Friendshape by Amy Krouse Rosenthal and Tom Lichtenheld (picture book, PK-3)
What makes a good friend? Let Circle, Square, Triangle, and Rectangle explain! These four fun friends tell how they play together, take turns, include others, and support one another. Infused with humor, this picture book is a perfect way to introduce a discussion about friendship. After reading and discussing Friendshape, students could cut out shapes and use the shapes to make a picture to tell how they are good friends to others. Students could also each wear one of the large shapes and act out scenes from the book, or act out other made-up scenarios about being friends.
Be a Friend by Salina Yoon (picture book, K-3)
Everyone is unique but we all need friends! In Be a Friend, Dennis doesn't speak but instead acts everything out. The others call him "Mime Boy" and he doesn't feel included when they are playing. One day, a girl named Joy catches the imaginary ball that Dennis kicks and that's the beginning of a great friendship. This book pairs nicely with Friendshape because while they both are about friendship, Be a Friend uses realistic characters. After reading the book, students pick up right away that even kids who seem different still need friends. Also, they realize that if they see someone alone at recess, they should ask if they'd like to join what they are playing. A fun extension activity would be to have students use mime to act out different ways they can be good friends with each other.
Happy Reading!
