Families who loved Teach Your Dragon to Make Friends by Steve Herman often look for books with a similar feel. These 20 recommendations were selected for their similarity in style, theme, and reading level.
Reach for this book when your child is hesitant to approach new peers or expresses anxiety about being liked by others. It is particularly effective for children who struggle with the mechanics of social interaction, such as how to introduce themselves or how to handle rejection. Through the story of Drew and his pet dragon, Diggory Doo, the book breaks down the intimidating process of making friends into manageable, rhyming steps. The narrative addresses core emotional themes of self-confidence, empathy, and the common fear of being left out. While the characters are whimsical, the social advice is grounded and practical, making it an ideal choice for preschoolers and early elementary students. Parents will appreciate the way it models proactive behavior, shifting the focus from 'waiting to be picked' to 'knowing how to connect' in a gentle, supportive way.
