5 Books About Friendship for Toddlers

At ages 2 and 3, friendship is still a brand-new concept. It’s the age of "parallel play" turning into "cooperative play," and it usually involves a lot of learning how to share (and how to apologize!). Here are five gems that tackle the beauty of friendship with style and soul.

1. "Bear & Mouse: Rise and Shine" By Nicola Edwards (Little Tiger Press)

This story follows two very different friends—one big, one small—as they navigate their morning.

Why it works: It celebrates patience. Bear is slow and sleepy; Mouse is fast and energetic. It’s a great way to show toddlers that we can be friends with people who have different "tempos" than we do. The illustrations are soft, warm, and perfect for a cozy morning read.

2. "Two for Me, One for You" By Jörg Mühle (Gecko Press)

In this hilarious tale, a bear and a weasel find three mushrooms. The ensuing argument over how to divide them is basically a transcript of every toddler playdate ever.

Why it works: It uses humor to teach fairness. Toddlers find the bickering funny, but the ending (where a fox settles the dispute in a surprising way) opens up a great conversation about why sharing matters.

3. "The Squirrels' Busy Year" By Martin Jenkins (Candlewick Press)

While this is a nature book, at its heart, it’s about two squirrels who work together to survive the seasons.

Why it works: It shows that friendship is about teamwork. It’s less about "playing" and more about "helping." The art is stunningly beautiful, and the simple text is perfect for the 2–3 year old attention span.

4. "Me and You" By Geneviève Côté (Kids Can Press)

This is a very simple, sweet story about a little pig and a little bunny who try to "be" each other before realizing they like each other exactly as they are.

Why it works: It’s a lesson in authenticity. It teaches kids that being a good friend doesn't mean you have to be exactly like the other person. The sentences are very short—perfect for toddlers who want to turn the pages quickly.

5. "Tiny T. Rex and the Impossible Hug" By Jonathan Stutzman (Chronicle Books)

Chronicle Books is technically an "independent" giant based in San Francisco, known for their incredible design. Tiny T. Rex has a friend who is feeling sad, and despite his very short arms, he is determined to give the best hug ever.

Why it works: It’s all about empathy and perseverance. It shows that even when something is hard, being there for a friend is worth the effort. It’s adorable, funny, and has a great "heart" that toddlers really respond to.

Mom Tip: When reading about friendship, I love to point to the characters and ask, "What is the Bear doing to be a good friend?" It helps move them from just listening to actually recognizing those "pro-social" behaviors in real life!