The first relationship in a child’s life is with his parents and nothing will ever replace that. However, as a child grows and develops his own identity, he will build relationships outside of just his mom and dad. These friendships, whether with a favorite stuffy, a pet or a child in his playgroup, will be very important to him at enhancing who he is.
Lost and Found
written and illustrated by Oliver Jeffers
published by HarperCollins
boardbook (infants)
A boy discovers a penguin on his front step and assumes he’s lost. The boy takes it upon himself to return the penguin to the South Pole. As the boy and penguin journey together they share stories and learn about each other. It isn’t until the boy returns home, after dropping the penguin at the South Pole, that he realizes the penguin was just lonely and looking for a friend. Wonderful illustrations and text tell a story of finding an unexpected friend.
My Friend Rabbit
published by Roaring Brook Press
picture book (age 4-8)
awarded 2003 Caldecott Award
Mouse and Rabbit are friends. Rabbit sometimes does things before he thinks, but he means well. When Rabbit mistakenly flies mouse and his airplane into a tree, Rabbit works to get his friend out. Although there are minimal words on the pages, the story is told beautifully through the wonderful wood-cut images. Children will delight in how Rabbit rescues his friend mouse and the expressions of the animals who help.
Dog and Bear. Two Friends. Three Stories
published by Roaring Brook Press
picture book (age 4-8)
awarded Boston Globe Horn Book Award for Best Picture Book
Three charming tales about the adventures of two friends, an energetic and adventurous dachshund dog and a reserved multi-coloured teddy bear. The illustrations are warm and colourful, like the friendship between Dog and Bear. The three stories are simple but ones children can relate to: having a friend help and encourage you when you’re in a jam, balancing your need to spend time with a friend with your friend’s interests, and loving a friend for who they are.
Sam’s Pet
written and illustrated by Charnan Simon
published by Children’s Press
easy reader (age 4-8)
Rosie and her dog Sam have a new pet in the family, Mable the kitten. Mable has her own way of doing things, which doesn’t seem to include anything of Sam’s, like his food or toys or sleeping on his pillow with him. Sam doesn’t think he’ll ever be friends with Mabel. But an encounter with a bully of a dog changes everything. Mabel sticks up for herself and Sam and from then on they are the best of friends. A Rookie Reader level C book, it contains a word list of 54 words for practice.
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Carrie Anne is a contributing writer for No Time For Flash Cards, mom of 3 , and blogs at
Another Day , Another Thought…Or Two
3 Responses to “Book Reviews by Carrie Anne”
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We love the book Lost and Found! Preschoolers also love books about being lost and getting found- something about this concept speaks to their burgeoning sensibilities! And who doesn't love penguins?!
tu blog me encanta!!! me gustan todas las actividades que haces con tu niño… felicidades!!!
[...] on adventures with, or just hang-out with. If you visit No Time for Flash Cards you’ll find my reviews of some friendship books you can share with your child. And be sure to give your friend a hug tomorrow and thank them for just being [...]