Story Time: F is for Friends

by | Mar 5, 2026 | Blog, Kid's Corner, Story Time | 0 comments

For some children, making friends can be difficult, but practicing at home can help. Try some of the strategies found at PBS Kids for Parents. Then read a book about friends and talk about how the characters used the strategies and what happened.

Join us Tuesdays, and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. in the Community Room or Tuesdays at 6:30 p.m. in the Activity Room.

Ages 3-5

Sing, Talk, Read, Write, Play

Tip

During the first years of life, an important set of skills known as problem solving abilities are developed. Get into the habit of asking questions during your daily story time that develop higher-order thinking skills. Instead of just reading and your child passively listening, ask questions throughout, concentrating on solving problems. – https://empoweredparents.co/problem-solving-activities-preschoolers/

 

Activity

Help your child find a favorite book. Ask your child questions similar to these:

–Why do you think the rat did that?

–Do you think his friend will be happy? Why?

–What do you think would happen if the rat did something else?

Books Presented

Book cover for Wiggle and Whale: A Book of Funny Friends by Roger Priddy

Wiggle and the Whale: A Book of Funny Friends by Roger Priddy

What make a perfect animal pair? The place where they live, or a feature they share? Are they both big, or are they both small, or do they share nothing in common at all?

Book cover for Don't Need Friends by Carolyn Crimi

Don't Need Friends by Carolyn Crimi

After his best friend moves away, Rat rudely rebuffs the efforts of the other residents of the junkyard to be friendly, until he and a grouchy old dog decide that they need each other.
Book cover for Lawrence & Sophia Big & Bold by Doreen Cronin

Lawrence & Sophia: Big & Bold by Doreen Cronin

When Lawrence makes a new friend, Sophia feels left out until she discovers that she can be big and bold on her own.

Book cover for Bunny Made Tea by Amanda Baehr Fuller

Bunny Made Tea by Amanda Baehr Fuller

On a soggy spring morning, introverted Bunny just wants to brew their favorite tea and have a peaceful sip. When they are visited by an unexpected guest, Bunny kindly pours their tea for Opossum–but there is only enough for a single cup. Bunny gathers more ingredients and makes another cup, just in time for Opossum to return with their babies in tow. All of Opossum’s babies want tea. Their arrival startles Bunny into spilling the fresh cup, but Bunny is a good host. They head out with their guests one more time to gather the herbs, brew the tea, and serve them–every last drop. Bunny heads to bed that night with no tea, until a knock on the door reveals that somebody has been paying attention, and they made tea–for Bunny! This simple picture book explores themes of kindness, sharing, and gratitude, and suggests that paying attention to others can help us understand how our actions affect them–and shows how expressing gratitude can brighten a friend’s day.

Songs, Rhymes, and Fingerplays

F-R-I-E-N-D!

(tune: B-I-N-G-O)
There was a rat who met a dog,
And and they became good friends.
F-R-I-E-N-D!
F-R-I-E-N-D!
F-R-I-E-N-D!
And and they became good friends!

Friend of Mine

(Tune:”Mary Had a Little Lamb”)
Will you be a friend of mine, friend of mine, friend of mine?
Will you be a friend of mine and [insert action word]

Action Words: around with me? jump… bow… clap… hop on one foot…

Source: Verona Story Time

Make a Heart

I put my hands together, (hands together like praying)
This is how I start
I curve my fingers right around, 
(curl fingertips)
And I can make a heart!

Source: Jbrary

If You’re a Friend

(tune: If You’re Happy)
If you’re a friend and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you’re a friend and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)
If you’re a friend and you know it, then what you do will show it
If you’re a friend and you know it, clap your hands (clap clap)

If you’re a friend and you know it, stomp your feet (stomp stomp)

If you’re friend and you know it, shout “Hurray!” (hoo-ray!)

If you’re a friend and you know it, do all three (clap-clap, stomp-stomp, hoo-ray!)

Crafts and Activities

Coloring page with the words friends forever and two children giving a high five.

Friends Coloring Page

 

 

Make a friendship bracelet from straws and pipe cleaner or yarn.

Friendship Bracelet

Additional Books

Book cover for Once Upon a Friend by Dan Gemeinhart

Once Upon a Friend by Dan Gemeinhart

Once upon a time, I met my reader… As soon as our young reader opens the cover of Meego’s book, the pair are the best of friends. Side by side, they leap from the adventures in Meego’s stories to the adventures in the child’s real life. From courageously creeping into shadowy caves to weathering Very Big Days like the first day of school, the friends journey and grow together through thick and thin. Though seasons turn, just like pages, the friends and memories we make within stories always stay with us. Once Upon a Friend is an imaginative ode to the beloved fictional characters who we never leave behind.
Book cover for I Definitely Don't Like Winter by Fiona Barker

I Definitely Don't Like Winter by Fiona Barker

Hank and Hoog are best friends, but they have very different opinions on winter: Hank hates it and Hoog loves it and they will have to find a way to deal with their differences, because their friendship is very important to both of them.
Book cover for My New Friend is So Fun! by Mo Willems

My New Friend is so Fun! by Mo Willems

Gerald the elephant and Snake fear that Piggie and Brian Bat will have so much fun together they will no longer need their best friends.
Book cover for Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone by Beth Ferry

Stick and Stone are both lonely until Pinecone’s teasing causes one to stick up for the other, and a solid friendship is formed.

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