Books about friends for younger readers

Frank and Bert

Author: Chris Naylor-Ballesteros

Interest level: 4-6

Reading age: 2-3

Frank and Bert love a game of hide-and-seek, but Bert hasn’t quite mastered the art of hiding in 10 seconds. In fact, Bert complai…

I'm Sticking With You

Author: Smriti Halls Illustrator: Steve Small

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age:

Bear and Squirrel are best friends - but Squirrel feels like she needs a bit of space of her own. This adorable rhyming book …

Cyril and Pat

Author: Emily Gravett

Interest level: 4-7

Reading age: 6+

Cyril the Squirrel is so lonely that, when he finally makes a friend, he doesn’t seem to notice that "Pat" might not be quite what…

Hugo

Author: Atinuke Illustrator: Birgitta Sif

Interest level: 4-5

Reading age:

Hugo the pigeon is a park warden. Every day he patrols the park, talking to the dog walkers, playing with the children, and keepin…

Aalfred and Aalbert

Author: Morag Hood

Interest level: 4-6

Reading age: 6+

Aalfred and Aalbert both need a friend but seem destined never to meet, until fate finally unites them. A unique voice and wr…

Mini Monsters: Can I Play?

Author: Caryl Hart and Tony Neal

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

Sparkle and Arthur have decided to put on a magic show. How exciting! Yet when their friend Scout asks if they can join in, Sparkl…

My Friend Earth

Author: Patricia McLachlan. Illustrator: Francesca Sanna

Interest level: 4-8

Reading age: 6+

Francesca Sanna’s stunning illustrations are the star of this lovely picture book which (rather like Disney’s Moana) depicts …

Rosie Is My Best Friend

Author: Ali Pye

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

A tale of Rosie and her best friend, who spend every day together and go on lots of adventures – with a twist at the end to d…

Hello, Friend

Author: Rebecca Cobb

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

This warm-hearted picture book about making friends is a perfect read for little ones starting school or nursery who might be a bi…

The Boy Who Loved Everyone

Author: Jane Porter Illustrator: Maisie Paradise Shearring

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

Dimitri is new at nursery, and no matter how many people (and trees) he says 'I love you' to, no one says it back. Dimitri starts …

A Friend for Henry

Author: Jenn Bailey Illustrator: Mika Song

Interest level: 4-7

Reading age: 5+

Henry’s keen to make friends in his class, but it’s proving a bit of a challenge. His autism is hinted at but not referred to dire…

Duck and Penguin Are Not Friends

Author: Julia Woolf

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

Maud and Betty are the best of friends, so it only stands to reason that their favourite toys will be, too – doesn't it?…

Dogger

Author: Shirley Hughes

Interest level: 2-5

Reading age:

Dogger is Dave's special toy. So when Dogger gets lost at the funfair, Dave is desolate. Will they find each other again? Explorin…

Elmer's Friends

Author: David McKee

Interest level: 0+

Reading age: 5+

A colourful board book in which the ever-popular Elmer the Elephant praises each of his friends for their different strengths

Lost and Found

Author: Oliver Jeffers

Interest level: 3-5

Reading age:

Once there was a sad, lonely penguin who appeared at the door of a young boy. The boy decided he must be lost, so he set off to fi…

Hug

Author: Jez Alborough

Interest level: 0-3

Reading age:

Bobo the chimp wanders sadly around the jungle looking for someone to hug, but all the animals are already cuddling someone else.

Making Friends!

Author: Jess Stockham

Interest level: 0+

Reading age: 4+

This book is full of great animal pictures and lift-the-flap pages. It’s a friendly and colourful way to encourage children …

I Want a Friend!

Author: Tony Ross

Interest level:

Reading age:

Meet one of the great characters of children's books as Little Princess starts school.

Iris and Isaac

Author: Catherine Rayner

Interest level: 2+

Reading age: 4+

This gorgeous story from an award-winning picture book- maker is a classic tale of friendship between two quarrelling polar bears.…

Pip and Posy: The Super Scooter

Author: Axel Scheffler

Interest level: 1+

Reading age: 5+

Part of the endearing Pip and Posy series with gentle lessons for toddlers and preschoolers

Hurry Up and Slow Down

Author: Layn Marlow

Interest level: 2+

Reading age: 5+

Hare is always full of energy and likes to do everything quickly. Tortoise moves more slowly and struggles to keep up.

Goose

Author: Laura Wall

Interest level: 3+

Reading age: 4+

• Brightly coloured picture book with simple and enchanting illustrations.

• Sophie meets Goose on a trip to the park and they soon…