My Friend and I

by Lisa Jahn-Clough

A relatable story about new friends who tussle over a toy—and then find a way to mend their friendship. Two small children become new friends and have wonderful days playing together with their toys. But when one friend gets a new toy that he is reluctant to share, the friends are no longer so friendly. This story, told in clear, simple dialogue with bright, childlike illustrations, gives straightforward insight into the complications that can threaten even the best of friendships. The youngest audience will delight in the simple resolution that mends these friends' relationship as well as their toy. "Minor battles rage in homes and preschools everywhere, so children and adults alike will appreciate this subtle example of a peaceful resolution to toy disputes." — Kirkus

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Friendship, Storytime

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1999

About the author

Lisa Jahn-Clough has published picture books, early readers and young adult novels. Her work has won awards from Child Magazine, Parent’s Choice, Bank Street, Raising Readers, and Entertainment Weekly. Her upcoming book, THE KIDS OF CATTYWAMPUS STREET is released July 2021.

Lisa went to Hampshire College and has an MFA from Emerson College. She is now Associatev Professor at Rowan Univ, and also teaches at Hamline Univ. in the Writing for Children and YA low-residency program.

She lives with her husband and their Sato dog in Portland, Maine in a little yellow house in the summer, and across from a cornfield in southern New Jersey in the winter.

Reviews

[Chad Olson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little girl makes friends with a new neighbor boy

[Tasasha Battle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once there was a little girl who played happily by herself with all her toys. Then a new neighbor moved next door with his toys and a friendship blossom. The little girl and little boy played joyfully together until the little girl broke the little boy’s toy. Angry and upset they separate to find that they missed playing together. So the little girl came up with an idea to fix the broken toy, which also fixes their relationship. This narrative written by Lisa Jahn-Clough is one of her many books that present the value of friendship and ways that friendship can last during times of trouble. Jahn-Clough is known for her vivid illustrations and does excellently in displaying the intense emotions between the little girl and boy during their good and bad times. My Friend and I can be used to show children the value of mending friendships. They will also be able to understand that no one will be happy when sharing does not occur. The children will be able to have experience with seeing that play occurs best when everyone is sharing and happy just as the little girl and the little boy. The students can put together, as a group, a broken toy. This level of friendship is what I want to display in my book on diversity and friendship. Two friends that can go through disputes, come together, work it out and still are friends.

[Mary Train · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a good friendship story with real issues that young children immediately connect and respond to in a read aloud. A good story to process the roller coaster feelings around friend conflict in simplistic ways.

[Piper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! The first time Mama read it to me, I guessed what was going to happen to the toy, and I also knew how it would make each kid feel. Mama thought this was a very good book, too.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to teach the youngest kids about sharing and taking turns. Went over wonderfully with my kindergartners.

[jacky · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book about sharing and friendship that isn't too preachy. Loved how the bunny healed.

[Umeshikad · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to my son this morning and he loved it.