Books in Me and My Friends series

Jamal and Joseph were born in the same hospital in the same month. Now they’re best friends. The two like to play at one another’s homes. Joseph’s mom knows Jamal can’t eat pork sausages because he’s Muslim. She knows, too, that he can’t have ice cream because of his eczema. Some things that happen at Jamal’s house are a lot different from Joseph’s: the food his mother prepares, the way they sit to eat, and the special clothes they sometimes wear. Jamal and Joseph like to play superheroes and cheer their favorite basketball stars. They even say they’re going to sign with the same team when they grow up. A poignant story about a childhood friendship where unfamiliar cultures meet, My Friend Jamal lets readers sample the differences and recognize the powerful bond that draws two boys together. The visuals, which marry photography and original art, are wonderfully playful and imaginative.

"Cuddly animals drawn in a palette of soft, autumn watercolors reinforce the warm and fuzzy feeling of Emmett's story. A pleasant selection for fall storytimes and a good choice for beginning readers." — School Library JournalIt's cold and blustery outside, and the best place for Mole to be is underground in his burrow. But it's been a long time since he's seen his friend Rabbit, so he tunnels through the ground to see her, meeting his friends Squirrel and Hedgehog along the way. When they find Rabbit under the weather with a terrible cold, Squirrel and Hedgehog give their friend gifts. Mole worries that he has nothing to offer, until Rabbit points out that he has brought her the very best gift of all — his friendship.

Maloo the kangaroo has lost his hop. Can his friends help him find it again? This sweet picture book explores the idea of sadness and the importance of friendship through ups and downs.No other kangeroo can hop like Maloo! But one day Maloo's friends find him stepping instead of hopping. What's wrong, Maloo? His pals look for ways to help Maloo regain the spring in his step. With patience, support and a little "hop" from his friends, Maloo gets his bounce back.Simple text and adorable art convey the power of friendship over a gloomy mood in Geneviève Godbout's charming debut as both author and illustrator.

Jamal and Joseph were born in the same hospital in the same month. Now they’re best friends. The two like to play at one another’s homes. Joseph’s mom knows Jamal can’t eat pork sausages because he’s Muslim. She knows, too, that he can’t have ice cream because of his eczema. Some things that happen at Jamal’s house are a lot different from Joseph’s: the food his mother prepares, the way they sit to eat, and the special clothes they sometimes wear. Jamal and Joseph like to play superheroes and cheer their favorite basketball stars. They even say they’re going to sign with the same team when they grow up. A poignant story about a childhood friendship where unfamiliar cultures meet, My Friend Jamal lets readers sample the differences and recognize the powerful bond that draws two boys together. The visuals, which marry photography and original art, are wonderfully playful and imaginative.