With a Friend by Your Side

Winner of the 2016 Oregon Book Award for Children's Literature

With sweet thoughts about the value of friendship, this inspirational book preps young ones for the world beyond their own families. The striking photographs paired with poetic text will encourage more unplugged and imaginative play, help kids develop skills essential to their social and communicative development, and create a sense of belonging and security. Plus, we guarantee you'll finish the book wanting to hug a friend. A comprehensive afterword details the backstories of the incredible photos, which feature children and animals from around the world.

"The text of this book talks about all friends can do and be. The photographs make it shine. Barbara Kerley catches the sparkle in the eyes of friends having fun together... This book is a work of art celebrating people – celebrating Friends."  Sonderbooks Book Review

"...Excellent photographs of friends from around the world are paired with simple but touching text to demonstrate that all people need friends to care about. The photographs have a nice mix of young and old from places as close as Pennsylvania and California, to as far away as China and Jakarta... VERDICT The wonderful photography and gentle text make this a good choice to read aloud at the beginning of a discussion of friendship or to showcase what all humans have in common.." School Library Journal