02/13/2026
There are more lessons you can learn from watching the Winter Olympics than how to perfect your curling technique. Friendships can be made at home with family, at school, in the neighborhood, at a playgroup, or at a PJ Library event. Friendships make us happy, and making and keeping friends is a life skill that children start learning early. In Judaism, the value of friendship, or dibbuk chaverim, describes the bond formed in friendships.
Stories are a wonderful way to help children learn positive social skills and the building blocks of friendship. These books are good jumping-off points for children to learn about being a good friend, listening to friends, contributing to community, and being all-around mensches.
Baby Be Kind
Written and illustrated by Jane Cowen-Fletcher
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Clever Rachel
Written by Debby Waldman
Illustrated by Cindy Revell
Publisher: Orca Publishers
Do Unto Otters
Written and illustrated by Laurie Keller
Publisher: Macmillan
Five Little Gefiltes
Written and illustrated by Dave Horowitz
Publisher: Penguin Random House
I Can Help
Written and illustrated by David Hyde Costello
Publisher: Macmillan
Jackie and Jesse and Joni and Jae
Written by Chris Barash
Illustrated by Christine Battuz
Publisher: Apples and Honey Press
Maddi's Fridge
Written by Lois Brandt
Illustrated by Vin Vogel
Publisher: Flashlight Press
Picnic at Camp Shalom
Written by Jacqueline Jules
Illustrated by Deborah Melmon
Publisher: Kar-Ben Publishing
