The Friendship Guide

November 1, 2024
Grades K-3 Roberts, a child psychologist, offers a book to help children think about how to make friends and how to be a good friend. Rather than simply instructing kids, the book provides a series of brightly illustrated double-page spreads, each stating a basic rule of friendship, dramatizing a related situation involving friends, and offering tips on how to deal with it. In one example, the rule is "A great friend thinks of other people, not just themselves." The example involves two friends, Adelaide and Selma, who both want to swing on the playground but only one swing is available. Adelaide lets Selma take the swing, partly because it makes her feel good to be kind. Soon Selma gives Adelaide a turn so that they can both enjoy it before recess ends. At the bottom of the page, a box labeled "Your Turn" suggests that children think of other ways to handle that situation. This format offers an opportunity for kids and their parents to share their experiences. A useful guide with a practical approach.

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January 15, 2025
What does it mean to be a good pal? Roberts' book offers a greatest hits of friendship advice, starting with the golden rule of amity: Be the friend you want to have. Eight more principles follow: Think of others, not just yourself. Be patient and kind. Do the right thing, and help others to do that, too. Make room in your friend group for newcomers. Share, and invite others to play. Don't name-call, tease, or bully--and protect others from such behaviors. Remember to compromise. Don't interrupt, and show respect for others' boundaries. Each rule is followed by a brief scenario (two kids want the same swing; a child notices a new student alone at lunch), a possible resolution, and, when relevant, a question posed to the audience: If there is no one right solution, what wouldyou do? When the fix is obvious, the author expands on the advice. Roberts also addresses the importance of fairness, small gestures, getting adult help with bullies, taking turns, and giving friends space. The situations are relatable, while the writing is direct, not overly pedantic, and suitably engaging for a young audience. Appealing cartoonish watercolorlike illustrations depict a cast diverse in terms of race and ability; one child wears a hijab. Valuable guidance on becoming a better friend, with solid insights and concrete examples. (author's note, activities)(Informational picture book. 3-6)

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February 28, 2025

K-Gr 4-This nonfiction picture book guides young readers through several sample situations in which one choice can make a world of difference. In each example, children of a variety of backgrounds are featured, and it is made obvious that there is more than one right answer in every interaction. Throughout the book, frequent asides invite children to think critically about what they might do in similar situations and how specific actions might make them feel. Additionally, the text recognizes that it is not always easy to make choices that support friendship. Colorful, accessible illustrations support the text, which will help younger readers not be overwhelmed by the number of words used on each page. Designed to be read by a caregiver and a child together, the book itself can be consumed either at once, or in pieces that are absorbed in or even out of order. Each page provides helpful information, and readers of all ages will benefit from the lessons shared in this book. Thoughtful and positive, this nonfiction text presents useful tools that can be used to gain and retain positive relationships in a way that is accessible to all. VERDICT Being a good friend is one of the best ways to preserve friendship with others, but it is a skill that must be learned and practiced to be successful. This well-researched guide helps children make a connection with the important choices that make a person a good friend.-Mary R. Lanni

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