Bibliography

Theme 9: Special Friends

The books listed below may be available through publishers, distributors such as bookstores or online retailers, or library systems.

Recommended Leveled Books for Independent Reading

Below Level

Best Friends by Marcia Leonard
Millbrook 1999 (32p) also paper
Although they are different in many ways, two girls are still best friends.
Multicultural

* Valentine Mice! by Bethany Roberts
Clarion 1997 (32p)
A group of spritely mice deliver valentines to all their woodland friends.

My Horse by Karen Hjemboe
Lee & Low 2000 (8p)
A Pueblo boy takes loving care of his horse.
Multicultural

The Secret Friend by Marcia Vaughan
ScottForesman 1996 (16p)
"I like you!" say the letters that Squirrel, Fox, Bear, and Moose receive from a secret friend.

Aggie and Will by Larry Dane Brimner
Children's 1998 (32p) also paper
Aggie and Will almost never agree on anything, but they're still good friends.
Multicultural

Snug Bug's Play Day by Cathy E. Dubowski
Grosset 1997 (32p) paper
Snug Bug discovers it's more fun sharing with a friend than playing alone.

A Bug, a Bear, and a Boy by David McPhail
Scholastic 1998 (32p) paper
Three unusual friends eat, learn, and play together.

Three Friends/Tres Amigos by Maria Cristina Brusca
Holt 1995 (32p)
Three friends—a cowboy, a cowgirl, and their horse—count their way through adventures in the Southwest. Text in English and Spanish.
Math

On Level

For Pete's Sake by Ellen Stoll Walsh
Harcourt 1998 (32p)
Pete the alligator discovers that his friends like him despite his differences.

A Letter to Amy by Ezra Jack Keats
Harper 1968 (32p) also paper
Peter braves a thunderstorm to send his friend Amy an invitation to his party.
Multicultural

The Lunch Bunch by Margo Finch
Millbrook 1998 (32p) also paper
Ann and Lee make friends with a girl named Meg.
Multicultural

Titch and Daisy by Pat Hutchins
Greenwillow 1996 (32p)
Titch doesn't want to join in the fun at a party until his friend Daisy shows up.
Multicultural

The Rat and the Tiger by Keiko Kasza
Bossy Tiger mends his ways when Rat threatens to end their friendship.
Henry and his dog, Mudge, help make cousin Annie's move easier. (See others in the series.)

Two Cool Coyotes by Jillian Lund
Dutton 1999 (32p)
Things just aren't the same when Frank the coyote's friend Angelina moves away.

Above Level

* I Like the Way You Are by Eve Bunting
Clarion 2000 (48p)
Two turtle friends plant a garden, go on a hike, and watch a scary movie.

Frog and Toad Are Friends by Arnold Lobel
Harper 1970 (64p) also paper
Five stories about two best friends who quarrel, make up, share, and have fun. See others in series.
Classic

Jenny's Journey by Sheila White Samton
Puffin 1993 (32p) paper
Jenny takes an imaginary journey to see a friend. Available in Spanish as El viaje de Jenny.
Multicultural

Toot and Puddle by Holly Hobbie
Little 1997 (32p)
Pigs Toot and Puddle are best friends with very different interests. See others in series.

Dorothy & Mikey by Keiko Kasza
Putnam 2000 (32p)
Hippos Dorothy and Mikey are best friends…most of the time.

Mitchell Is Moving by Marjorie Sharmat
Simon 1978 (48p) also paper
Mitchell the dinosaur misses his best friend Margo when he moves.
Classic

Friends! by Elaine Scott
Atheneum 2000 (32p)
This photo-essay explores the ways that friends are special.
Multicultural

Friend Frog by Alma Flor Ada
Harcourt 2000 (32p)
A field mouse and a frog become unlikely friends.

Little Bear's Friend by Else Holmelund Minarik
Harper 1960 (64p) also paper
Little Bear makes friends with Emily, a human girl, and her doll.
Classic