A Friendship Book for Preschool and Kindergarten: Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry
Our pick for a friendship book for preschool and kindergarten is Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry ($14.99). Includes 8 discussion questions, 5 simple activities and tips for home and the classroom.
Quick answer: A good friendship book for kindergarten puts a friendship at the center of the story, has pictures children can talk about, and leaves room to stop and ask what good friends do. Our pick is Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry by Ryan Cohen, an illustrated hardcover for $14.99. We suggest it for reading aloud with children about 3 to 8, at home or in a classroom.
Preschool and kindergarten are where many children first work out how friendship happens. They are learning to join a game, take turns and make up after a disagreement. A story gives them a low-pressure way to talk about all of it.
Below you'll find how to use a friendship book at home and in class, eight discussion questions, five simple activities, and ideas for a child who finds making friends hard.
Our friendship pick
Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry
By Ryan Cohen · Illustrated hardcover · $14.99
A read-aloud about friendship and an easy way to start talking about being a good friend.
View this book →At a glance
| Best for | Preschool and kindergarten read-alouds about friendship |
|---|---|
| Our pick | Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry by Ryan Cohen |
| Price | $14.99 single book · $69.99 Volume 2 (5 books, includes this story) |
| Ages | We suggest it for reading aloud with children about 3 to 8 |
| Alternative | Teddy Says Words Can Never Hurt You, about words, feelings and confidence |
What makes a good friendship book for young children?
- Friendship is the main subject, not a side note.
- It is illustrated, so children who can't read yet can point at the pictures and explain what they see.
- It invites questions you can pause on without losing the thread.
Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry is part of the Teddy series, which follows Grandpa Teddy and his grandsons, Princeton and Kingston. Author Ryan Cohen was inspired by his father, Ted, and the everyday lessons he taught. We sell these books, so treat our pick as one option; the questions and activities below work with any friendship story.
How do I use a friendship book at home?
- Read it through once for fun. Save the questions for the second reading.
- Connect it to real life. Mention a friend from school or a cousin your child plays with.
- Ask two or three questions, not all eight. Stop while your child is still interested.
- Come back to it after a hard day. A familiar story makes it easier to talk about a playground problem.
How can teachers use it in a preschool or kindergarten class?
Friendship books fit naturally into the first weeks of school, when children are learning names and classroom routines. Read it at circle time, then choose one question for a short turn-and-talk with a partner.
- Before reading: show the cover and ask what the story might be about.
- During reading: pause once or twice to ask how the characters might feel.
- After reading: pick one activity below and display the results on a friendship wall.
For several copies for a class or school, see our bulk and corporate gifts page.
What discussion questions can I ask about friendship?
- Look at the cover. What do you think this story will be about?
- What makes someone a best friend?
- What do you like to do with your friends?
- How can you tell if a friend is happy, sad or upset?
- What could you say to someone who wants to join your game?
- What can friends do when they both want the same toy?
- How do friends make up after they disagree?
- What is one kind thing you could do for a friend tomorrow?
What are simple friendship activities for kindergarten?
| Activity | How it works | What it practices |
|---|---|---|
| Friendship chain | Each child draws or dictates one kind act on a paper strip; link the strips into a chain | Noticing kindness |
| Compliment circle | Roll a soft ball to a classmate and say one nice thing about them | Kind words, taking turns |
| Build together | Partners build one block tower, adding one block each per turn | Cooperation, patience |
| Friendship recipe | List the "ingredients" of a good friend, such as listening and sharing, and draw them in a bowl | Naming friendly behavior |
| Kindness card | Make a card for a friend, a classmate or someone who seems lonely | Reaching out |
How can I help a child who struggles to make friends?
Some children warm up slowly, and that is fine. Your job is to give them chances and a few words to use, not to fix it overnight.
- Practice at home. Role-play joining a game: "Can I play too?" or "Want to build with me?"
- Start small. A short playdate with one child and a simple activity is easier than a big group.
- Follow their interests. A child who loves drawing or trains may connect faster over that.
- Talk with the teacher. Ask what they notice at recess and whether a classmate might be a good match.
- Praise effort. Saying hello to someone new is worth noticing.
If you're worried, share it with your child's teacher or pediatrician. They see many children and can help you judge what's typical.
Is it a good gift for the first day of school or a friend's birthday?
Yes. For the first day of school, tuck it in a backpack with a short note, such as "You're going to make great friends. Love, Mom." For a friend's birthday, let your child sign the card themselves; a friendship book from a friend carries its own message. A teacher may also welcome a copy for the class library.
Prices
- Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry: $14.99 USD.
- Teddy Says Words Can Never Hurt You: $14.99 USD.
- Teddy Volume 2, 5-Book Hardcover Set: $69.99 USD for five books, including the friendship story.
Prices checked September 24, 2026; see each product page for current pricing and availability. Age suggestions are our editorial recommendations for shared reading.
Frequently asked questions
What age is Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry for?
We suggest it for reading aloud with children about 3 to 8. That makes it a fit for preschool, kindergarten and the early grades.
Can teachers use it in a classroom?
Yes. Read it at circle time, pick one or two of the discussion questions above, and follow up with a short activity such as a friendship chain.
Which Teddy set includes the friendship book?
The Volume 2 five-book set ($69.99) includes it, along with the puppy, corn stand, money and snow stories. The Complete Collection ($129.99) includes all ten books.
How long does shipping take before the first day of school?
Orders ship from Florida within 1–2 business days, and standard US delivery usually takes 4–9 business days after ordering. Shipping is free on orders over $69.
Our friendship book recommendation
For a preschooler or kindergartner learning what it means to be a friend, Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry is our pick. Read it together, ask a few questions and try one activity.
Choose Teddy and His Best Friend Jerry · Explore Volume 2
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