Families who loved Gertrude the Cow and the Friendship Vow by Lisa Baker often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
A parent would reach for this book when their child is beginning to navigate the social complexity of making and keeping promises, or perhaps after a small 'forgotten' commitment has caused hurt feelings in a playgroup. It serves as a gentle corrective for children who struggle with follow-through or who equate being a good friend solely with having fun rather than being dependable. The story follows Gertrude, a well-meaning but easily distracted cow who makes a 'Friendship Vow' to her barnyard neighbors. As she encounters various temptations and distractions, the book explores the emotional weight of integrity and the ripple effects our choices have on those who trust us. It is perfectly pitched for the 3 to 7 age range, offering a clear, concrete model of how honesty and reliability form the foundation of any lasting bond. Parents will appreciate how it frames 'keeping your word' not as a chore, but as a gift we give to our friends.
