Spring 2025

My Story Friend

  • Interest Level: Kindergarten - Grade 3
  • Reading Level: Grade 3

There is the person who tells the story. This is the storyteller. And there is the person who listens to the story. This is the story friend.

As a child treks across the land in search of someone to tell his sad story to, he meets a gruff mountain man who can’t stand unhappy stories, a too-busy-to-be-bothered farmer, and finally, the old woman who tells stories herself, who is willing to listen. The act of telling the story leads the child to look at the other side and make what was dark lighter and full of hope and positivity. The true potency of needing to express one’s unhappiness and the power of having someone else listen and help is a strong message for young readers. Like a favorite teacher or mentor, they may not be around forever, just for a short but meaningful time.

Format Your Price Add
978-1-4338-3688-6
$12.74
Available at all major wholesalers and distributors. Save 25% off list price on hardcovers and ebooks when you buy direct! Digital purchases will be accessed on Lerner Digital Bookshelf. An account will be created for you after purchase.
Interest Level Kindergarten - Grade 3
Reading Level Grade 3
Genre Picture Books
Category SEL: A Self-Awareness, SEL: C Social Awareness, SEL: D Relationship Skills, Social Emotional Learning
Copyright 2021
Publisher Magination Press, American Psychological Association
Imprint Magination Press — American Psychological Association
Language English
Number of Pages 32
Publication Date 2025-01-01
Text Type Fiction
BISACS JUV039050, JUV039060, JUV057000
Dimensions 8 x 10
Features Original artwork and Reviewed

Reviews

Booklist

“Chen’s mixed-media illustrations include elements of chalk, watercolor, and pastels, using fanciful clothing and setting details to contribute to the tale’s folkloric feel. The boy learns that talking about something hard can soften the experience and maybe even help him cope, and Dakos’ universal story could help children facing varying problems consider how to move forward or how to help someone else.”—Booklist

Kirkus Reviews

“The illustrations are haunting, a surprising combination of line drawings and painterly backgrounds. They look like chalk pictures, if chalk could draw on the water or the night sky. . . . With the right listener, every story feels urgent. This book makes every reader a listener.”—Kirkus Reviews