Books About Unlikely Friendships

The Best Unlikely Friendships Books for Kids

By the Bookroo Editors

Looking for excellent children's books about unlikely friendships? This collection brings together Bookroo's highest-rated and most useful picks in one place.

Start with our editorial favorites, then browse recommendations organized by reading stage to find the right book for your reader.

Kenny & the Dragon
The Frog Princess
The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall
Pocket Bear
The Shortlist

Our 10 Favorite Books About Unlikely Friendships

Kenny & the Dragon
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–11 · 2008

Kenny & the Dragon

By Tony DiTerlizzi · Book #1 in the Kenny & The Dragon series

A boy must save his dragon friend from a village's deadly misunderstanding.

151 pages· 21,192 words· Est. 3 hour read
5.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 6,017 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: In the quiet village of Roundbrook, young Kenny Rabbit faces a daunting challenge: his new friend, a misunderstood dragon, is marked for extermination. As fear grips the villagers, Kenny must orchestrate a legendary battle reenactment to change their minds. Can he protect his friend without igniting a real conflict? The stakes are high, and Kenny's loyalty will be tested in this tale of courage and friendship.
The Frog Princess
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2002

The Frog Princess

By E.D. Baker, E. D. Baker · Tales of the Frog Princess series

A princess's kiss turns her into a frog, sparking a quest to regain her human form.

240 pages· 49,072 words· Est. 7 hour read
3.9/5 Goodreads · 28,343 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Princess Emma's life takes a wild turn when a kiss meant to break a spell turns her into a frog. Now, alongside a transformed prince, she embarks on a whimsical quest to reclaim her humanity. With a cast of quirky companions, including a self-conscious bat and a loyal snake, Emma must navigate a world of magic and mischief. Can she find a way back to her true self, or will she remain a frog forever? Dive into this enchanting adventure where nothing is as it seems, and every leap leads to unexpected surprises.
The Elevator Family
Sale price
$574
Chapter Book · Ages 6–10 · 2009

The Elevator Family

By Douglas Evans · Book #1 in the Elevator Family series

The Wilsons' vacation takes a quirky turn when they live in a hotel elevator for three days.

96 pages· 8,991 words· Est. 1.5 hour read
3.8/5 Goodreads · 526 ratings
$5.99Save 4%
Summary: The Wilson family arrives at a San Francisco hotel only to find no rooms available. Undeterred, they make the elevator their temporary home. Over three days, they encounter a parade of quirky characters, from a lovesick bellhop to a British rock band. Each encounter brings unexpected adventures and laughter, turning their unusual stay into a memorable escapade. Will the Wilsons find the best room is the one with constant ups and downs? Join them for a whimsical ride in 'The Elevator Family,' where every floor holds a new surprise.
The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall
Sale price
$958
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2023

The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall

By Ali Standish · Book #1 in the The Improbable Tales of Baskerville Hall series

Young Arthur Conan Doyle faces danger and mystery at a secret school for gifted children.

336 pages· 69,142 words· Est. 9.5 hour read
7.0/7 Bookroo experts·4.0/5 Goodreads · 1,314 ratings
$9.99Save 4%
Summary: Arthur Conan Doyle, a young boy with a brilliant mind, is thrilled to attend Baskerville Hall, a secretive school for gifted children. There, he befriends the daring Irene and the clever Jimmie Moriarty. As they navigate a world of mysterious towers and prowling wolves, Arthur makes dangerous enemies. Invited to join the secret society, the Clover, they must pass daunting tests. But as Arthur delves deeper, he uncovers a mystery that promises thrilling adventures and perilous challenges. Will Arthur and his friends unravel the secrets before it's too late?
The Wall in the Middle of the Book
Sale price
$1797
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

The Wall in the Middle of the Book

By Jon Agee

A character navigates a world divided by a wall, encountering an ogre on the other side.

42 pages· 154 words· Est. 2 min read-aloud
5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.2/5 Goodreads · 3,324 ratings
$18.99Save 5%
Summary: A young knight believes a wall keeps him safe from the dangers on the other side, like tigers and ogres. But as water rises and a crocodile lurks on his side, he must confront his assumptions. Who will save him when he's in over his head? Discover the unexpected ally from the other side and explore what truly lies beyond the wall.
Moses the Kitten
Sale price
$674
Picture Book · Ages 3–+ · 1984

Moses the Kitten

By James Herriot, Peter Barrett (Illustrator)

A frozen kitten's fate changes on a farm.

32 pages· 1,674 words· Est. 13 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,334 ratings
$6.95Save 3%
Summary: A tiny kitten, found shivering by a frozen pond, is taken in by a caring farmer. As the kitten recovers, will it find a place to call home? Discover the heartwarming journey of survival and belonging.
Pocket Bear
Sale price
$1697
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2025

Pocket Bear

A tiny bear, born in war, now leads a home for forgotten toys, offering second chances.

272 pages· 28,967 words· Est. 4 hour read
4.4/5 Goodreads · 4,469 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Pocket Bear, crafted during WWI as a soldier's good luck charm, now leads a haven for forgotten toys. With his feline friend Zephyrina, he navigates a world of second chances, reminding us that love and bravery endure. What secrets do these cherished companions hold, and how will they transform the lives they touch?
Owen & Mzee
Sale price
$1799
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2006

Owen & Mzee

By Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff, Paula Kahumbu, Peter Greste (Illustrator)

An orphaned hippo and ancient tortoise form an unlikely bond, defying nature's odds.

1,691 words· Est. 14 min read-aloud
4.3/5 Goodreads · 2,502 ratings
Summary: After a devastating tsunami, a baby hippo named Owen finds an unexpected friend in Mzee, a 130-year-old tortoise. Rescued by Kenyan villagers, their inseparable bond defies nature and captivates the world. As they swim, eat, and play together, their story becomes a heartwarming testament to the power of friendship overcoming adversity. How did these two unlikely companions change perceptions and touch millions? Discover the magic of their unique connection.
The Only Thing Worse Than Witches
Sale price
$759
Chapter Book · Ages 8–12 · 2014

The Only Thing Worse Than Witches

By Lauren Magaziner

A boy becomes a witch's apprentice, facing unexpected magical challenges.

266 pages· 41,786 words· Est. 6 hour read
4.3/5 Goodreads · 675 ratings
$7.99Save 5%
Summary: Rupert Campbell, a curious fifth-grader, can't resist the chance to become a witch's apprentice. But his new mentor, Witchling Two, is more interested in lollipops than spells. Together, they must navigate magical mishaps and outsmart the dreadful Mrs. Frabbleknacker. Can Rupert help the witchling pass her exams and stand up to his teacher, or will their magic fizzle out like a damp firecracker?
Floaty
Sale price
$1697
Picture Book · Ages 4–8 · 2018

Floaty

By John Himmelman

A grumpy man discovers a floating dog, leading to unexpected friendship.

32 pages· 497 words· Est. 4 min read-aloud
5.3/7 Bookroo experts·3.8/5 Goodreads · 402 ratings
$17.99Save 6%
Summary: Mr. Raisin, a solitary grump, finds his world turned upside down when a mysterious basket reveals a floating dog on his ceiling. As he navigates this bizarre new reality, Mr. Raisin must decide whether to embrace the unexpected and open his heart to an unusual friendship. Will this peculiar pup bring joy to his quiet life, or will Mr. Raisin's grumpy nature prevail? Discover a heartwarming tale of companionship that defies gravity and expectations.
The Bookroo Book Club

Great books, picked for their age.

Books worth reading again and again, delivered to your door.

Find their book club
Bookroo book club box
Browse by age

Unlikely Friendships Picture Books

Illustrated read-alouds about unlikely friendships for preschool and elementary-age readers.

Moldilocks and the Three Scares
Sale price
$1695

Moldilocks and the Three Scares

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A zombie stumbles into a haunted house, seeking comfort and surprises.

Quackenstein Hatches a Family
Sale price
$499

Quackenstein Hatches a Family

Ages 4–8 · 2010

A lonely duck adopts an egg, unleashing a surprising chase through the zoo.

The Lion and the Mouse
Sale price
$599

The Lion and the Mouse

Ages 4–6 · 1998

A tiny mouse faces a giant lion's dilemma. Can the smallest save the mightiest?

Betsy Who Cried Wolf
Sale price
$799

Betsy Who Cried Wolf

Ages 4–8 · 2002

A determined shepherd faces a cunning wolf with a plan.

Cowboy & Octopus
Sale price
$1699

Cowboy & Octopus

Ages 3–5 · 2007

Can Cowboy and Octopus bridge their quirky differences to become friends?

The Hideout
Sale price
$1699

The Hideout

Ages 4–8 · 2019

A child's imagination creates a secret world, but reality calls her back. Where is she truly lost?

Little Wolf, Big Wolf
Sale price
$1495

Little Wolf, Big Wolf

Ages 4–8 · 2000

Two wolves clash but find friendship despite differences.

The Lion and the Mouse

The Lion and the Mouse

2008

In the wild, unexpected friendships can change everything.

Return of the Underwear Dragon
Sale price
$1799

Return of the Underwear Dragon

Ages 3–7 · 2021

A knight must teach a fire-breathing dragon to read without burning the books.

Friends Do Not Eat Friends
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$699

Friends Do Not Eat Friends

Ages 4–6 · 2021

A dinosaur and a chicken become unlikely friends.

View all unlikely friendships picture books
Browse by age

Unlikely Friendships Chapter Books & Middle Grade

Longer stories about unlikely friendships for developing and independent readers.

Elvis the Turnip...and Me
Sale price
$599

Elvis the Turnip...and Me

Ages 7–10 · 1998

Zack hears Elvis from the fridge. Is he a turnip?

Flawed Dogs
Sale price
$899

Flawed Dogs

Ages 8–12 · 2003

A dachshund seeks revenge and redemption at a dog show after being framed.

Gossamer
Sale price
$699

Gossamer

Ages 9–12 · 2006

A tiny dreamgiver battles dark creatures to protect a troubled boy from nightmares.

Missing May
Sale price
$699

Missing May

Ages 9–12 · 1992

Summer and Ob seek a sign to move past their grief and find hope again.

A Dragon in the Family
Sale price
$599

A Dragon in the Family

Ages 7–10 · 1993

Can a boy and his dragon prove their friendship to a fearful village?

Lock the Doors
Sale price
$1099

Lock the Doors

Ages 14–18 · 2022

A dream home hides dark secrets behind locked doors. Can Tom uncover the truth?

Shark Detective
Sale price
$550

Shark Detective

Ages 4–7 · 2015

A lonely shark dreams of detective work. Can he solve a missing kitty case?

Grumpy Unicorn Saves the World
Graphic Nov.
Sale price
$899

Grumpy Unicorn Saves the World

Ages 7–10 · 2021

A grumpy unicorn tries to clean up their messy house with the help of a robot, but things quickly spiral out of control

Spies in Disguise
Sale price
$799

Spies in Disguise

Ages 8–12 · 2019

A suave spy and quirky scientist must team up to save the world from disaster.

View all unlikely friendships chapter books
Keep exploring
Books about changeBooks about curses and spellsBooks about dragonsBooks about family lifeBooks about hotels and motelsBooks about self-discoveryBooks about standing up for othersBooks about unlikely friends

Bookroo

  • About Us
  • Blog
  • FAQs
  • Help Center
  • Contact Us
  • Affiliates

Book Clubs

Book Store

Schools

Book Platform

Authors & Illustrators

Follow Bookroo

© 2026 Bookroo
Terms of ServicePrivacy Policy