Book About Loneliness and Friendship - Fox Makes Friends by Adam Relf
• Best Imaginative Friendship Story - The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

1. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister

The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister tells the story of a beautiful fish with shimmering scales who is admired by all but left lonely due to his vanity. He learns that true friendship comes not from beauty, but from sharing and kindness. By giving away his precious scales, he discovers the joy of connecting with others.

With its captivating glittering illustrations and timeless message, the book is a winner of multiple awards. This includes the Christopher Award and the Bologna Book Fair Critici in Erba Prize. It has also been a #1 bestseller on lists like Publishers Weekly and The Wall Street Journal.

Price: $10.99 on Amazon, $19.95 on Barnes and Noble

2. Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems

Should I Share My Ice Cream? by Mo Willems is a delightful story featuring best friends Elephant Gerald and Piggie. In the book, Gerald faces a dilemma: should he share his ice cream with Piggie, his best friend, or keep it all for himself?

The story highlights themes of kindness, sharing, and friendship. The book is not only funny but also teaches an important lesson about the challenges of making the right choices.

Price: $8.13 on Amazon, $10.99 on Barnes and Noble

3. Bear’s New Friend by Karma Wilson

Bear’s New Friend tells the story of Bear as he heads to the swimming hole, determined to find his friends along the way. As he navigates the forest, he hears sounds that make him wonder if it’s Mouse or Hare, but each time he calls out, he finds it's not them. Eventually, Bear discovers that someone is hiding from him and his friends, and they find a new companion.

This book captures the spirit of friendship and inclusivity, which makes it a good book for welcoming new friends.

Price: $7.99 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

4. The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney

Jerry Pinkney’s wordless adaptation of Aesop’s beloved fable, The Lion and the Mouse, tells the story of an unlikely friendship between a powerful lion and a timid mouse. When the lion spares the mouse instead of eating him, the small creature later returns the favor by freeing the lion from a poacher’s net.

The book showcases how acts of kindness, no matter how small, can create meaningful connections. This award-winning retelling conveys the timeless moral that compassion and generosity are never wasted.

Price: $11.79 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

5. Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone is a charming picture book about two unlikely friends who form a strong bond after Stick helps Stone out of a tricky situation. When Stick later gets stuck, what will Stone do?

This book features simple rhymes and a heartwarming story focused on kindness, compassion, and sticking up for your friends.

Price: $11.78 on Amazon, $19.99 on Barnes and Noble

6. A Splendid Friend, Indeed by Suzanne Bloom

This book tells the story of an unlikely friendship between Bear, who enjoys reading and thinking quietly, and Goose, who loves to talk non-stop. Though they have very different personalities, Bear and Goose discover how to appreciate and accept each other’s differences and form a meaningful bond.

It’s an excellent book about different friendships because it shows that even people who are opposites can build strong relationships. The story teaches young readers that friendships are about understanding and embracing what makes others unique. It offers a valuable lesson in acceptance and connection.

Price: $7.99 on Amazon, $9.99 on Barnes and Noble

7. How Do Dinosaurs Play with Their Friends? by Jane Yolen

The book explores what happens when a dinosaur's friends come over—does he pout, refuse to share, or throw a tantrum? The story teaches children the importance of sharing, cooperation, and being kind during playtime.

This book is an excellent guide for teaching kids about playing together because it uses relatable situations and playful humor to illustrate good behavior.

Price: $6.89 on Amazon, $7.99 on Barnes and Noble

8. My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems

My Friend is Sad by Mo Willems is a story featuring best friends Elephant Gerald and Piggie. Gerald, who is usually cautious and serious, is feeling sad. Piggie, who is more carefree, tries everything to cheer him up—such as dressing up as a cowboy, a clown, and even a robot.

This book is great for developing empathy in preschoolers because it shows Piggie’s determination to understand and help her friend. By watching Piggie’s caring response to Gerald’s sadness, young readers can learn how to be empathetic and compassionate friends.

Price: $7.99 on Amazon, $10.99 on Barnes and Noble

9. Fox Makes Friends by Adam Relf

In Adam Relf's picture book Fox Makes Friends, a lonely little fox sets out to create friends using sticks, stones, and fruit. When his inanimate "friend" doesn't respond, a group of real animals arrives and helps Fox understand that true friendships are formed through connection and shared experiences, and not just built from objects.

This book beautifully captures the emotions of feeling isolated and the desire for companionship, which are common experiences for young children. Fox’s attempt to create a friend from objects highlights his innocence and longing, but the real lesson comes when he realizes that true friends are those who share moments and experiences with you.

Price: $8.52 on Amazon

10. The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

This story is about an imaginary friend who goes to the city to discover his companion. This book stands out as a great imaginative friendship story because it beautifully explores the idea of imaginary friends coming to life and seeking connection. Beekle’s determination to find his child emphasizes the emotional depth of longing and the joy of finding friendship.

Price: $10.59 on Amazon, $18.99 on Barnes and Noble

The Bottom Line

These 10 friendship books for kids for preschoolers offer heartwarming stories, valuable lessons, and engaging illustrations that will captivate young readers while teaching them about kindness, empathy, and the joy of making friends. Whether you're looking to help your child learn about friendships or simply enjoy a fun read-aloud, these children's books about friendship are sure to become favorites.

Don’t forget to download our social skills worksheets to help reinforce the lessons from these stories in fun and interactive ways!

References:

1. Lu, P., Oh, J., Leahy, K. E., & Chopik, W. J. (2021). Friendship Importance around the world: links to cultural factors, Health, and Well-Being. Frontiers in Psychology, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.570839
2. Sakyi KS, Surkan PJ, Fombonne E, Chollet A, Melchior M. Childhood friendships and psychological difficulties in young adulthood: an 18-year follow-up study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2015 Jul;24(7):815-26. doi: 10.1007/s00787-014-0626-8. Epub 2014 Oct 15. PMID: 25316094; PMCID: PMC4398590.