Henson, Taraji P. You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!). Illustrated by Paul Kellam. ZonderKidz, 2024. 978-0-310-16059-5. $19.99. 32 p. Grades K-3.

Little TJ is so excited about her first day of school! She is dreaming about all the things she will learn, the activities she’ll get to participate in, the lunch room, and of course making a million new friends. However, when she arrives at school her first day jitters set in, and she ends up alienating her classmates and attracting a bully. Each day seems to go wrong, and TJ finds herself shrinking to avoid being bullied; she stops wearing her favorite clothes, eating her favorite lunch, and sharing her work in class. TJ confides in her grandmother who offers support, gives her advice on how to deal with a bully, and encourages her to find her confidence once more. The next day TJ feels more like herself again. During recess she finds her rhythm in the music room, and once the other kids see how much fun she is having marching to the beat of her own drum (literally) they come to join her. TJ even finds common ground with her former bully and makes a new friend.

THOUGHTS: With notes from the author about how to help your child deal with a bully, this book is great for parents whose child might be struggling at school. The lessons in this book would also resonate with teachers and could easily be used at the beginning of the school year to encourage classroom community. This picture book has fun, vibrant illustrations that will catch the attention of kids ages 4-8.

Picture Book