Are you on the lookout for the best books on friendship kindergarten? Look no further! Building strong friendships is a crucial part of a child’s development, and what better way to teach them about the value of friendship than through heartwarming stories? In this article, we’ve curated a list of the 20 best friendship kindergarten books that are sure to captivate young readers and impart valuable lessons about kindness, empathy, and the joy of companionship.
Contents
- 1 20 Best Books About Friendship Kindergarten
- 2 The Day You Begin
- 3 We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
- 4 The Rabbit Listened
- 5 The Invisible Boy
- 6 The King of Kindergarten
- 7 The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
- 8 The Name Jar
- 9 The Recess Queen
- 10 The Invisible String
- 11 The Rainbow Fish
- 12 The Kissing Hand
- 13 The Lion and the Mouse
- 14 The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors
- 15 The Little Engine That Could
- 16 The Giving Tree
- 17 The Velveteen Rabbit
- 18 The Rainbow Goblins
- 19 The Snowy Day
- 20 The Buddy Bench
- 21 The Sandwich Swap
- 22 Conclusion
- 23
20 Best Books About Friendship Kindergarten
The Day You Begin
by Jacqueline Woodson
The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson is a captivating and heartwarming book about the power of connection and the courage to be oneself. This beautifully illustrated book follows the experiences of different children who feel like outsiders in social situations. As they find the courage to share their stories, they discover that they are not alone and that their unique experiences and perspectives are what make them special. The book explores themes of friendship, empathy, and acceptance, making it a perfect read for young readers navigating the complexities of social interactions in kindergarten. With its touching narrative and vibrant illustrations, The Day You Begin is a must-read for anyone looking for a heartwarming book about friendship in early childhood.
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates
by Ryan T. Higgins
We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins is a delightful and humorous book on friendship in kindergarten. The story follows Penelope, a dinosaur who is excited to start school, but she quickly learns that it’s not easy being the only dinosaur in a classroom full of human children. As she struggles to make friends, Penelope discovers the importance of empathy, understanding, and the value of treating others with kindness. Through its witty and charming illustrations, this book about friendship in kindergarten teaches young readers the importance of acceptance and empathy, while also providing plenty of laughs along the way. We Don’t Eat Our Classmates is a heartwarming and relatable story that will resonate with children and adults alike, making it a wonderful addition to any friendship-themed kindergarten book collection.
The Rabbit Listened
by Cori Doerrfeld
The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld is a heartwarming and thoughtful book about the importance of empathy and understanding in friendships. The story follows a young child who experiences a range of emotions after a disappointing event. As the child tries to cope with their feelings, various animals come and offer advice, but it’s the rabbit who simply listens and provides the comfort the child needs. Through simple and beautiful illustrations, the book conveys the message that sometimes all we need is someone to listen and understand us. This book about friendship kindergarten is a wonderful way to teach children the value of empathy, kindness, and being a good friend. It’s a must-read for parents, teachers, and anyone looking for a touching story about the power of connection.
The Invisible Boy
by Trudy Ludwig
The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig is a heartwarming book about friendship in a kindergarten setting. This beautifully illustrated story follows Brian, a quiet and shy boy who often goes unnoticed by his classmates. However, when a new student, Justin, arrives and befriends Brian, he begins to feel seen and valued for the first time. Through their budding friendship, the book highlights the importance of empathy, inclusion, and kindness. The Invisible Boy is a touching and relatable tale that teaches children about the power of reaching out to others and the impact of simple acts of friendship. This book about friendship in kindergarten is a powerful tool for starting conversations about empathy and understanding, making it a must-read for all young readers.
The King of Kindergarten
by Derrick Barnes
The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes is a heartwarming and empowering book about a young boy’s first day of kindergarten. The story follows the protagonist as he navigates the new and exciting world of school, making friends, and overcoming challenges. With vibrant illustrations by Vanessa Brantley-Newton, readers are immersed in a colorful and lively portrayal of the kindergarten experience. The book celebrates the joy of learning, the importance of confidence, and the value of friendship in a kindergarten setting. The King of Kindergarten is a delightful and inspiring read that is perfect for young children starting their own educational journey. It’s a perfect book on friendship kindergarten, full of warmth and positivity.
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School!
by Mo Willems
The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems is a delightful and humorous picture book about a reluctant pigeon who is nervous about starting school. The book follows the pigeon as he comes up with all sorts of excuses to avoid going to school, from not knowing what to wear to being worried about the size of the school. Through the pigeon’s antics, young readers will be able to relate to the nervousness and excitement of starting school, making it a perfect book for children who are about to enter kindergarten. This heartwarming and funny story teaches kids about the importance of overcoming fears and the value of friendship in a kindergarten setting. With its engaging illustrations and relatable storyline, The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! is a must-read for any child about to embark on their kindergarten journey.
The Name Jar
by Yangsook Choi
The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi is a heartwarming book about friendship in kindergarten. The story follows Unhei, a new student from Korea, who is nervous about fitting in at her new school in America. When she decides to choose an American name, her classmates help her by filling a jar with potential names for her to pick from. But as Unhei learns about the unique names and stories of her new friends, she begins to appreciate her own name and culture. Through this touching tale, children will learn about the importance of acceptance, diversity, and embracing one’s identity. The Name Jar is a friendship kindergarten book that celebrates the beauty of individuality and the power of friendship in a way that will resonate with young readers.
The Recess Queen
by Alexis O’Neill
The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill is a delightful picture book about the power of friendship on the kindergarten playground. The story follows Mean Jean, the recess queen who rules the playground with an iron fist, scaring off all the other kids. That is until a new girl named Katie Sue arrives and decides to challenge Mean Jean’s reign. Through a heartwarming tale of bravery and kindness, the two girls learn that true friendship and kindness can overcome even the toughest situations. This book about friendship on the kindergarten playground is filled with playful language and vibrant illustrations, making it a perfect read-aloud for young children. The Recess Queen teaches valuable lessons about inclusivity, empathy, and the importance of treating others with respect. It’s a must-read for any classroom or home library, and a great conversation starter for discussions about friendship and bullying.
The Invisible String
by Patrice Karst
The Invisible String by Patrice Karst is a heartwarming book about the unbreakable bond of love that connects us all. It’s a beautiful story that helps children understand that even when they are apart from loved ones, they are still connected by an invisible string of love. This book on friendship kindergarten is a gentle and reassuring reminder for children that they are never truly alone. Through its simple and comforting message, The Invisible String teaches children about the powerful and enduring nature of love and connection. This book about friendship kindergarten is a perfect tool for fostering a sense of security and belonging in young readers, and it’s a must-have for any classroom or home library.
The Rainbow Fish
by Marcus Pfister
The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister is a beloved children’s book about the importance of sharing and kindness. The story follows a beautiful fish with shimmering scales who learns the value of friendship. When the Rainbow Fish refuses to share his scales with the other fish in the sea, he becomes lonely and isolated. Through the guidance of a wise octopus, the Rainbow Fish discovers that true happiness comes from sharing and making friends. With its vibrant illustrations and heartwarming message, this book about friendship kindergarten teaches young readers about the joy of giving and the rewards of making connections with others. The Rainbow Fish is a timeless classic that continues to inspire children to be generous and cultivate meaningful relationships.
The Kissing Hand
by Audrey Penn
The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn is a heartwarming book about the bond between a mother and her child as they navigate separation anxiety. This beloved children’s story follows a young raccoon named Chester who is anxious about starting kindergarten. To comfort him, his mother shares a special family tradition called “the kissing hand,” where she kisses his palm and tells him that he can hold her love and reassurance with him wherever he goes. The book beautifully illustrates the power of love, support, and connection in overcoming fears and challenges. It’s a perfect choice for parents and educators looking for a comforting and reassuring book on the theme of friendship in kindergarten.
The Lion and the Mouse
by Jerry Pinkney
The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney is a heartwarming book about friendship for kindergarten age children. This beautifully illustrated wordless picture book tells the classic Aesop fable of a tiny mouse who unexpectedly saves the life of a mighty lion. Pinkney’s stunning watercolor illustrations bring the African savanna to life, capturing the emotions and personalities of the animal characters. The story teaches valuable lessons about kindness, bravery, and the unexpected bonds that can form between unlikely friends. With its captivating artwork and timeless message, The Lion and the Mouse is a perfect choice for sparking discussions about empathy and compassion in a friendship kindergarten book.
The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors
by Stan and Jan Berenstain
The Berenstain Bears’ New Neighbors is a heartwarming book about friendship in a kindergarten setting. The story follows the beloved Bear family as they welcome new neighbors to their community. The cubs, Brother and Sister Bear, are initially hesitant about the new arrivals, but they soon realize that making new friends can be a fun and exciting adventure. Through the ups and downs of getting to know their new neighbors, the Bear family learns valuable lessons about kindness, acceptance, and the true meaning of friendship. With its engaging storytelling and delightful illustrations, this book about friendship kindergarten is a perfect choice for young readers who are learning about the importance of building connections with others.
The Little Engine That Could
by Watty Piper
The Little Engine That Could, written by Watty Piper, is a classic children’s book about perseverance and determination. The story follows a little blue engine who takes on the challenge of pulling a train full of toys over a big hill to reach the children on the other side. Despite facing doubt and obstacles, the little engine bravely declares, “I think I can, I think I can,” and successfully conquers the daunting task. This heartwarming tale teaches valuable lessons about believing in oneself and the power of positive thinking. With its timeless message, The Little Engine That Could is a beloved addition to any collection of books about friendship for kindergarten-aged children, and is sure to inspire young readers to never give up and always believe in themselves.
The Giving Tree
by Shel Silverstein
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a timeless classic that captures the essence of selfless love and companionship. This heartwarming book about friendship depicts the unique bond between a boy and a tree. As the boy grows older, the tree selflessly gives everything it has to make the boy happy, showcasing the purest form of friendship and sacrifice. Through beautifully illustrated pages and simple yet profound storytelling, The Giving Tree teaches young readers about the value of generosity, kindness, and unconditional love. This book about friendship kindergarten is a poignant reminder of the importance of cherishing and nurturing relationships, making it a must-read for all ages.
The Velveteen Rabbit
by Margery Williams
The Velveteen Rabbit, written by Margery Williams, is a beloved children’s book about the transformative power of love and friendship. This classic tale follows the story of a stuffed rabbit who longs to become real through the love of his owner, a young boy. As the rabbit learns about love, friendship, and loyalty, he discovers the true meaning of being “real.” With its timeless themes of love and companionship, this heartwarming story is a perfect choice for children of all ages. The Velveteen Rabbit is a must-read for anyone seeking a heartwarming book about the enduring bonds of friendship and the power of love.
The Rainbow Goblins
by Ul de Rico
The Rainbow Goblins by Ul de Rico is a captivating and visually stunning book about a group of mischievous goblins who are on a quest to steal the colors from the beautiful Rainbow. As they journey through the lush and vibrant landscape, the goblins use all kinds of cunning tricks to capture the colors, leaving the world dull and grey in their wake. However, they soon encounter the Rainbow’s guardian, the old man, who teaches them a valuable lesson about the true beauty of friendship and the importance of preserving the natural world. This enchanting tale is not only a feast for the eyes with its lush and elaborate illustrations, but it also imparts a powerful message about the value of friendship and the consequences of greed. It’s the perfect book on friendship kindergarten, sparking conversations about the importance of sharing and caring for the world around us.
The Snowy Day
by Ezra Jack Keats
The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats is a classic children’s book about a young boy named Peter who explores his neighborhood after a fresh snowfall. The story captures the wonder and excitement of a snowy day, as Peter makes footprints, builds snowmen, and even creates snow angels. The illustrations, done in vibrant collage-style, beautifully depict Peter’s adventures in the snow. This timeless book is perfect for young readers, as it evokes a sense of joy and wonder that comes with experiencing the magic of winter. With its themes of exploration, imagination, and adventure, The Snowy Day is a wonderful choice for children learning about the joys of winter and making friends in a kindergarten setting.
The Buddy Bench
by Patty Brozo
The Buddy Bench by Patty Brozo is a heartwarming book about the power of friendship and inclusion. The story follows a young boy named Max who feels lonely on the playground, but with the help of a thoughtful teacher and his classmates, he learns about the Buddy Bench. The Buddy Bench becomes a place where kids can sit if they are looking for a friend to play with, and soon, Max discovers the joy of making new friends. This book is a wonderful tool for teaching children about empathy, kindness, and the importance of reaching out to others. With its charming illustrations and important message, The Buddy Bench is the perfect addition to any classroom or library collection. It’s a must-have friendship kindergarten book that will inspire young readers to be inclusive and compassionate towards their peers.
The Sandwich Swap
by Queen Rania Al Abdullah
The Sandwich Swap by Queen Rania Al Abdullah is a heartwarming book about friendship in kindergarten. It tells the story of Lily and Salma, two best friends who come from different cultural backgrounds. They enjoy each other’s company, but a disagreement over their lunch choices leads to hurt feelings and a rift in their kindergarten friendship. As they learn to appreciate each other’s differences, they realize that their friendship is more important than their sandwich preferences. The book beautifully illustrates the value of acceptance, understanding, and empathy in kindergarten friendships. With vibrant illustrations and a poignant message, it’s a perfect read-aloud for young children learning about the importance of embracing diversity and building meaningful connections.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these 20 books about Friendship Kindergarten are a wonderful way to teach young children about the importance of bonding and caring for others. Through heartwarming stories and engaging illustrations, these books provide valuable lessons about empathy, kindness, and the joy of true friendship. By incorporating these books into their reading repertoire, educators and parents can play an essential role in nurturing the social and emotional development of young children.
Which Friendship Kindergarten book is best?
The best book on Friendship Kindergarten can vary with personal preference, but three widely recommended titles are:
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson,
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins,
- The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld.
Each offers valuable insights and could be a great starting point.
What are the best books to learn about Friendship Kindergarten?
For those looking to learn about Friendship Kindergarten, there is a wealth of literature that can provide a comprehensive understanding of the subject. Some of the most highly recommended books include:
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson,
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins,
- The Rabbit Listened by Cori Doerrfeld,
- The Invisible Boy by Trudy Ludwig,
- The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes,
- The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems,
- The Name Jar by Yangsook Choi,
- The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill,
- The Invisible String by Patrice Karst,
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister
These books offer a range of perspectives on Friendship Kindergarten, covering various aspects and approaches to the subject.
What are the best books on Friendship Kindergarten?
The best books on Friendship Kindergarten include:
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson,
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins,
- The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn,
- The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney,
- The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill,
- The Pigeon HAS to Go to School! by Mo Willems.
Each offers unique insights into the subject. While these books on the topic of Friendship Kindergarten are highly regarded, it’s important to note that any list of ‘best’ books is subjective and reflects a range of opinions.
What are the best Friendship Kindergarten books of all time?
Choosing the best Friendship Kindergarten books of all time can vary depending on who you ask, but seven titles that are often celebrated include
- The Day You Begin by Jacqueline Woodson,
- We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins,
- The King of Kindergarten by Derrick Barnes,
- The Recess Queen by Alexis O’Neill,
- The Rainbow Fish by Marcus Pfister,
- The Lion and the Mouse by Jerry Pinkney,
- and The Kissing Hand by Audrey Penn.
Each of these books has made a significant impact in the field of Friendship Kindergarten and continues to be influential today.