How to make friends : A bear's guide by Cat Rabbit

This cleverly presented book is reminiscent of Jim Henson’s “Muppets” books. The creator Cat Rabbit is a textile artist who has created each of the characters and props using hand-stitched felt and fur. The story is about Bear who would like some real friends. She especially would like to be friends with Koala and Lamb so she draws up a plan. The first few things she tries do not quite work out, so she gives up and goes back to drawing on her own. However, Koala and Lamb see her drawing and ask to join in. They then find lots of things to do all together and in pairs, activities such as bike-riding, playing the recorder, karaoke and baking. Bear eventually learns a valuable lesson about friendship.

Young readers will love the smaller minor characters who also grace the pages and always have a humorous comment. The fine detail in the felt characters will encourage children to return to this book time and time again. How to Make Friends: A Bear's Guide will be a welcome resource in the classroom for teachers who are helping their students negotiate the tricky friendship road.

Themes: Animals, Friendship, Textiles.

Kathryn Beilby