We Can Get Along: A Child's Book of Choices by Lauren Murphy Payne

Illustrated by Claudia Rohling. 36 p., Free Spirit, 1997.

In this nonfiction book, the author describes what it feels like to get along with people, and how it feels when they don't get along. She suggests that children can use those feelings to make good choices in relationships; for example, maintaining self-control, listening, sharing, and problem-solving cooperatively. She comments that even though sometimes we may feel like hitting, it's never permissible to do that. She gives examples of positive ways to cope with having been hurt. The marker illustrations, which show children from a range of cultural backgrounds, have colorful, elaborate, child-friendly borders. A group leader's guide is available. This book offers children many accessible suggestions for specific behaviors that can help them make friends and can enhance their friendships.

Ages: 3-8
Cultural Context: multicultural