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Children’s Book Blog: September 2026

Back to School: Friendships

A new school year brings plenty of changes: new classrooms, new teachers, new routines—and new friends.

For children, navigating friendships can be one of the most exciting…and challenging parts of going back to school. These picture books explore all the ups and downs of building friendships – including how important it is to find friends who appreciate the real you! 

I hope they boost your child(ren)’s confidence as they head back to school!

 

 

Prunella by Beth Ferry & Claire Keane

Prunella has a purple thumb, not green! 

Prunella is a wonderful story for children who may be feeling a little out of place as they head back to school. It reminds readers that sometimes finding a friend starts with finding someone who appreciates the things that make you uniquely you. And just like a garden, friendships can take time to grow!

It’s about finding your people, not changing for people. 

Plus, the illustrations are gorgeous! 

The Adventures of Beekle: The Unimaginary Friend by Dan Santat

Dan Santat is one my favorite authors/illustrators so his work is featured quite often on this blog. Beekle won him the 2015 Caldecott Medal.  

Beekle is an imaginary friend waiting patiently on an island for the child who will imagine him. When he decides he simply cannot wait any longer, Beekle sets off on an adventure to find his friend in the real world.

It is such an imaginative tale about the courage it takes to make a new friend. 

Elvis & Romeo by David Soman & Jacky Davis 

Two very different dogs meet at the dog park and form an unexpected friendship. 

Elvis & Romeo is a fun story about looking beyond our differences and giving someone new a chance; you don’t have to have everything in common to become good friends. 

Bonus: the creators continued Elvis and Romeo’s adventures with some board books and”ready-to-read” books. Joanna and Connor love when their favorite picture book characters get to make more appearances in the Library!

 

A Friend for Eddy by Ann Kim Ha

A Friend for Eddy is a humorous, uplifting story about loniless, perspective and empathy. 

I don’t want to give too much away.  It’s best to go in blind. But to quote the publisher, “observant readers will delight in seeing Eddy’s mistake before he does.” My kids certainly did!

 

Goodbye, Friend! Hello, Friend! by Cori Doerrfeld

Cori Doerrfeld is another author frequently featured on this blog.  She has such a knack for depicting complex emotional issues while remaining light for and understandable of her younger audience.  It’s a real talent. 

This thoughtful picture book explores the many goodbyes and hellos that happen throughout childhood and reminds readers that endings can make room for new beginnings. It was perfect for my kids who are starting at a new school this year. 

 

A note on this blog: Michelle Milford is the Office & Marketing Manager at Town Hall Library.  She has two children – Joanna (8) and Connor (6).  All three have a deep love of books and voracious appetites for reading.  Here they’ll share their monthly book recommendations