A pretty cute book that hits all the right spots. Disability representation in a variety of ways and whilte showing children from different ethnicities.
The illustrations were nice, the topic was important. The language level was decent. Overall, it's a good enough addition to a child's library.
But... it doesn't really have a story. Which I guess it wasn't really going for either but still.. I feel like it lowered the overall experience. I so wish the topic had been discussed in the book through the lense of a story. Then it would've been more engaging.

The entire book encourages you to be yourself and think well of yourself, but does so with some very fine examples of making friends and being a friend to others.
The illustrations by Romina Galotta are clear, imaginative, colorful, and informative and FUN.
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or your local public library!
I requested and received a free temporary e-book on Adobe Digital Editions from Thomas Nelson: CHILDREN'S | Tommy Nelson via NetGalley. Thank you!
Available 04 Jun 2024

My daughter started Kindergarten this year, and my momma fear was her making friends. She is shy, and I worried she would feel lonely if she was more hesitant to reach out to others. This weekend we had some girl time and we were able to read this book together, go to a Taylor Swift day at a bakery in town, and see her perform at orchesis. I absolutely cherished every page of this book. It just was so beautiful- the words, the pictures, and the concept behind it. The conversation that followed melted my heart. It was such a door opener for those talks with kids to check in and see how school is really going. To see how they feel with friends and situations on the playground and cafeteria. It focused in on how to help kids have courage and know there is always place at the table. The author brings up such a topic of the moments we might not feel seen or heard or included. But how as parents we can help them know they aren’t alone, and there’s lots of ways to have a friend. I highly suggest this sweet book! It comes out June 3 and I already have it in my Amazon cart. Thank you @netgalley @emilyley @thomasnelsonpublishing for the advanced copy! #netgalley #childrensbooks #emilyley

With such a heartfelt message accompanied by gorgeous illustrations and wonderful rhyming, this may be one of the best picture books I’ve had the pleasure to read.

A cute rhyming book about loneliness and how to make friends. This is a very practical book for kids that teaches them how to approach others, where to look for friends, and also how to love themselves. A book that may be especially helpful for young kids approaching new situations.

I received an eARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This book has a lovely, gentle message and sweet illustrations. The illustrations depict kids with a diverse range of skin tones and abilities, and the art is full of soft colors and light. The text is reassuring and encouraging, sharing advice for how to make friends while also encouraging kids to think outside of the box and enjoy other connections (e.g., with family, pets, and stuffed animals) when they feel lonely.

However, even though this is a really nice book, it's yet another book from a Christian publisher that has no Christian message whatsoever. There's a vague reference to being created with a purpose, but there's nothing here about God's love, or the comfort you can find in God's presence when you feel lonely and excluded by other people.

This is a perfectly sweet, nice book for mainstream audiences, but this falls seriously short of what it could have been. The final message focuses on self-love, rather than pointing to God, and this isn't what people will expect at all when they're buying a book with this title from a Christian publisher.

You'll Always Have a Friend is a sweet and uplifting book about loneliness for young children. The illustrations are magical - stunning colors, gorgeous watercolor-like whimsy, and beautifully inclusive depictions of children of all shapes, sizes, and abilities. The text is encouraging and hopeful, and while I love the message of kids fighting loneliness with inclusivity, it does come off a bit unrealistically. Even still, I'm glad this book exists and hope children find comfort in it.

Thank you to Tommy Nelson for gifting me with an ARC to review! All opinions are my own.

This picture book is so cute. I loved the message of it's okay to be lonely and giving kids strategies to combat loneliness. Plus the illustrations are precious and cover a wide range of races and abilities.

My quibble with this book is that it is published by a Christian publisher and doesn't even mention how God is always with us. It alluded to how God made us, but never explicitly mentions God. As a mom I want my Christian picture books to reinforce God's truths. Hard to do without mentioning his name.

What a beautiful wonderful story about friendship and relationships. The representation in this book was wonderful! My library will be purchasing a copy of this book!

You'll always have a Friend is a celebration of self love. By encouraging young people to be kind to others and to themselves, this book tells everyone that even if they feel alone, they are not for their best friend can be themselves.
The illustrations in this book are diverse and gorgeous.

With bright, beautiful illustrations (featuring a diverse group of kiddos) that add a touch of whimsy, the newest children's book from Emily Ley speaks to loneliness and friendship. It essentially guarantees "if you do XYZ, you'll always be able to make a new friend" and that doesn't seem like a promise the book can make, but perhaps it will be a good conversation starter for parents and remind children who feel lonely that they aren't alone/not the only one who has felt that way.

Another beautiful and sweet children’s book by Emily Ley! This book talks about what being lonely feels like, how everyone can feel lonely sometimes, and ways to help overcome it such as joining a team, asking an adult for help, having a pet, or reading a book. The illustrations are lovely and full of representation for any reader. The writing is rhythmic designed to be read aloud. I especially recommend reading this to any child at the beginning of the school year or moving to a new school.

Thank you NetGalley and Tommy Nelson for the advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

This is delightful book for children who are more shy or introverted, and may therefore struggle with making friends.

The illustrations are lovely, and the book has an important message delivered in well-organised rhyming text.

In addition to providing shy children suggestions for ways of making new friends, the book also encourages them to remember that they can also choose to be the best possible friend to themselves. Highly recommended.

This is a beautiful book. The illustrations are so whimsical and engaging. My four year old son really enjoyed the book, though I’m not sure he fully understood the message behind the story. The book does have a great message for children about loneliness and acceptance. A truly beautiful children’s book.