My Best Friend
By Julie Fogliano
The Story
A young girl decides that a new playmate is her best friend, even though she's never had one before, finding proof in small shared moments like drawing each other and pretending to be pickles.
Why It's Special
For the kid who's just discovered what it feels like to click with someone new, this book puts words to that wobbly, wonderful feeling.
- Big idea: Friendship doesn't need a definition — it just needs someone who laughs with you.
- Vibes: Tender, funny, and quietly observant, with a rambling kid-logic voice throughout.
Perfect For Kids Who
- are working on understanding what makes a friend
- love silly pretend games like being a pickle
- respond well to gentle, thoughtful storytelling
- enjoy looking closely at expressive artwork
Ask Your Little Reader
- Story & connection: What made the girl decide that her new friend was a best friend?
- Imagination: Would you want to pretend to be a pickle with your best friend? What else might you pretend to be?
- Real-life connection: Do you remember the first time you felt like you had a best friend?
- Feelings & empathy: How do you think it feels to draw a picture of your friend and have them draw one of you?
- Big ideas: What do you think makes someone a really good best friend?
