My Friend Chicken

A parent might reach for this book when their child is experiencing separation anxiety about a friend who is absent from school or a playdate. This whimsical story follows a young girl who is completely preoccupied with finding her missing friend, a chicken. She steadfastly refuses to be distracted by a series of increasingly fantastical events, like roaring rockets, dancing giraffes, and roller coasters, because her only focus is her friend. It gently validates the powerful, all-consuming feeling of worry for a loved one. The simple, repetitive text and bold, quirky illustrations make it perfect for ages 4 to 7, offering a humorous and reassuring way to open a conversation about loyalty and anxiety.