How to Help a Friend by Karl Newson, Clara Anganuzzi
Published by Templar on December 6, 2022
ISBN: 153622667X
Pages: 32
Genres: Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

The gentle language and illustrations in this picture book will help young children understand and increase their awareness of how people process and experience sadness. In this picture book by Karl Newson, a young brown-skinned girl offers support to her (animal) friends when they are down. The accessible, rhyming text makes it clear that there is no one-size-fits-all answer to what friends need when they’re sad and that there isn’t only one way to be sad.

The overall mood of the story is that of love, caring, and compassion. The animals and young girl are clearly benefiting from the various approaches of friends helping each other through painful times. The sensitive pastel illustrations support this message. The language and rhythm of the text combined with the engaging illustrations make this an excellent SEL read-aloud for early elementary and preschool audiences, with opportunities for helpful discussion afterwards. Highly recommended for public and school libraries looking for quality SEL titles.

Reviewed by Deanna Contrino, Young School, Saco