Book picks similar to
The Worst Best Friend by Alexis O'Neill


picture-books
friendship
picture-book
realistic-fiction

The Golden Rule


Ilene Cooper - 2007
    But where does it come from and why is it important? It's easy to say, but what does it mean? Why is it called Golden? Here, a grandfather explains to his grandson the importance of this simple rule and demonstrates the wonderful effect following it.

Evelyn del Rey Is Moving Away


Meg Medina - 2020
    . . and the sofa that we bounce on to get to the moon.Evelyn Del Rey is Daniela's best friend. They do everything together and even live in twin apartments across the street from each other: Daniela with her mami and hamster, and Evelyn with her mami, papi, and cat. But not after today--not after Evelyn moves away. Until then, the girls play amid the moving boxes until it's time to say goodbye, making promises to keep in touch, because they know that their friendship will always be special. The tenderness of Meg Medina's beautifully written story about friendship and change is balanced by Sonia Sánchez's colorful and vibrant depictions of the girls' urban neighborhood.

black is brown is tan


Arnold Adoff - 1973
    White-skinned daddy, not white like milk or snow, lighter than brown, With pinks and tiny tans, whose face gets tomato red when he puffs and yells their children into bed. Children who are all the colors of the race, growing up happy in a house full of love. This is the way it is for them; this is the way they are, but the joy they feel extends to every reader of this book.Black is brown is tan is a story poem about being, a beautiful true song about a family delighting in each other and in the good things of the earth.

Rulers of the Playground


Joseph Kuefler - 2017
    Perfect for fans of Jon Klassen and Oliver Jeffers.One morning, Jonah decided to become ruler of the playground.Everyone agreed to obey his rules to play in King Jonah’s kingdom . . . Everyone except for Lennox . . . because she wanted to rule the playground, too.A gloriously rendered, hilariously deadpan tale of playground politics.

The Rag Coat


Lauren A. Mills - 1991
    With paintings that capture all the beauty of Appalachia in authentic detail, this tender story about a resourceful mountain girl's special coat will touchreaders with its affirming message of love and friendship.

What Does It Mean To Be Kind?


Rana DiOrio - 2015
    In the newest addition to Rana DiOrio's "What Does It Mean To Be...?" series, DiOrio shows that every act of kindness is also an act of courage, and how small gestures can make a big difference to other people, animals, the planet, and even oneself.

I'm Not.


Pam Smallcomb - 2010
    Circus performer. Antarctic explorer. I'm not.Here is the perfect book for children who feel like their outgoing friend is oh-so-talented . . . and they're not. Our shy narrator lists all the things that her best friend, Evelyn, is good at—from jumping on the bed to roller skating really fast. Luckily, Evelyn points out what makes her so special: she's a one-of-a-kind true blue best friend. Robert Weinstock's hilarious illustrations wonderfully complement Pam Smallcomb's simple text, perfect for young children. This sweet depiction of friendship shows—in a completely fresh, original way—that everyone is special.

I Am Every Good Thing


Derrick Barnes - 2020
    A difference maker. A leader.The confident Black narrator of this book is proud of everything that makes him who he is. He's got big plans, and no doubt he'll see them through--as he's creative, adventurous, smart, funny, and a good friend. Sometimes he falls, but he always gets back up. And other times he's afraid, because he's so often misunderstood and called what he is not. So slow down and really look and listen, when somebody tells you--and shows you--who they are. There are superheroes in our midst!

Neville


Norton Juster - 2011
    With whimsical illustrations by award-winning illustrator G. Brian Karas, here is a read-aloud that's great for storytime, and is sure to be a hit among fans of Juster, Karas, and anyone who is "the new kid on the block."From the Hardcover edition.

Unlovable


Dan Yaccarino - 2001
    Alfred said he liked sleeping in the sun, dog food, and scratching. Rex did too. Rex said he hated baths and going to the vet. Alfred did too.A little pug dog learns he's lovable just the way he is.Alfred the pug dog thinks he's unlovable. Other dogs make fun of his tiny legs and funny face. The cat and the parrot and even the goldfish tease him. Then a new dog, Rex, moves in next door. Because Alfred wants a friend so badly, he tells Rex a little fib about himself. But what will happen when Rex learns the truth? Will he find Alfred unlovable too?Dan Yaccarino has created a charming story about a little pug who learns the true meaning of friendship.

Horrible Bear!


Ame Dyckman - 2016
    He's not horrible! But now he's upset, too--upset enough to come up with a truly Horrible Bear idea. In this charming but goofy picture book, readers will learn all about tempers, forgiveness, and friendship as Bear prepares to live up to his formerly undeserved reputation while the little girl realizes that maybe--just maybe--Bear isn't as horrible as she thought.

Hooray for Hat!


Brian Won - 2014
    Off they march to show Turtle! The parade continues as every animal brightens the day of a grumpy friend. An irresistible celebration of friendship, sharing, and fabulous hats.

Miss Nelson Is Missing!


Harry Allard - 1977
    Spitballs stuck to the ceiling. Paper planes whizzing through the air. They were the worst-behaved class in the whole school.So begins this quirky classic, first published in 1977 and still relevant today as a lighthearted reminder to show our appreciation to those we value. The students don’t proffer a shred of respect for their good-natured teacher Miss Nelson, but when the witchy substitute Miss Viola Swamp appears on the scene, they start to regret their own wicked ways. James Marshall’s scritchy, cartoonish full-color ink and wash illustrations are hilarious. A back-to-school perennial!

School's First Day of School


Adam Rex - 2016
    . . the school.

Fancy Nancy: Bonjour, Butterfly


Jane O'Connor - 2008
    And that is why she can't wait for her friend Bree's Butterfly Birthday. It's going to be the fanciest birthday party ever!But when Nancy finds out she can't go because her grandparents' fiftieth anniversary party is the same day, she is furious. (Mad is way too plain for how she feels.) How Nancy overcomes her disappointment and reconnects with her family is a fun and meaningful story for young readers.Perfect for fans of the Eloise and Olivia books. From the dazzling New York Times bestselling duo Jane O’Connor and Robin Preiss Glasser.This edition is a jacketed hardcover.