How to Cheer Up a Friend

What do you do when your friend feels blue? This gentle and encouraging rhyming picture book tells a story of all the things you can do to help cheer them up.

If your friend is feeling down, do you tickle his trunk to get him out of his funk? Give him a treat—or two or ten? See if he feels better then?

A child and his best elephant buddy navigate the many ways to support a pal who’s feeling sad. They learn that the best ways to help are simple: being there for your friend, listening to their troubles, and then, when they’re ready, offering a big hug.

Stephanie Calmenson is the acclaimed author of many popular books for young readers including Dinner at the Panda Palace; May I Pet Your Dog?; and the Ready, Set, Dogs! and Allie and Amy series written with Magic School Bus author Joanna Cole. A former early childhood teacher and children’s book editor, Stephanie feels fortunate to be able to teach, entertain, and encourage kids through her books. To read more, please visit StephanieCalmenson.com.

Shannon McNeill is a Canadian-born, San Diego-based illustrator whose books include Are We There Yet? by Dandi Daley Mackall, Wild & Wooly by Mary Jessie Parker, How to Cheer Up a Friend by Stephanie Calmenson, and her own Wheels, No Wheels. Her work is influenced by local nature, loitering in coffee shops, old books, child art, and long walks around the block. Learn more at LittleDrawings.com.