From psychologist and child friendships expert Eileen Kennedy-Moore and parenting and health writer Christine McLaughlin comes a social development primer that gives kids strategies to make and keep friends. Friendship is complicated for kids. Children everywhere want to be liked, fit in with a group, and be good at sports—but most kids struggle at times. Problems such as having an argument with a friend, getting teased, or trying to find a buddy in a new classroom can be very painful. And friendships are complex—they’re never about just one thing.

This practical, research-based friendship guide has plenty of true-to-life examples presented through more than 200 lighthearted cartoons that make learning fun for kids. Growing Friendships is a toolkit for children as they make sense of the social world around them. By reading this highly illustrated book on their own or with a caring adult, children will learn strategies to help them build meaningful friendships and navigate the challenges that come up along the way.

Pamela Crooke, Chief Curriculum Officer, says:

"Using cat and dog humor and cartoons of relevant examples, authors Kennedy-Moore and McLaughlin bring the complex process of friendships alive for young children. From blending in to speaking up to dealing with conflicts, this book is a fun way to tackle a complicated and serious subject."

About the Authors

Eileen Kennedy-Moore, PhD, is an internationally published author, psychologist, and mother of four. She is a trusted expert on parenting and children’s feelings and friendships who is frequently quoted in major magazines and newspapers and has been a featured guest on national radio and television shows. Her books have been translated into seven languages. She is a professor for the Great Courses, serves on the advisory board for Parents magazine, and writes the popular Growing Friendships blog for Psychology Today, that has over 4 million views (www.psychologytoday.com/blog/Growing-Friendships). She also has a website for kids called DrFriendtastic.com. Dr. Kennedy-Moore has a private practice in Princeton, New Jersey, where she works with adults, children, and families. www.EileenKennedyMoore.com

Christine McLaughlin is a mom to three boys, as well as a prolific writer, editor, and author. With several hundred nonfiction articles to her credit—published in popular magazines and websites—her written work focuses mainly on parenting and health topics. She is the author of eight books including Growing Friendships and Growing Feelings (both written with Dr. Eileen Kennedy-Moore), The Dog Lover’s Companion to Philadelphia, and American Red Cross: Dog First Aid and American Red Cross: Cat First Aid. Learn more at ChristineMcLaughlin.net.