How I Made a Friend

Daniel Georges tells the story of William, a shy boy who would much rather draw monster masks than make small talk, with genuine warmth and a light touch. When an unexpected new kid disrupts his comfortable solitude, William discovers — somewhat to his own surprise — that friendship can arrive without an invitation. The book won the 2020 Purple Dragonfly Book Award for Best Picture Book, and BookLife highlighted its relatable characters and classroom suitability. The interactive Best Friends Album at the back is a nice touch that gives young readers something to do after the story ends. The predictability is real — the arc of shy-kid-finds-friend is well-worn — and this is an indie title with a smaller footprint than its traditionally published peers. But for introverted children who need to see themselves in a story, it does the job with kindness.