Blog Archives
Build Strong, Healthy Friendships
The Friendship Party offers young readers a thoughtful and encouraging guide to building healthy relationships. Was there a particular experience or conversation that encouraged you to create this story?
Yes, my friend’s daughter, Mashel, suggested the idea of writing about friendship. She was just starting school and was very interested in making friends and playing games.
Her enthusiasm inspired me to write The Friendship Party.
The book emphasizes inclusion, communication, and forgiveness. What made those themes especially important to you?
Inclusion, communication and forgiveness are important because they help children build strong, healthy friendships. I wanted to show that everyone deserves to feel included, that talking honestly can solve misunderstandings, and that forgiving others helps friendships grow stronger after mistakes are made.
How did your collaboration with illustrator Valery Vell develop?
My collaboration with Illustrator Valery Vell developed through my publisher, Little Steps Publishing. Valery had already illustrated my first two books, Smile Your Way to Happy and Learn Your Way to Happy, so I was familiar with her wonderful work. I especially love her bright, expressive, and inclusive illustrations, and I knew her artistic style would bring The Friendship Party to life in a warm and engaging way.
Why do you believe stories can be such powerful tools for teaching social and emotional skills?
Stories are a powerful way to teach social and emotional skills because they allow children to see situations through the characters’ experiences. As they connect with the story, they can better understand feelings, empathy, kindness, communication and problem solving in a way that feels natural and engaging. My hope is that children will enjoy the story while also gaining confidence and practical skills they can use in their own friendships and everyday lives.
With heartfelt words and stunning illustrations, this uplifting picture book is the perfect conversation starter about emotional well-being, resilience, and the power of being there for one another―because every friendship is worth celebrating.
The Friendship Party
The Friendship Party by Bernie Hayne is a sweet, engaging children’s book that offers valuable lessons about building and maintaining healthy friendships. Through simple and relatable situations, young readers discover the importance of making new friends, including others in activities, and recognizing behaviors that are kind, thoughtful, and respectful.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its honest portrayal of friendship. Disagreements happen, even between close friends. The story presents conflict as a normal experience rather than something to fear. It encourages children to communicate openly, apologize for mistakes, and understand that everyone is still learning and growing.
I also appreciated the book’s emphasis on inclusion. Children are reminded to make sure no one feels left out. The story also highlights the value of listening. Showing interest in a friend’s thoughts, feelings, and experiences can make that person feel seen and appreciated. These positive messages are presented clearly, making them easy for young readers to understand and apply in their own lives.
The illustrations by Valery Vell are bright, colorful, and filled with cheerful details. Each page feels lively and inviting. The expressive artwork captures the characters’ emotions beautifully and adds warmth to the story. Its visual vibrancy keeps young readers engaged from beginning to end and creates a memorable reading experience.
The Friendship Party is a delightful book that would make a wonderful addition to any child’s bookshelf. Its gentle lessons about kindness, empathy, forgiveness, communication, and inclusion make it an excellent resource for parents, teachers, and caregivers who want to help children develop strong, positive, and lasting friendships.
Pages: 32 | ASIN : B0CZF65JKT
