Virgil & Owen

Reach for this book when your child is struggling with possessiveness or viewing playmates as their own personal property rather than individuals with their own agency. It is especially helpful for the preschooler who says this is my best friend so you cannot play with them. Virgil is an enthusiastic penguin who discovers a polar bear named Owen and decides he is now his bear. Through a gentle series of events, Virgil realizes that friendship cannot be forced or owned. It is a brilliant tool for teaching the difference between having a toy and having a friend. The story uses humor and relatable animal characters to soften the lesson, making it perfect for children ages 3 to 6 who are navigating the complex social dynamics of early playgroups and preschool. It normalizes the desire to keep a friend all to yourself while showing a better way to connect.