Bear and Bird: The Picnic and Other Stories

A parent might reach for this book when their child is first learning that friendship isn't always easy and that even best pals can have disagreements. Bear and Bird are the best of friends, but in four gentle, illustrated chapters, they navigate the small bumps in their relationship: what happens when one friend eats the whole picnic, loses a favorite hat, or feels insecure. This book beautifully models how to handle disappointment, show empathy, and make amends. It's perfectly suited for emerging readers or for a cozy read-aloud, offering a warm and humorous way to start conversations about the give-and-take of being a good friend.