A Friend for Little Bear

A parent might reach for this book when their young child expresses feelings of loneliness or has trouble making a new friend. This gentle, classic story follows Little Bear, who feels all alone and decides to take matters into his own paws. He builds a small boat and sets sail in search of companionship, eventually meeting a Big Bear who seems gruff at first but is just as lonely. The book beautifully illustrates the universal feelings of wanting a friend and the quiet joy of finding one. With its soft watercolor illustrations and simple, heartfelt narrative, "A Friend for Little Bear" is perfectly suited for preschoolers aged 3 to 6. It's an excellent choice for normalizing the feeling of loneliness, providing comfort, and opening a gentle conversation about empathy and the courage it takes to reach out to others. It shows that sometimes, the person who seems the most unapproachable might be the one who needs a friend the most.