The TTLG 2011 Picture Book Celebration: Book one hundred and thirty-seven

Making friends when you are afflicted with shyness is never easy. I know lots of children who hide behind their mother's skirts, play by themselves, and buy their heads in book rather then break through the barrier of shyness that surrounds them. This book was written for children who feel shy, and it helps them to see how much they are missing, and how to take that first step.

Poindexter makes a friend

Mike Twohy

Picture Book

For ages 4 to 6

Simon and Schuster, 2011, 978-1-4424-0965-1

   Poindexter is a very shy young pig. He is shy when his relatives come to visit his house, and he is shy when the other children in the neighborhood ask Poindexter to come outside to play with them. In fact, he is so shy that he spends most of his time reading stories to his stuffed animals. The one place where Pointdexter doesn’t feel shy is at the library. Not only does he love to sit there and read, but he also likes to help Mrs. Polen, who is the librarian.

   One day Poindexter is helping Mrs. Polen when a turtle comes into the library asking for books about “how to make friends.” Mrs. Polen asks Poindexter to show the turtle where the book is, which the young pig is glad to do. He never suspects that this act of helpfulness is going to change his life in a big way.

   Many shy children have a hard time making friends. After all, it is not easy to leave your comfort zone when you struggle with being shy. Thankfully, children can now read about Poindexter, and through him, they will come to understand how to make friends, and what it means to be a good friend.