2018 Missouri Building Block Nominee: I Got a New Friend

I Got a New Friend book coverFriends are the best! They not only help us build up our self confidence and fine-tune our social skills, but they also provide us with an increased sense of belonging and purpose. A really good friend can help us discover our true selves and can also provide support when we cope with tough issues.

In the 2018 Missouri Building Block Nominee “I Got a New Friend,” author Karl Newsom covers the basics of learning to be a friend, wrapped up in sweet and simple narrative any child will love. Here’s a sample from the first few pages: “I got a new friend. She’s kind of shy. At first, she was scared. But she got used to me.” At the very back of the book, there are also some helpful tips on how to care for your new friend.

Overall, this delightful book has a delightful twist! Who is really telling the story?

When you finish reading, here are a couple of friendship activities for you and your child to enjoy!

Have some fun with this friendship fingerplay!

Six Little Dogs (Tune: Six Little Ducks)

Six little dogs that I once knew,
Fat ones, skinny ones, spotted ones too.
But the one little dog with the curly brown fur,
He led the others with a grrr, grrr, grrr,
Grrr, grrr, grrr.
He led the others with a grrr, grrr, grrr!

Credit: Bright Hub Education

Sing a friendship song together!

The More We Get Together

The more we get together,
Together, together,
The more we get together,
The happier we’ll be.
‘Cause your friends are my friends
And my friends are your friends.
The more we get together,
The happier we’ll be.

(Repeat the verse, replacing “get” with “play” and then “dance.”)

Credit: Kidsongs

Once you have read at least five Missouri Building Block Picture Book Award nominees, help your child vote for their favorite.