Ida and Betty

A parent might reach for this book when their child has had their first big fight with a best friend and is struggling with feelings of anger, sadness, and stubbornness. "Ida and Betty" tells the story of two inseparable cat friends who have a terrible quarrel over a small misunderstanding. The book beautifully captures the emotional fallout: both friends feel they are in the right, but they also feel lonely and miss each other terribly. This gentle chapter book is ideal for children ages 6 to 8 as it normalizes the intense emotions of a friendship spat and provides a clear, comforting model for how to apologize, forgive, and repair a precious bond. It’s a wonderful tool for opening a conversation about handling disagreements with kindness.