100 Friends

Reach for this book when your child is facing the daunting social pressures of a new school environment or feels like they have to change who they are to fit in. This story follows seven-year-old Warren as he navigates a competitive challenge from his twin sister: making 100 new friends at their new school. While his sister Ellie takes a quantity over quality approach, Warren relies on his secret best friend, a dragon named Dragon, who most adults and kids dismiss as a mere stuffed animal. It is a gentle exploration of social anxiety, the value of deep versus wide social circles, and the importance of maintaining ones imagination. Parents will appreciate how the book validates the 'quality over quantity' approach to friendship. It is perfect for children ages six to nine who are transitioning into more complex social dynamics where 'numbers' of friends can suddenly feel like a metric of success. The narrative provides a comforting bridge between the magical thinking of early childhood and the grounded realities of elementary school life.