The story has a fantastic life lesson about friendship, but does not come out dry. The rhymes and pictures keep it interesting and unforgettable. It even includes useful language for kids to remember when they find themselves in similar situations. There is also a learning guide and discussion questions for grown-ups in the back.

4 Stars

The book is written by a licensed mental health therapist and mom, Christina Furnival. She uses a simple yet effective story to show that kids should start setting healthy boundaries and assertively deal with bullying.
While I’m not sure how much of it would actually work in real life (some kids can be very aggressive), this book sure is a good place to start teaching about the importance of boundaries. As someone who believes in this rule, I like how the author introduced the topic to the younger folk.
Instead of telling kids to simply be nice (which is also perceived as being a pushover), the book shows that one can be assertive and kind. It’s important to have a healthy friends circle, and that means, saying a firm gentle yet firm no to bullies.
Of course, the book should be read by adults and kids. If adults are unwilling to understand bullying, kids are bound to suffer.
The illustrations are breezy, light, and cheerful. There’s a set of questions at the end to help start a discussion about setting healthy boundaries. It’ll encourage adults and kids to take the much-necessary step in the right direction.
Thank you, NetGalley and PESI Publishing, for the ARC.

Wonderful story! I loved that this book rhymes and the message is so powerful. Setting boundaries isn’t something you’re taught in school. This story is great because it gives easy to explain and understand examples of how And why kids should set boundaries. Great book!

Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a well crafted, easy to understand storybook designed to teach young children the difference between a healthy friendship and an unhealthy one. Very well done.

The text of this book is in rhyme and accompanied by lovely multi-cultural illustrations. Most kids have a “Not So Friendly Friend.” This warmly written book talks about how to be a friend and what to do when another kid makes one feel small. It will provide a most helpful conversation starter and I recommend it highly. The end of the book has a section called Conversation Starers and Discussion Questions. It is helpful.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.

I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I seeked this book, wanting my kid to read about the different dynamic of friendship and help her understand the term "frenemies". The book talks about how its okay to walk away from someone, even if they're a friend if they are not being nice and makes you feel upset. You play with them when they're nice, and don't, if they're not. It sounds like such a simple truth, but my kid personally is going through friendship troubles where she has trouble setting the boundaries.

Bonus star for rhyming books.

I love everything about this book. Even us adults who are reading this to the kids can learn the basic means on how to deal with bullies and bullying.

The message is clear. But also, it's also appropriate in its approach and how it's practical on what it suggests.

I appreciate the question and answer towards the end. It would help a lot in trying to explain regarding bullying and on who's a bully, and how to set a boundary and what to let the bullies know, what's acceptable and what's the limit.

Regarding the cover and illustrations, I am quite impressed. The artwork is really good. Kudos, artist!

Well done. The team is spectacular!

Thank you, author/artist and the publisher, for the advance reading copy.

I am all for books that teach kids about boundaries. They are such and important thing and the earlier you learn boundaries the better it is. This is a very simple book about them and it was handled very well and it is done in a helpful way to a child.

The Not-So-Friendly Friend: How to Set Boundaries for Healthy Friendships is such a great picture book! Setting boundaries is so important and something I still struggle with sometimes as an adult. It makes me wonder if I had a picture book like this one if I would have been better at setting boundaries early on. Furthermore, the art is nicely done as well making for a great picture book.

A little girl moves to a new school and soon realizes that not everyone is nice. She is kid. To others, but learns she doesn’t have to put up with being bullied.

I thought this was a great reminder (even as an adult) that’s it’s okay to set boundaries and make sure you are being treated the way you deserve to be treated. You have the power to control the way you handle someone else’s bad behavior.

The Not-So-Friendly Friend is an excellent resource for helping children establish boundaries in their social circles. The main character of this book is nice and friendly to everyone, but she quickly realizes that no matter how kind she is, not everyone will always be kind back to her. This book shows our main character establishing boundaries with her bully, and in doing so she is able to stand up for herself.

This book shares a great message for young kids. I enjoyed the conversation starters at the end of the book as well. This is a great resource for parents whose child is dealing with a bully at school or just struggling with self confidence.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC.

Thankyou netgalley for the e-arc.
What an amazing read. I loved reading it to my little sister. Teaches kids an efficient and straightforward lesson about standing up to a bully. It is a must read.