Newson, Karl. How to Help a Friend. Clara Anganuzzi, Illus. Templar, 11/2022. [32]pp. Picture Book. GRADES Kindergarten – 3. $17.99. 978-1-5362-2667-6. HIGH ADDITIONAL.
Originally published in 2021 in the UK, this rhyming story describes how to support friends who are dealing with stress, overwhelming emotions, or other issues. This is demonstrated in the illustrations of a young Black girl, who interacts with a wide variety of wild animals, giving supportive hugs, listening, or just sitting with the friend in silence. Great for social and emotional learning, the text’s rhyme structure of couplets is solid, and the full-color artwork appears to be done using watercolors and thin ink outlines.
Penny Peck—San Jose State University iSchool