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.

What Kind of Book is Can We Be Friends?: Unexpected Animal Friendships from around the World

Topics

friendship animals science and nature social themes jungle animals

Genres

based on a true story nonfiction

Reviews

Marmee

5.00

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!

Book Lists That Include This Book

The Lady with the Books: A Story Inspired by the Remarkable Work of Jella Lepman

The House That Jane Built: A Story About Jane Addams

Books about based on a true story

Books about friendship

Books about animals

The Creative Behind the Book

Author & Illustrator

Erica Sirotich

Erica Sirotich is an illustrator residing in St. Petersburg, Florida. She likes animals, coffee, books, and adding to her collections of rocks, stamps, and Japanese kokeshi. Her dog Russell Redfur keeps her company while she draws all day. Erica’s authorial debut, the picture book Found Dogs, was published by Dial Books for Young Readers in July, 2017. She has also illustrated picture books for publishers like Little Simon, Running Press, and Albert Whitman &amp;amp; Co, and regularly illustrates for kids’ publications like Highlights, Ranger Rick Jr, Boy’s Life, and more.