Book details
Barbara Kerley - Author
Photographs and poetic words explore friendship, imaginative play and belonging, with an afterword about the stories behind the images.
With sweet thoughts about the value of friendship, this inspirational book preps young ones for the world beyond their own families. The striking photographs paired with poetic text will encourage more unplugged and imaginative play, help kids develop skills essential to their social and communicative development, and create a sense of belonging and security. Plus, we guarantee you'll finish the book wanting to hug a friend. A comprehensive afterword details the backstories of the incredible photos, which feature children and animals from around the world.
Book Analysis
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Sign in for personalised guidanceHow the book presents it: The book presents this favourably.
Talk about: What helps someone feel welcome and included with a friend?
How the book presents it: The afterword adds informational context to the photographs.
Talk about: Does the afterword change how you understand an image?
Its warm emphasis on friendship may offer a gentle starting point for talking about what it means to feel connected to others.
The book encourages imaginative, unplugged play and presents friendship positively; consider whether that emphasis suits your child’s interests and experiences.
What might make someone feel like a good friend, and whether do the photographs suggest different ways of sharing time?
Pause over the photographs and let your child describe what they notice; then explore the afterword together for the images’ backstories.
Theme indicators describe how the book presents a topic; they are not a verdict on the whole book or your family's values. Confidence reflects how much book-specific material was checked. Only part of the book information was available, so some details remain unconfirmed.
With a Friend by Your Side - Barbara Kerley - Google Books
Limited information
Checked: 2 October 2026.
Relevant to: Friendship and belonging; Photographs and their backstories
With a Friend by Your Side by Barbara Kerley | Open Library
Limited information
Checked: 2 October 2026.
Relevant to: Friendship and belonging
Benefits, discussion questions and reading approaches are suggestions. Your knowledge of your child remains part of the decision.
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