A best friend is the person who knows the rules to the game you invented, which snack you will trade, and whether “I’m fine” means fine at all. Children’s books understand that this closeness is both wonderful and combustible: two friends can make an ordinary afternoon feel enormous, then discover that one new classmate, one secret, or one thoughtless choice has changed the weather completely.
Drawing from Bookroo’s collection of 790 books about best friends, our editors chose ten that take the bond seriously without making it tidy. Start with first-friend read-alouds, comic duos, and early chapter books, then follow friendship into jealousy, cliques, changing loyalties, grief, and the brave work of finding your own voice.
Two children meet, laugh at the same peculiar things, and recognize the thrilling possibility that they may have found their person.
A lonely zero and a lonely one become an unbeatable two after Stick stands up to a prickly bully.
When Albert declares his outing boys-only, Frances organizes a better expedition and discovers that a little sister can be a formidable friend.
Five small adventures prove that waking someone from hibernation, writing a letter, or searching for a button can all be acts of devotion.
Bright socks, roller skates, pancakes, and one goldfish produce three elegantly absurd arguments between inseparable opposites.
Piggie has made a new friend, and Gerald and Snake spiral into the same terrible question: what if the new pair no longer needs the old one?
Two third-grade best friends form an exclusive club, only to discover that keeping someone out can pull the two of them apart.
Sixth grade comes with a popular group, a best friend at its center, and social rules that seem to change whenever Shannon thinks she understands them.
Meg has always orbited confident Beatrix, until a new science partner and a hive of bees make her question who benefits from their friendship.
After her former best friend drowns, Suzy pursues a jellyfish explanation because the truth about their last months together hurts even more.
Sturdy celebrations of favorite companions, shared adventures, and pairs who simply belong together — ages 0–4.
Two friends sail to the world's end, discovering home is where the heart is.
Best friends follow each other everywhere—until one decides to explore alone.
Two hedgehogs seek their own transformation inspired by a butterfly's flight.
Goose feels left out on a farm trip. Will he find a new friend?
Discover pairs that belong together in a celebration of friendship.
Discover the magic of a boy's day with his dragon friend.
Discover what truly makes a best friend.
Discover what Bert and Ernie love to do with their Sesame Street friends.
Funny and tender read-alouds about loyalty, sharing a friend, feeling left out, and making things right — ages 3–8.
A playful cat loses his hat. Will his lazy friend help retrieve it?
Can Harold and Hog's friendship endure a game of pretend?
Two friends with secrets must decide if honesty will strengthen or break their bond.
A young boy tries to find his lost bike helmet and then goes for a bike ride with his friend.
A group of friends, including a bee and a frog, have various adventures together.
A story about the cycle of goodbyes and hellos in life.
A boy befriends a lost blue whale and embarks on a journey to return him home.
A polar bear faces loss and finds comfort in memories.
Can a bunny find a way to share winter with her hibernating friend?
A girl and her stuffed owl embark on real-world adventures, testing her bravery.
Friendship tested by peer pressure and betrayal. Will true loyalty prevail?
Two friends' gifts unravel their bond. Can they mend it?
School stories, graphic memoirs, and novels in which close friendships stretch, split, recover, or make room for someone new. Ages 6–13.
A young girl investigates the disappearance of a neighbor's dog in her new neighborhood
A boy with cystic fibrosis befriends a mysterious girl, challenging his sheltered life.
A girl vanishes, and only her best friend notices. Can she uncover the truth?
A girl faces unwanted attention at school and learns to stand up for herself.
Can two opposites defy school rules and stay friends amidst bullies and chaos?
A new bully threatens Farah's plans, forcing her into a web of lies.
A young girl tries to navigate the challenges of school and friendships after her best friend moves away.
A birthday surprise turns friendship into turmoil. Can Anna mend the rift with Sadie?
Ruby's secret threatens her new friendship and everything she holds dear.
A young boy discovers that his school is alive and trying to eat its students.
Two mermaid friends navigate the challenges of school and friendship in an underwater city
A new student tests the bonds of friendship and creativity among young creators.
