Two's Company

Reach for this book when your child is navigating the delicate nuances of play and the give and take required in a close friendship. Through three charming vignettes, Dog and Bear demonstrate how two very different personalities can find common ground through humor and mutual respect. It is an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students who are beginning to understand that being a good friend sometimes means being patient or looking at a situation from another's perspective. While the book features a stuffed bear and a real dog, the emotional beats are grounded in human childhood experiences: sharing a favorite snack, dealing with a bored companion, and finding ways to entertain one another. Parents will appreciate the minimalist design and the gentle modeling of pro-social behavior. It is a comforting, funny read that validates the quirks of friendship while reinforcing the idea that company is always better than being alone.