There’s nothing like a good friend, which is why friendship picture books are such a delight. The relationships between best friends like Piglet and Pooh, George and Martha, and Toot & Puddle teach lessons about loyalty, commitment, companionship, and love.
I’ve picked out a few of my favorite books about love and friendship to share with you. You can learn more about each book in the synopses below, or you can download a free library list to take with you on your next visit to the library.

A Visitor for Bear
by Bonny Becker
Bear doesn’t seem to mind that he always sips his tea alone. But one day Bear finds himself the unwilling recipient of a visit from a persistent friend.

Corduroy
by Don Freeman
Corduroy may not be perfect, but that doesn’t matter to Lisa. When she looks at Corduroy, Lisa doesn’t see a missing button. She sees the friend she’s been longing for.

George and Martha
by James Marshall
George doesn’t always say or do the right thing, and sometimes Martha upsets George. But that really doesn’t matter, because George and Martha are the truest of friends.

Sophie’s Squash
by Pat Zietlow Miller
Nothing is so sweet as the love of a child toward an imaginary friend. And Sophie’s love for her new friend is no exception. Sophie’s Squash has it all. It’s a sweet, silly tale with subtle humor that appeals to kids and adults alike.

The Lion and the Mouse
by Jerry Pinkney
Never underestimate the value of true friendship. When a mouse finds herself in a desperate situation, it’s an unexpected kindness that saves the day. And eventually the little mouse is able to prove herself a great friend too.

A Sick Day for Amos McGee
by Philip C. Stead
Amos McGee loves his animal friends and is always there for them when they need him most. But when he finds himself in need of comfort, Amos discovers the true value of taking the time to be a friend.

Hug
by Jez Alborough
Bobo wants a hug…but what he really wants is more than just a simple hug. A hug is merely an expression of the love that flows from the heart of a parent or a friend.

Lost and Found
by Oliver Jeffers
The boy really just wanted to help the lost penguin find his way home. But when you take the time to help a stranger in need, you may discover that you have found a new friend.

Hank Finds An Egg
by Rebecca Dudley
When Hank finds an egg resting on the forest floor, he is determined to return the egg to the safety of its home. But Hank didn’t only find an egg…he found a friend.

Flora and the Flamingo
by Molly Idle
When a flamingo meets a determined little girl, an very special friendship is born. And that friendship quickly becomes a beautiful partnership. Flora and the Flamingo will dance their way right into your heart!

Born in the Wild
by Lita Judge
Children learn about love and friendship from their mothers, and Born in the Wild is full of the love and affection between animal mommies and babies. Get ready to oooh and awww with every single page turn!

Boy + Bot
by Ame Dyckman
Have you ever had a friend that was your exact opposite? Boy + Bot shows us that friendship can work even with big differences. Misunderstandings are inevitable, but they will never stand in the way of true friendship.

Wherever You Are
by Nancy Tillman
The love between parent and child is the best kind of friendship. In Wherever You Are, Nancy Tillman uses gently rhyming verse and exquisite artwork to beautifully describe the kind of “always and forever” love that exists between a parent and a child.

A Splendid Friend, Indeed
by Suzanne Bloom
Goose and Bear are friends. In fact, they are splendid friends. But not even the best of friends are always compatible in every way. Sometimes even best friends have to try to be patient with each other. And Goose and Bear are no exception.

frog, where are you?
by Mercer Mayer
One morning, a boy awakens and discovers that his dear friend Frog is missing. And so begins a search that takes the boy and the dog through a series of adventures and mishaps—all with the hope of finding Frog and bringing him home!

Hug Machine
by Scott Campbell
Get ready! The Hug Machine is coming and there isn’t anything the Hug Machine won’t hug. He hugs everything and everyone…whales, turtles, bears, even a porcupine! He won’t let any unhuggable obstacle stand in his way.

Hoot and Peep
by Lita Judge
Hoot can’t wait to show his little sister around the city. Afterall, he has so much to teach her! But Peep isn’t sure she wants to do things Hoot’s way. In the end, it may be Hoot who learns something!
Penguin and Pinecone
by Salina Yoon
When a penguin discovers a lost pinecone, an unlikely but wonderful friendship is born. And although friendships don’t always make sense, Penguin and Pinecone prove that kindness is the seed of friendship.
FREE Friendship Picture Books Library List:
Are you interested in reading some of my favorite friendship picture books with your children? Click to download a list of my favorites to take to your local library.
Looking for MORE books? You can find more great library lists here!
Friendship Picture Books Recommended by Our Readers
- Just In Case You Ever Wonder by Max Lucado (Recommended by Angela P. via blog comment)
- My Friend Is Sad by Mo Willem (Recommended by Robyn M. via blog comment)
- Frog and Toad are Friends by Arnold Lobel (Recommended by Renai via blog comment)
- Toot and Puddle by Holly Hobbie (Recommended by Amy via blog comment)
- Gossie and Gertie by Olivier Dunrea (Recommended by Elizabeth via blog comment)
- Hairy Maclary and Zachary Quack by Lynley Dodd (Recommended by Elizabeth via blog comment)
- The Houndsley and Catina series by James Howe (Recommended by Mariann via blog comment)
- Stella Louella’s Runaway Book by Lisa Campbell Ernst (Recommended by Maria via blog comment)
- Don’t Fidget a Feather by Erica Silverman (Recommended by Melissa H. via blog comment)
- My Best Friend Will by Jamie Lowell & Tara Tuchel (Recommended by Jenny H.)
Do you have a favorite picture book about friendship? Please share it in the comments and I’ll add it to our Readers’ Picks list!

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