WHAT SHALL WE DO WITH THE BOO-HOO BABY?
by Cressida Cowell
illustrated by Ingrid Godon
Scholastic;ISBN: 0439153115;$15.95;2000

Cow, duck, bear and dog try everything they can think of to soothe Baby’s prodigious tears.

Suggested for ages 2 - 5
Subjects: Animals | Babies | Bedtime | Friends | Games

OLLIE
written and illustrated by Olivier Dunrea
Houghton Mifflin;ISBN: 0618339280;$9.95;2003

There’s a new goose on the block to join Dunrea’s delightful feathered duo Gossie and Gertie. Ollie, at first reluctant to leave his shell, must have boots to stomp in just like his new friends. Simple watercolor and ink drawings and repetitive text are just right for toddlers and beginning readers.

Suggested for ages 2 - 6
Subjects: Friends

OLLIE THE STOMPER
written and illustrated by Olivier Dunrea
Houghton Mifflin;ISBN: 0618339302;$9.95;2003

There’s a new goose on the block to join Dunrea’s delightful feathered duo Gossie and Gertie. Ollie, at first reluctant to leave his shell, must have boots to stomp in just like his new friends. Simple watercolor and ink drawings and repetitive text are just right for toddlers and beginning readers.

Subjects: Friends

LOOKING FOR ALASKA
by John Green
Dutton;ISBN: 0525475060;$15.99;2005

Until his arrival at Culver Creek Preparatory School, smart, friendless Miles has had a pretty dull life. He is hungry for something more—“the Great Perhaps”—and he finds it in the friendships of cynical Chip and beautiful, articulate, and ultimately unhappy Alaska.

Suggested for ages 13 - 18
Subjects: Boarding schools | Death | Friends | Printz Award

IRIS AND WALTER: THE SLEEPOVER
by Elissa Haden Guest
illustrated by Christine Davenier
ISBN: 0152164871;$14;

A common childhood challenge, depicted in cheerful pastel watercolors, is handled with finesse. Iris has planned a sleepover at friend Walter's house, but on the dark porch she suddenly changes her mind. That's fine in this supportive book-she'll sleep over another day.

Suggested for ages 5 - 8
Subjects: Friends | Sleepovers

THE BIRTHDAY ROOM
by Kevin Henkes
Greenwillow;ISBN: 0688167330;$15;1999

Two birthday gifts – a room and a letter – raise expectations for Ben and his mother that neither is ready to face. A skillfully crafted glimpse into the ordinary and extraordinary events of one family's past and present.

Suggested for ages 10 - 13
Subjects: Friends

LEON AND BOB
by Simon James
Candlewick;ISBN: 1564029913;$15.99;1997

After moving to a new town, Leon's imaginary friend, Bob, keeps him company and gives him courage as he explores his new neighborhood. Sensitive watercolors and a surprise ending will delight young readers.

Suggested for ages 4 - 7
Subjects: Friends | Multiracial

YOU’RE A BRAVE MAN, JULIUS ZIMMERMAN
by Claudia Mills
Farrar, Straus & Giroux;ISBN: 0374387087;$16;1999

Julius's dismal sixth-grade performance has resulted in his mother's disciplined program for the summer: intensive French and babysitting three-year-old tyrant Edison Blue in a funny novel that accurately depicts adolescent boy behavior.

Suggested for ages 10 - 12
Subjects: Friends | Schools