About This Book
Reach for this book when your child is starting to navigate the complex social codes of the schoolyard, from the unspoken rules of trading snacks to the vulnerability of joining a game of baseball. Lionel and His Friends offers a gentle, humorous mirror for the everyday social hurdles that feel monumental to a first or second grader. Through a series of short, relatable vignettes, the book validates the small anxieties of elementary school life while modeling how to maintain a sense of self within a peer group. Parents will appreciate the subtle way Stephen Krensky handles themes of belonging and social etiquette without being preachy. The stories are brief enough for budding readers but rich with the emotional nuance of real-world friendships. It is an ideal choice for children who are becoming more aware of social dynamics and need to see that their peers share the same funny, slightly awkward, and ultimately rewarding experiences of making and keeping friends.
