My Friends and Me

My Friends and Me

 




My Friends and Me

For every child who has ever felt left out on the playground.

Having a best friend is wonderful—until that friend wants to play with someone else. Suddenly, the playground can feel a little lonelier, and feelings can get very "big."

My Friends and Me is a gentle, beautifully illustrated guide to navigating the tricky waters of early childhood friendships. Designed specifically for the kindergarten and preschool years, this book serves as a vital social-emotional tool to help children move from "ownership" of a friend to a healthy, confident "connection" with others.

Through clear, positive prose and comforting watercolour illustrations, children will follow a relatable journey that validates their emotions while providing concrete strategies for social success.

This book empowers children to:

  • Manage "Big Feelings": Learn to handle jealousy and frustration with a deep breath and a patient heart.
  • Use a "Brave Voice": Find the confidence to ask to join a group or suggest a new game.
  • Discover Independence: Find their own "spark of fun" through drawing, reading, and self-reliance.
  • Understand Friendship: Realise that a friend doesn't stop being a friend just because they are busy with someone else.

Whether you are a parent helping your child navigate playground politics or a teacher looking for the perfect "social story" for the classroom, this book offers a warm, accessible roadmap to building a happier, more inclusive circle of friends.

Perfect for fans of The Invisible String and Our Class is a Family.

Tropes You'll Love

  • Social-Emotional Growth: Moving from "big feelings" to a calm heart.
  • The Playground Journey: Navigating the real-life "drama" of the sandbox.
  • Empowered Independence: Learning that playing by yourself can be a "spark" of fun.
  • The "Brave Voice": A relatable hero finding the courage to ask, "Can I join in?"
  • Friendship Beyond Borders: Understanding that love and friendship exist even when we are apart.

Behind the Story

My Friends and Me began in a classroom. As an educator, I saw firsthand how the "big feelings" of the playground could overwhelm even the most resilient students. For a five-year-old, a best friend playing with someone else can feel like the end of the world. And negotiating friendships can be even trickier for neurodivergent kids.

I wanted to create more than just a "social story" for school; I wanted to write a book that validates how hard it is to share our favorite people. This story is about the "aha!" moment when a child realises that friendship isn't a pie that runs out—the more friends we have, the more fun we can share. It’s a gentle reminder for every child that they are still loved, even when their friend is busy, and that they have the inner strength to find their own "spark of fun."


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About the Author

Renee Conoulty is an Australian author based in Gippsland, Victoria, writing books with humour and heart for all ages. She writes picture books, graphic novels, and chapter books that centre thoughtful characters, emotional literacy, and small acts of kindness. As a regular at local markets, Renee is inspired by conversations with young readers and the way children see — and question — the world around them.


Book Details & Metadata

Title: My Friends and Me
Author: Renee Conoulty
Release Date: June 2026
Genre: Children’s Picture Book / Social-Emotional Learning
Themes: Friendship, emotional regulation, independence, jealousy, social skills.
Setting: A bright and busy kindergarten classroom and playground.
Target Age: 4–6 years (Preschool & Kindergarten)
Format: Paperback & eBook
Availability:  Available via Amazon and major retailers.

Summary for Search: A gentle and supportive picture book for children navigating the "big feelings" of the playground. Follow one little girl as she learns to handle jealousy, find her brave voice, and discover that friends are still friends even when they play with someone else. Perfect for fans of The Invisible String and parents looking for social-emotional tools for kindergarten.