Sally and the Some-Thing by George O'Connor

32 p., Roaring Brook, 2006. Sometimes, making new friends involves looking past both appearances and an initial impression that you don't have anything in common. When Sally is bored, she rides her bike to the pond and goes fishing. She doesn't catch any fish, but she meets a green, slimy-looking Some-Thing. Many kids would be scared, but Sally isn't - she's happy that the Some-Thing isn't borning, and invites him to play. The Some-Thing isn't good at the kinds of things Sally likes to do, and it turns out that Sally finds the Some-Thing's favorite things either boring or too difficult. But Sally is a natural problem-solver, and she doesn't give up. Instead, she proposes that they make up new games to play together. This works out wonderfully for them - they play all day, until the Some-Thing is exhausted, and Sally takes him home to the pond. Colorfully and expressively illustrated, this story supports children in using their problem-solving skills toward making new friends. Ages 4-7

Daddy, Papa, and Me by Leslea Newman

Illustrated by Carol Thompson. 18 p., Tricycle, 2009. In this sweet, simple, rhyming story, a small child plays with Daddy and Papa, playing make-believe, making paper airplanes, playing with toy cars, painting, sewing, cooking, making music, and playing catch - until both fathers need a rest. When that happens, the child tucks them in on the couch and gives each a good-night kiss. By showing the ordinary, loving moments in this family, his story is an antidote to the notion of two-dad families as "different" without ever having to address that notion explicitly. Available as a board book. Ages 1-3

Yes We Can! by Sam McBratney

Illustrated by Charles Fuge. 32 p., HarperCollins, 2007. When children make fun of each other, they feel bad. In this story, three animal friends (Little Roo, Quacker Duck, and Country Mouse) goad each other to do things that they can’t do, and then laugh at them when they can’t. Not surprisingly, they all end up feeling grumpy. When Little Roo’s mother sees this, she tells them that no one likes being laughed at, and suggests that they demonstrate what they can do, instead of what they can’t. Each one shows off a skill that one of the others had failed at earlier, and each time, receives compliments from the other two. Then Roo’s mother asks them whether they can be friends again. That’s something that all of them can do. With its friendly, colorful illustrations, this story encourages children to be empathic when someone can’t do something, and offers a way for them to feel good about themselves and their friends. Ages 3-7

How to Hug by Maryann Macdonald

Illustrated by Jana Christy. 32 p., Marshall Cavendish, 2011. This story both celebrates the joys of hugs and shows kids “how to hug” in ways that respect both people’s needs. For example, children are advised not to hug too tightly or too long, and to understand that “some creatures are too shy for hugging.” Likewise, the author validates children’s right to say no to hugs that they don’t want. With its colorful illustrations, full of charming facial expressions, this book encourages children to hug with an open heart. Ages 2-5