Maria Ashworth is my guest blogger today with a list of ten picture books to help toddlers and preschoolers learn how to be a good friend. Her picture book is called My Big Tree and introduces counting to 10. Animals in North America join a bluebird in a tree but must reorganize into segregated groups in order to make the bird happy.
10 Great Picture Books for Toddlers About Being A Good Friend
10. It’s Mine by Leo Lionni
Selfish frogs bicker about everything until a disaster strikes their pond. Then do they learn the value of friendship. The book is a perfect story for any child who needs a little reminder of why it is important to learn to share.
9. Friendshape by Amy Krause Rosenthal
Friends shape who we are, make us laugh, and stand by us during life’s ups and downs. Even when friends disagree they usually don’t stay bent out of shape for long. This book rejoices in the friendship and reminds readers of all ages that it’s good to have a group of pals.
8. That’s (Not) Mine by Anna Kang
Two fuzzy bears both want to sit in the same comfy chair. The trouble is, they can’t agree who it belongs to. In the end, they realize their mistake and makeup.
7. The Mine-O-Saur by Sudipta Bardhan-Quallen
The dinosaur is so desperate to have and play with all the toys that the other students do not want to play with him but soon realizes that what he really wants is friends to play with, not just material possessions.
6. It’s MY Birthday! by Pam Hutchins
Sharing on an everyday basis is hard enough for most kids—sharing presents and cake on their birthday is almost impossible. Billy the monster learns that everything is better when shared with friends.
5. The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
A beautiful fish who finds friendship and happiness when he learns to share.
4. Max Makes A Friend by Grosset & Dunlap
Ruby introduces Max to Fred, a new little bunny. Ruby thinks the two will make great friends, but Fred doesn’t want to share and keeps taking Max’s toys.
3. Duck and Goose by Tad Hills
Duck and Goose mistake a ball for an egg. They argue over ownership of the large sphere. The book focuses on getting-along, sharing, and settling differences amicably.
2. Katie And The Puppy Next Door by John Himmelman
Katie’s owner invites a friend over. She hopes their dogs hit it off and make friends. The opposite ends up taking place. Katie doesn’t want to share her food or her toys. When she finally learns to share, she realizes that friendship is worth it.
1. Pup Meets Pig by Sue Lowell Gallion
Pug is a very happy pup until Pig moves in and starts interrupting Pug’s routine. The story focuses on embracing change, being kind to others, and finding friends in unlikely places.
Magnetic Storyboard Giveaway!
Maria is giving away a magnetic storyboard that is an accompaniment to the book. Please fill out Rafflecopter below to win.
Maria Ashworth volunteers her time when she’s not writing for the Maud Marks Library Friends Board in Katy Texas where she serves as President, as well as a Member-At-Large for the Friends of the Harris County Library. She’s a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. Some of Ms. Ashworth’s picture books and middle grade novels manuscripts have been nominated as finalists in several contests. She’s published a handful of short stories through contests and a women’s anthology. To learn more about her, follow her on Twitter, Facebook, or on her blog.
To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.
To examine any book more closely at Amazon, please click on image of book.
As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Follow PragmaticMom’s board Multicultural Books for Kids on Pinterest.
Follow PragmaticMom’s board Children’s Book Activities on Pinterest.
My books:
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Food for the Future: Sustainable Farms Around the World
- Junior Library Guild Gold selection
- Massachusetts Book Award Long List
- Selected as one of 100 Outstanding Picture Books of 2023 by dPICTUS and featured at the Bologna Children’s Book Fair
- Starred review from School Library Journal
- Chicago Library’s Best of the Best
- 2023 INDIES Book of the Year Awards Finalist
- Green Earth Book Award Long List
- Imagination Soup’s 35 Best Nonfiction Books of 2023 for Kids
Amazon / Barefoot Books / Signed or Inscribed by Me
Amazon / Scholastic / Signed or Inscribed by Me
These look like great books…would love to read the The Pug & The Pig!!
Thanks so much Bernice and for entering!
Mo Willem’s series of Elephant and Piggie books are my absolute favorite books about friendship.
Hi Heidi G.,
My son learned to read from Elephant and Piggie so they will always have a special place in my heart. They are funny books! He loves funny still!
I would love Pugs meets Pig. I grew up with pugs and we have a pug puppy right now. My husband’s family raises pigs
Hi Sarah,
I think this picture book is perfect for you! It was meant to be! Hope you get a chance to read it!
I like Llama Llama learns to share. He learns how to play with a friend.
Hi Sandra,
That’s such a great series. I was sad to hear about the author’s recent passing.