The Friendship Guide

Friendship is important―and life would be so dull without it!

Friendships are essential for social-emotional learning and mental health, but sometimes children struggle with making and keeping friendships. In The Friendship Guide, child psychologist Jillian Roberts outlines central ideas on how to be the best friend you can be. Alongside each of the principles is a scenario showing how it relates to real life―at the playground, at the park, at school or on a playdate. For parents, guardians and kids themselves, it can be difficult to recognize what makes friendships work. With this book, readers will have a comforting and straightforward resource to help guide them toward a lifetime of beautiful friendships.

Praise for Jillian Roberts:

"This book handles a sensitive topic with kindness, compassion, and empathy...A good beginning look at how to broach a complicated topic that's filled with positivity and hope."―Booklist, for On the News

"Gentle but straightforward...[A] reassuring backdrop for the big questions being discussed." ―Publishers Weekly, for What Happens When a Loved One Dies?

"A cheery and buoyant introduction to timely and imperative topics for young readers; especially useful in a guidance setting."―School Library Journal, for Under Our Clothes

Dr. Jillian Roberts is a child psychologist, author and research professor at the University of Victoria, as well as a mother of three. Recognized as one of Canada’s leading voices in child psychology, she is frequently sought by journalists for her expert insights. She also authors a dedicated monthly mental health column for The Globe and Mail, where she examines issues that shape the well-being of children and families. Dr. Roberts is the author of two acclaimed and bestselling children’s book series. Her Just Enough series helps young children (ages 3–6) explore foundational topics such as birth, diversity, and belonging, while The World Around Us series introduces children (ages 5–8) to complex social issues including poverty, environmental stewardship, and online safety. She divides her time between Victoria, British Columbia, and the North Shore of Prince Edward Island.

Andrea Armstrong is a visual artist who spends her days (and often nights) illustrating, painting and designing. With roots in rural Indonesia, small-town Manitoba and metropolitan Singapore, the gathered impressions of her childhood inspire her palette. Andrea holds a bachelor's degree in visual communications from Capilano University. She lives in Vancouver, British Columbia.