Making Friends

Shortlisted 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

Seren is full of brilliant ideas-it's just that she always seems to put her foot in it! First there was the dance routine where she fell off the stage. And now her plan to get her sister Sasha noticed by gorgeous Luke Beckford looks like it could backfire...Seren reckons she's just hopelessly accident-prone! But there's one person who believes in Seren. Her mate Keith is making a film for a national competition and he wants Seren to be in it. Could Seren turn out to be a star after all? Age 13+, 186pp Paperback.

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

Best friends: 1 girl mouse and 2 boy mice. Must they really join the boys-only and girls-only clubs? A fun and spirited tribute to friendship and inclusion. Age 4-7, American Import Paperback 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

Isabel's best friend, Simon, moves away very suddenly leaving her feeling angry and then lonely. Having decided to enjoy her isolation, she shuns company, excepting...the parrot on her head. But then Chester moves in next door and convinces her that it might be a time for a new playmate. A charmingly off-the-wall picture book which captures the zaniness of children's playtime and the worlds they create together. The narrative moves along through Isabel's changing emotions which are themselves carried by a familiar passage of the seasons from Autumn- marking Simon's departure- to Spring- announcing Chester's arrival. For more confident readers there are some real depths of emotions to explore here with Isabel literally externalising her feelings through a complex system of boxes and storage. 'Totally loved this innovative text with its superb illustrations. Very tactile paper and a great palette. Brilliant, humorous, quirky- immense!' (Kate, Children's Centre Coordinator, LL reviewer) Age 4-8, Paperback 31pp

"La la la!", trills Momo the monkey; "Tum ti tum", hums Snap the croc...and then, on meeting, respectively: "Eek!" "Ack!" A series of actions and just a few sounds conjure up a lovely, funny story of competitiveness giving way, finally, to cooperation. An engaging story for a wide range of ages and reading abilities. Age 3-7, Paperback 31pp

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

Jamal and Joseph were born in the same UK hospital but Jamal is Somali. They have similarities and differences. They are best friends. A superb exploration of friendship across cultures. 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

"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

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

Kate Greenaway Nominee 2009 "Left out, no fun. I wouldn't do this to anyone". Jack wrote this heart-felt story at the age of nine. A wonderful prompt for discussing isolation, exclusion and showing a little kindness. Kate Greenaway nominee 2009. Age 3-6, Paperback 32pp Themes: Making Friends, Bullying

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

"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

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's cool to be kind...saying sorry makes things better...happy cupcakes!". A giddily cheerful book about positive, healthy friendships from making friends to staying friends, from reaching out to the isolated to scratching your mate's ear for them...! A nice range of ethnicities, lots of independent child wheelchair users and some rarer disability images: children in hearing aid headbands and eye patches and children signing. 'A lovely book- lots of visual stimulation- brilliant illustrations with lots of opportunity to develop additional vocabulary and conversation in addition to the main message' (Elaine, Foster Care Associates Liaison Officer, LL reviewer). Wraparound celebratory end pages! Paperback 26pp, Age 3-6

"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

Without a doubt, one of our absolute favourite titles for challenging the restrictive stereotyping experienced by boys. The representation isn't new but that the delivery is really first class and wonderfully comic. Jack and Alex meet daily in the sandpit. Jack likes trucks, Alex prefers dolls. One day Alex suggests that they can compromise over their play by playing, "dolls that drive trucks". The deal is sealed- simply and without protest. Except there is a small matter of whether a full tutu will actually fit in the driver's seat... A joyful celebration of children's imaginative play unfettered by gender stereotypes and the universal appeal of ice cream. The humour in Graham's detailed illustrations is, as ever, an absolute delight. 'Much to teach children here in a very gentle way' (Eileen Former Primary Teacher, Letterbox Library reviewer). Age 3-6, Paperback 26pp

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