How Humans Make Friends by Loreen Leedy

32 p., Holiday House, 1996.

Zork, an extraterrestrial, gives extraterrestrial audience a slide presentation about the ways that he or she has observed that humans make friends. Zork gives examples of how and where friends meet and what they might do together and talk about. Zork explains the ways that humans do (for example, by taking turns and listening) and don't (for example, acting bossy or selfish) get along with each other, and identifies some of the feelings people have in each case. Zork explains how humans work out conflicts, admit their mistakes, and apologize to and forgive one another. Zork's lecture ends with information about types of friends (for example, close or casual friends) and ways to keep in touch (for example, phone, letters, and email). Zork tells readers that friends get along by keeping secrets and don't get along when they "blab" them; children may need to be reminded that they should tell a secret if it makes them uncomfortable or could cause someone to get hurt. Otherwise, this book is full of practical, accessible information about friendship and social skills.

Ages 3-8