Making Friends

The first in a brilliantly funny middle grade series from TV comic, Rosie Jones. Step into the life of Edie Eckhart, bursting with heart and humour, as she starts secondary school in Bridlington (Yorkshire). Confident that she will breeze through with her forever best friend by her side -Oscar: mutual sausage roll lover, mega-Marvel fan, the fish to her chips, her (literal) picker upper- Edie soon discovers that not all friendships can stay the same. A saccharine cover belies a sharp and witty coming-of-age story. Like her author, Edie has cerebral palsy which means she talks slowly and often falls over. In representing this disability, this novel is smart and honest. the narrative isn't issue-driven but nor is it glibly inclusive. People's prejudices and ignorance about disabled lives rear up and are challenged with sparky come backs. As for Edie's quest for a boyfriend...well it doesn't end up quite where she expected it to... A thoroughly 'casual' inclusive cast of characters include: friend Oscar who is Black; Flora who is Japanese and is a carer to her mum (who lives with MS); Edie's lesbian teacher. 'The joy of the book is the way Rosie Jones allows us to travel with Edie as she works through when to pick herself up and when to ask for support; when to challenge and when to explain. Best of all, from looking for a boyfriend to discovering ...(someone/no spoilers here)... over time and with such gentleness and joy' (Sylvia, former Children's Social Work Director, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 9-12, Paperback 233pp

From "running around the playground friends" to "skipping home from school friends", all kinds of friendships are streamed across the pages of this fun, rhyming and rhythmic picture book. 'Gentle book about friendships and all its different facets- furry friends and sometimes not so kind friends. Lots of very positive images of gender and disability with all children taking an equally active part' (Rosalind, Workforce Development Officer, Letterbox Library reviewer). Superbly inclusive across all identities, including the portrayal of a range of disabilities. (wheelchair user; visually impaired child who uses a cane; child with facial marker). Age 2-5, Paperback 28pp

"They came to realise that no boy is an island and the bravest way to face problems is to talk and listen". The companion book to The Girls, winner of the Waterstone's Children's Book Prize 2019 and also featured on our website. Meet Rey, Nattie, Bobby and Tam and watch them grow from young children bobbing in the sea, as close as brothers, to teenagers who compete and forge impendent lives, to young men who come back together in a forever bond. Superb. A much needed and brilliantly executed challenge to toxic masculinity, promoting kindness, patience, active listening and empathy between boys/men. And we're proud to say that one of our very own reviewers, Darren Chetty (also co-author of What Is Masculinity? on this website), gave critical feedback on an early draft of this book; you may spot a (pictorial) tribute to him in the book itself! 'This is an absolute gem!! How to nurture and maintain relationships between boys/men- it's brilliant!' (Jayne, Inclusion Manager, Letterbox Library reviewers). 'Beautifully illustrated, gentle friendship story. Very inclusive. I love it. Outstanding' (June, Parent, Letterbox Library reviewer). [Extra n.b. on representation: a range of ethnicities; Nattie has two mums; Tam grows up to marry a man]. Age 4-7, Paperback 24pp

WINNER Little Rebels Award 2020 Dimitri has just started at his nursery and, as ever, he's keen to share his love. At story time, he tells Liam he loves him. At playtime, he tells Sophie, Stella and Sue he loves them. At lunchtime, he tells the dinner lady he loves her too. And so the day goes on, with Dimitri's heart bursting with each new encounter. But he can't help noticing that no one says they love him back. Can Mum help him understand the many different manifestations of an overflowing heart? Described by Catherine Barter on the Little Rebels Award website as "A moving and nuanced picture book exploring love, friendship and emotional expression". Age 4-7, Paperback 24pp

Sharing toys and laughter, giving kindness and comfort- a satisfying little toddler introduction to being a 'good' friend. Sturdy boardbook with push, pull and slide devices and little speech bubbles to guide a young reader through. Great to see entirely non-gendered activities amongst both the children- and the adults! Age 1-3, Boardbook 8pp

Art Class is no fun for one quiet child, sat on her own, with a fuzzy black cloud hovering over her...but a patient and fun-filled little girl resolves to find a way through the fog...Multicultural, casual images of disability, a winning text and exceptionally imaginative illustrations. Age 4-8, Paperback 27pp Themes: Making Friends, Feelings

A quirky treat. Every one of Madame Chapeau's customers is different, so each receives a unique, bespoke hat. But while she gives so much of herself, Madame has a lonely life. And then, one night, she loses her precious birthday bonnet. A line of men queue up to offer her their hats but none will do...until a child brings her a special headpiece, knitted by her own small hands and brightly coloured with love. Like every great story book, this one lends itself to multiple interpretations. It's a story about loss and (self-) isolation, but it also ends up as a story about friendship, belonging and finding your own uniqueness. The illustrations are wonderful- a particular delight is that each hat mirrors and reveals the personality of its owner. The text lilts along with bouncing rhymes and it savours funny nonsense words- "Chez Snooty-Patoot" "Rue Tippytap". This illustrator excels in effortless inclusion- the characters are multicultural; the real star is a small, Black child (with natural hair); some of the couple scenes suggest same-sex partners in amongst the mix and indeed one of the story's joyful messages is that love and companionship takes many forms. 'I LOVE this book...a lovely story about finding what is right for you' (Ruth, Events Programmer, Discover Story Centre, LL reviewer). 'How many ways do I love this? I would have bought this for my child- I had to read it to my (nearly 15-year-old) daughter anyway. Wonderful inclusion!' (Patrice, children's author, LL reviewer) Age 4-7, Hardback 29pp

"This is the story of four girls, but it is also the story of womankind. Together #WeAreTheGirls". Meet Sasha, Lottie, Alice and Leela- held together through a friendship so unbreakable it frees them to explore their separate lives. A unique picture book which shows the close friendship between four children and then the maturing of this relationship into adulthood. As the four stride out into new experiences, work, adventures, loves and independent lives, they remain held together through unassailable roots of support and kindness. A tribute to the transformative healing powers of friendship and how true intimacy between friends can be a balm for life. With words and illustrations full of heart and teaming with affirmation, children will love joining the characters on their journey and will feel buoyed by the subtle, but ever-present, message to be who they want to be. (This title also performs 'casual inclusion' at it best- a multicultural group of friends, the illustrations also show Sasha, a young black woman, setting up home with a female partner and mid-way, there is a gorgeous image of the girls leading a Pride parade which bursts with rainbow flags and multicoloured heart balloons). 'Finally, an authentic representation of female friendship which isn't all saccharine and glitter' (Fen, LL staff and reviewer). 'I liked this very much! It's beautifully told-friendships endures through a lifetime.. the gentle respect they have for one another and their allowance of difference shines through the book' (Eileen, Former Primary teacher, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

Harpreet is a fan of colours. Lots of colours. He has loads of patkas in loads of colours to suit every possible mood. But, when Mum's new job means moving to a different part of the country and starting at a new school, Harpreet just wants to disappear. And so, increasingly, he sticks with the colour white. One day, just as Harpreet feels himself disappearing into a blanket of fresh snow, a girl in a fluffy smiley woolly hat extends a warm mitten-hand...which has Harpreet reaching out for blazes of colour once more! Accompanied by an explanatory backnote on the significance of Sikh turbans and patkas. By an Indian-American author with an equally established track record in scripting Hindi films! UK (British-Barbadian) illustrator). 'Positive portrayal of Sikh family. Nice way of centring the patka without making it an issue' (Farrah, CLPE Learning Programme Leader, Letterbox Library review team.) Age 4-7, Hardback 26pp

This book's protagonist has always had a tiny blobby friend called Fear by her side. Fear has been companionable, protective and purposeful. But, since arriving in a new country, Fear has expanded and bulked up several fold. And now, a sweet little spongy blob has become something engulfing, a barrier and a block to new experiences and change. Fear tries to stop her going to school, won't let her play with others at break time and is desperate to get back home again. An engrossing and skilful exploration of anxiety which ultimately shows the reader how to shrink their worries back down into manageable feelings. Perfect for exploring life transitions and for new arrivals. 'A lovely and original way of exploring fear and isolation' (Kerry, Letterbox Library Staff). By an award winning visual storyteller. Endorsed by Amnesty International. Age 3-7, Hardback 32pp

Meesha loves making things. Lots and lots of things. But the thing she finds very hard to make is friends. She stumbles for the right words, she can't find the best way to join in. She can, however, make cut out chums with glue and buttons and string and Choco Crunch and Moo's Milk boxes. And, it turns out it is her making things which helps her make a new friend! A really original approach to children's friendship in its recognition that some children really struggle to develop the skills needed to reach out to others. Percivals's trademark reduced palette. Here, monochrome shot through with red, blue and pink. South Asian protagonist. Age 4-7, Paperback 28pp

Mike and pup, Bowow, are busily resting at the summit of one of the Chocolate Hills (Bohol province, Philippines) when a sudden mini earthquake causes a CRACK! followed by the THWACK! of an airborne birthday invitation which invites Mike to fall up- yes UP, not down- into a fireplace in Kaneisha's home in snowy London! Next on the agenda in this zany beginner reader is a fantastical party hosted by Rocky the Rock Monster with games of Pass the Puppy, Monster's Footsteps and a feast of chocolate bolder cake. A fun and mischievous early chapter book and an adventure in making unexpected friends. 'This story is good', says Georgia, aged 10 (Letterbox Library reviewer), 'and shows that things can seem scary at first but are not'. Age 5-8, Paperback 87pp

Marcus is huge, with hands as big as dinner plates. Delilah is teeny, the size of a Christmas tree fairy. Both are mourning (an absent and a deceased parent respectively). Both are as strong and defiant as they are gentle and lost. Soon, they forge a deep alliance and share a dangerous adventure over a mysterious stray dog. A fast-paced, highly readable story which exposes at its centre the cruelty of illegal puppy farming (includes informative back notes on puppy farms). An award-winning author who also advocates for several, including animal welfare, charities. Age 8-12, Paperback 212pp

Molly and Sunita are playgroup friends who spend time together every day, playing, talking, and learning about getting on with each other. Their relationship is generally good but even the best of friends sometimes fall out or feel grumpy! Molly is learning that Sunita has moods and feelings, but these will not get in the way of true friendship.The Dealing with Feelings series teaches positive behaviour and promotes personal, social, emotional skills. Developed and written by experts and supported by research, each book includes additional notes and tips to help teachers, practitioners and parents reinforce the lessons children are learning through the simple stories. Age 2-5, Paperback 18pp

Amy and Monifa were both born in the UK- but Amy is Chinese. They have similarities and differences. They are best friends. Superb explorations of friendships across cultures. Enchanting! Age 4-7, Hardback 30pp Themes: Making Friends, Refugees and Migration

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2019 There is a family of rats newly arrived in the tower block. The bunnies are hoppingly-excited. But the other residents have their concerns. Vern the sheep thinks they will be dirty; Matilda the pig thinks they will smell; Astrid the polar bear knows about their 'reputation' for stealing. It might be wise to knock on the new neighbours' door and find out what's what... "An irresistibly smart and funny picture-book which satirizes contemporary fears and preconceptions about 'newcomers'" (Little Rebels Award website). Age 4-7, Paperback 31pp

Every day, Birt and Etho take their cardboard boxes all the way up Sudden Hill to play for hours and hours, enjoying their special, "two-by-two rhythm". But then, one Monday, a small child called Shu appears with his own box, wanting to join in...Can their friendship take a new addition? A new, three-by-three rhythm? A superb celebration of imaginative and creative outdoor play. It is also a gentle story which will resonate with lots of children as a group of boys negotiate a new friendship group with thought, empathy, mutual respect, care and real kindness. How good to see a bunch of boys allowed to express emotional intelligence. Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp

"Really, Pea thought, there was no such thing as a normal family; just yours, and everyone else's". If 'casual inclusion' is your preferred mode of representation, then this series about Pea and her mates delivers on this flawlessly. Pea's upbeat, fun and chaotic world is peopled by a refreshingly humorous and three-dimensional lesbian couple, Pea's own diverse single parent family, some delightful little gender twists (through a set of boy/girl twins), socio-economic differences and mixed race characters. All are seamlessly woven into a story about transitions, belonging and families. Full of great substance, Pea would like you to know that "this book is not about mermaids". (1st in the series). PS: we're pretty keen on author Susie Day's website too! Age 8-11, Paperback 280pp

The crooked old tree on the horizon doubles up as Sam's very own pirate ship. When newcomer Agu (from Nigeria) asks to climb aboard, Sam is, at first hesitant: "You're not from my street," she protests. But soon, a game of desert islands, fearsome pirates and a circuit of Cape Horn brings them together. A simple idea of imaginative play forging and cementing new friendships, executed through lovely illustrations (the fishy end pages are delightful). Age 4-7, Hardback 24pp

The Race to the Top of the World! It comes around once in a lifetime, and the prize? Your heart’s desire. Sika's Grandfather is dying but the Snowfather grants wishes. Can Shen and Sika win the race to him? The path to victory is littered with snow trolls, sea monsters, and a gang of particularly hungry yetis. But Shen and Sika have something the other contestants don’t have. Actually, they have 66 other things; pugs to be exact. That’s a 264 paw-powered sled! Age 7-12, Paperback 213pp

Mean Jean rules with a push and a lollapaloosh...until the teeny but exuberant Katie Sue crosses her path. Hugely attractive and positive. 'YES, YES- loved this! Great vocabulary, strong illustrations and a good story!' (Primary Strategy Consultant, LL reviewer). Great for reading aloud. Age 4-7, American Import Hardback 29pp Themes: Making Friends,Bullying

Posy has just moved home and is bursting with anxieties. But a magical red boat at the bottom of the garden becomes a vehicle for some fantastic imaginative role play which soon soothes Posy's fears...A super book for exploring first time nerves and transitions as well as being, quite simply, a good story. 'Warm and humorous, this book explores a child's fears of the new and unknown' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer); 'charming and humorous' (Primary Inclusion Manager, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2022 On the surface, the Pomegranate Institute promises comfort to the recently bereaved, extending people's 'lives' through uncannily true-to-life holograms. But are they simply bringing back to 'life' or are they trading in digital cures and a morally dubious vision of human perfection? When they zoom in on Cora, who is neurodivergent, for their research programme, things take a sinister turn. Can Cora and best friend, Adrien, expose Pomegranate's ambitions in time? Can they quite literally save humanity? Age 9-12, Paperback 310pp

New girl Shun Lin has just started at Dylan's school. She only speaks a little English, She wears shiny yellow wellies. She stands on the edge of the playground at breaktime and sits on her own at lunchtime with an array of tiny pots of bright food. And then one day, Shu Lin's Grandpa comes in to show the class his huge watercolour painting- complete with snarling dragon. And soon, Shu Lin is showing her classmates how to execute the best paintbrush strokes for the perfect dragon scales... A lovely story which hangs either side of an awe-inspiring centre double-gatefold spread of Grandpa's artwork. Written by a former primary school teacher, now poet and illustrated by a Chinese-UK artist. Age 4-7, Hardback 22pp

A new boy moves in next door. Mum says he's an asylum seeker. 'A Silence Seeker!' says Joe. And so begins the story of a delightful little boy who sets out to find silence for his new friend. Age 6-9, Paperback 26pp Themes: Making Friends, Refugees and Migration

But two days before her trip to Washington, with her best friend Zoe's family, Cricket Kaufman trips on a curb and winds up on crutches. Worse still, Zoe invites Sara Jane Cushman to go instead. Now Cricket's friendship with Zoe seems as injured as her ankle. It's going to take some serious creativity to turn this woeful week into a lucky break! Ages 8-12, 112pp Paperback American Import

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2022 Amrita's sister, Jas, is getting married and the whole family are in full-prep mode. There are outdoor fairy lights to string up and special lehengas to be picked out. But why does Aunty keep murmuring about Amrita's and Jas' dark complexions... recommending they drink saffron and stay out of the sun? Amrita wants to stand tall and beam bright like a sunflower. Best friend, Kiki, wants to dazzle in vibrant colours as well! Will their radiance overcome their elders' prejudices? Age 4-8, Paperback 27pp

"There are these people. They've got something on me. In turn, I've got something on one of the refugee boys. Hassan is new, so he doesn't have anything on anybody. He just wants to fit in". The Blokes are a group of boys at Jack's school, united in their fight to bully and ostracise the refugee, Black and Asian children. Jack befriends Hassan, a Syrian refugee who has just recently arrived- but now, the Blokes have given him orders to take Hassan down or else..." Will Hassan survive and will Jack finally learn to do the right thing? A timely story about racism, anti-immigrant prejudice, bullying and the power of friendship to triumph over hate. Reading Age 7+ Interest 10-14, Paperback 57pp

A tired, strange-looking creature arrives with his suitcase. The other creatures question his origins and his motives. But their investigations challenge their assumptions and prompt them to meaningful acts of kindness. Simple text and the barest of illustrations manage to evoke great waves of loss, compassion and, finally optimism in this story about showing care and heart to strangers. 'I actually completely and utterly loved this. The message is about empathy, overcoming suspicions and kindness' (Patrice, Children's Author, LL reviewer). 'A beautiful story with a timely but simple aim. This book makes me smile' (Meryl, EY Consultant & Trainer, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 29pp

Lucy is pretty sure she knows it all. After all, everyone else comes to her for help. Lucy knows how to fold perfect stars, how to eat with a knife and fork... she's got it covered! Bu then Toshi arrives from "far away" with his chopsticks and his weird music and his yoga poses and his strange origami skills.Lucy is fit to burst with frustration- but then, a simple act of kindness opens her eyes and widens her horizons. An easy, simple tale about respect and 'difference'. 'What a lovely book- simply told but with such a powerful message and learning statement' (Elaine, Ed. Psychologist, Letterbox reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 27pp

"This house isn't for girls" begins George. In this charming story of discrimination overcome, a small group of friends find a way to include each other and share. Age 3-7, Paperback 26pp Themes: Making Friends

"It seems worse to break a promise to the dead than it does to break one made to the living". So begins this intriguing little mystery, as old school friends gather together to fulfil a promise made five years ago- to open and share the contents of a memory box in honour of their friend who has since died of stomach cancer. With friendships made and broken, revelations, confessions, internal turmoils and reconciliations, this is the perfect stuff of pacy heart-gripping teen fiction. It also includes a nice little twist on the traditional LGBT coming out story tradition: the first person narrative belongs to Alix, a young lesbian who is nervous about this reunion- not because of her sexuality itself but, refreshingly, because she kept this a secret from her friends and fears they will feel hurt. 'I liked that this is a book in which somebody comes out without it being a coming out novel...The author has not only zoned in on a very genuine concern about coming out for many young people but also made the character and story more accessible to many readers- not just those who identify as LGBTQI...As an added bonus, the design is terrific- I felt very cool reading it on the tube!' (Mark Jennett, Equalities Trainer/Consultant, LL reviewer). From Barrington Stoke, expert publishers in reluctant-reader friendly/dyslexia-friendly fiction. Reading Age 8+ Interest 12+, Paperback 138pp

Shortlisted Little Rebels Award 2022 Joe is playing pirates in the playground. The sharks are being pretty pesky, but at least they're not as bothersome as the other children are with all of their silly questions: "You've only got one leg! What happened?" "Did it fall off in the toilet?" "Was it a lion?" Joe doesn't feel like answering their questions. And he certainly doesn't feel like telling "that" story. Thankfully, Simone is suddenly distracted by a crocodile and then some sharks and, before long, all of the children are busy being fearsome pirates...and making new friends! A flawless picture book whose disabled protagonist has full agency and self-determination. Joe's challenges and, in particular, his decisions to answer questions as and when he wants to feel exceptionally empowering. All this is balanced with an honesty abut children's curiosity and forthrightness and conveyed with a great deal of humour. Witty and thoughtful, this truly is empathy on the page! Described by the author as a story he wanted to write to his younger self. 'This book really makes you think about how Joe must feel every time he is asked what happened to him. It shows in the way he responds verbally and in his body language' (Rosalind, Project Dev. Mgr.- PACEY, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp

An information book headed up with titles such as 'What is a friend?', 'Nice things you could say to a friend', 'What makes a good friend?' Simple text, speech bubbles, a guide for adults and... a Friendship Quiz! Packed with ideas for buddy-making skills and then nurturing new friendships. Encourages active listening, empathy, negotiating, sharing, saying sorry. With bright and inclusive illustrations throughout (including representations of wheelchair and hearing aid users). 'Positive message, good way to explain pros and cons of being friends to younger ages. Lovely vibrant illustrations- multicultural and inclusive' (Nicole, Teen LL reviewer). 'Cheerful illustrations with many, many examples of friendship and how to value and develop them' (Maggie, EY Advisory Teacher, LL reviewer). Age 4-7, Hardback 29pp

Amy's parents have separated, she and her mum have moved away, Secondary School looms and Amy's anxiety levels are being pushed in to overdrive. So much so that Amy becomes a school refuser. But then comes the opportunity to attend Grace Nuala's Art School. She is soon joined by Rami, a recent refugee to the UK from Syria, a witness to and victim of some of the worst humanity the world has to offer. And yet, Rami insists on and claims an identity beyond 'Refugee'. Together, these two girls form a friendship which slowly, delicately but determinedly transforms them through its strength and balm. Brahmachari at her best- full of her trademark compassion for and respectful honouring of young people's lives and voices. 'An excellent book- I read it in one sitting!' (Sylvia, Children's Social Work Director, LL reviewer). Age 8-12, Interest 8-12, Paperback 96pp

Kate wants to meet Violet, is about to meet Violet, then isn't ready to meet her and ends up being too busy running away from her to catch up with her. Mark can't let go of his feelings for best friend, Ryan, but Ryan is ready to let go of him. In this heady mix of the confusions, hesitations and fears of first loves, Mark and Kate meet each other and go on to form a quite wonderful friendship. In the end, this exquisitely written, beautifully constructed novel is less about sexuality and coming out than it is a tribute to the powerful, transformative and loving bonds of friendship. Refreshing also for its rare portrayal of young LGBT people living their lives within a wider LGBT community. 'A terrific novel about self-discovery. I loved the combination of breathless pace with moments of stillness and pause' (Mark, Equalities Trainer/Consultant, LL reviewer). Age 14+, Paperback 245pp