The Book Pages by Carey Fluker Hunt

Four new picturebooks for KS1 exploring friendship Learning how to be a good friend can bring challenges. These picturebooks will help children recognize and value good communication, empathy and many other things that help us make (and keep) our friends.

The Visitor by Antje Damm A story about bravery and small beginnings (Gecko Press, 2018)

Black-and-white photos of 3D models depicting a domestic interior are used to tell the story of Elise, a lonely woman who is too scared to leave her house. One day a paper aeroplane flies in through an open window. Elise burns it, but that night more aeroplanes appear. The next morning a boy called Emil knocks at the door. He wants his plane back. He also wants to use the bathroom, have a chat, listen to a story, play some games and eat a slice of buttered bread…

Colour seeps into the black-and-white artwork as the story progresses, visually dispelling Elise’s loneliness and evoking the power of human connection. Spending cross-generational time with Elise and Emil is a joyful experience, and one that’s well worth sharing.

Can Cat and Bird be Friends? by Coll Muir A story about valuing differences and the power of good communication (HarperCollins, 2019) When Cat meets Bird they can’t be friends, because cats eat birds. That’s how it is. But Bird won’t take no for an answer. He knows all sorts of places that appeal to cats and is keen to share them. And Cat, in turn, is full of ideas that appeal to birds. The trouble is that cats don’t like eating worms and birds don’t like playing in boxes, and the pair struggle to find common ground until Bird gives up and heads for home. “I’ve got a painting to finish,” he announces, in a twist that frames a satisfying ending for all concerned. “PAINTING?! I love painting!” says Cat. “We can be friends….”

Muir brings a warm and quirky eye to this tale of unexpected friendship. Rather than making assumptions or following the herd, Cat and Bird take time to ask the right questions and listen carefully to the answers. Muir’s deadpan text isn’t just funny, it respects young readers and encourages them to have a go. Accompanied by expressive two-tone illustrations that play with comic tropes, this beautifully-designed book will have a wide appeal.

Flock by Gemma Koomen A story about being brave and taking the first step (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, 2019)

In a huge tree at the edge of the forest live the tiny Treekeepers.

It’s their job to polish the nuts and gather the berries, and they love working and playing together - all except Sylvia, who prefers her own company. One day a dishevelled baby bird invades Sylvia’s solitary hollow. Slowly he chirps his way into her heart until Sylvia and Scruff are doing everything together. But if you really care for someone, sooner or later you must let them spread their wings. And where will Sylvia find friendship once Scruff has flown the nest?

Ideas around community and friendship are explored in an appealing and accessible way, with detailed illustrations that invite observation, imagination and discussion. Koomen’s earthy palette and mid-century aesthetic extend the book’s appeal, and used as a starting-point for environmental and storytelling activities Flock will inspire older as well as younger children.

The Mist Monster by Kirsti Beautyman A story about accepting change and finding new friends (Alison Green Books, 2019)

Penny isn’t sure about the new house. Dad suggests exploring, but the dog steals Mum’s old hat and Penny can’t manage without it. Dashing after Peanut into a strange, white, misty garden-world, Penny notices two yellow eyes. It’s Morris, the mist monster, and the pair set off in hot pursuit of dog and hat. “It was my mum’s… she was a brilliant explorer,” explains Penny, and Morris gives her the kind of look that says he’s heard something significant. Penny and Morris never find the dog, but they have lots of fun. That night, Penny dreams about more adventures but when she wakes it’s sunny. There’s no mist and no sign of Morris. But there is a boy next door who’s looking for a brand-new friend…

Gently constructed around themes of loss and change, this optimistic story weaves links between imaginative worlds and daily reality. It takes time for feelings to pass, but new connections will blossom when you least expect.

Carey Fluker Hunt is a freelance writer, creative learning consultant and founder of Cast of Thousands, a website featuring a selection of the best children’s books and related cross-curricular activities.