Can We Be Friends?

Written & illustrated by Erica Sirotich

Discover unlikely animal friendships that teach empathy and kindness.

5.0/7 Bookroo expert·4.1/5 Goodreads · 112 ratings

32 pages

$17.99Save 6%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Embark on a journey with five extraordinary animal duos, from a hippo and tortoise in Kenya to a dog and dolphin in Ireland. Each pair defies expectations, showcasing the power of friendship across species. As you explore these heartwarming tales, you'll ponder the question: can we be friends despite our differences? This delightful picture book, filled with vibrant illustrations and rhyming text, invites young readers to learn about empathy and kindness through real-life stories of unexpected bonds. Will these animals inspire us to embrace friendship in all its forms?

From the publisher

With charming, colorful illustrations, this heartwarming picture book in rhyming text asks an age-old question—can we be friends?

Take a journey exploring five unexpected animal friendships! This adorable picture book, based on real-life stories, showcases popular duos like Mzee the tortoise and Owen the hippo and Koko the gorilla and her kittens, as well as lesser-known ones like Kumbali the cheetah and Kago the dog. Includes backmatter.

A list of the unlikely animal friendships from around the world and introduced to young animal fans in Can We Be Friends?:

1. Owen the hippo and Mzee the tortoise (Kenya)

2. Kumbali the cheetah and Kago the dog (Virginia, USA)

3. Themba the elephant and Albert the sheep (South Africa)

4. Koko the gorilla and kittens (California, USA)

5. Ben the dog and Duggie the wild dolphin (Ireland)

This sweet picture book supports children as they learn about empathy and kindness.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Reading age: 4–8
Audience: Picture

Themes & topics

Books about friendship Books about animals Books about science and nature Books about social themes Books about jungle animals

What readers & critics say

Reviews

5.0

out of 7

5.0

“Animal lovers in particular will appreciate this book about five unexpected animal friendships that developed. The alternating of rhyming text followed by a longer page of prose containing the full story is nice and keep things moving. Although the rhyming text itself was a bit meh for me, the animal stories themselves are fascinating. A really different and enjoyable read—cute illustrations too!”

Marmee

Trusted reviewer

For readers who can't stop at one