If I don't recommend anything else for the little people in your life, it's going to be this book by @tarajiphenson. It teaches them how to be a good friend to other children's, regardless of nationality, physical disabilities, or gender.

I am always on the look out for books about handling bullies. Both to keep the kidlet strong enough to face them, and to remind him not to be one.

This sweet and beautifully illustrated book by a fantastic actress I adore is so perfect. This sweet, unique little girl who goes to school READY TO ROCK and finds that everything she does that makes her so unique is wRoNG in the mind of a kid who wouldn't know uniqueness if it bit him on the nose.

Thankfully, Lil TJ knows to rely on her strong family bonds (even those who aren't close enough to hug) to help get her through, and teach her to always start with kindness.

Jeremiah fell asleep in the middle, which isn't a bad thing, I swear.

You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) is a heartwarming debut picture book by Taraji P. Henson that encourages children to embrace empathy, patience, and love in their interactions with others. Through the endearing character of Lil TJ, readers are taken on a journey of self-discovery and friendship that is both relatable and empowering.

As Lil TJ navigates her first day of school, she discovers that her quirks and unique personality set her apart from her classmates in unexpected ways. When faced with teasing from her classmate Beau, Lil TJ grapples with anxiety and doubt until she remembers the wise words of her Grandma Patsy. Drawing strength from her creativity and individuality, Lil TJ learns to embrace what makes her unique and finds the courage to reach out and help others.

Henson's storytelling is infused with warmth and authenticity, making Lil TJ's journey resonate with readers of all ages. The message of embracing diversity, overcoming anxieties, and fostering meaningful connections is skillfully woven throughout the narrative, making it an ideal read for easing back-to-school jitters or bedtime reflection.

Moreover, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) is a valuable tool for promoting young children's mental wellness and socialization skills. Henson encourages readers to celebrate their individuality while fostering a sense of inclusivity and understanding by emphasizing the importance of empathy, kindness, and friendship over bullying.

With its vibrant illustrations and empowering message, this book is a must-have addition to any child's library. It entertains and educates, inspiring children to be their authentic selves and approach others with compassion and acceptance. You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) is a delightful and uplifting read that reminds us of friendship's power and the beauty of embracing our uniqueness.

Sweet story with great representation, and I loved that we had technology has a communication tool! Wish there was more about connecting with other peers, not just the bully. The resources at the back were very good for parents and families.

I am a little nerd since I was a child and I am getting difficulty to get a friend in my school. This book reminds me of my past time and I hope that I can be a good friend since I was little and this book will be a big big help for many children who feels the same way as I am.

With style, personality, and outlook all her own, Lil TJ can't wait for the school year to begin! But when a classmate tries to dull her shine, TJ must take the sting out of bullying by attracting more bees with honey. With vibrant illustrations and a sweet intergenerational connection, "You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!)" reassures children that what sets them apart sets them into their purpose.

Very lively and very, very colourful, this shows us Lil TJ, a girl determined to get the most from her first day of school. What she doesn't realise is that she could also gain a bit of a bully – she's so openly different and forthright compared to everyone else, that when she stands out another kid takes umbrage at it. Can the title possibly be at all true, then – can she be a great friend, despite the attitude of all the other classmates? The story proves there is a simple, gentle enough of a way to undermine bullying – but of course it does kind of depend on the behaviour of others. And, here, their musical inability. Yes, it's a bit of an oddball plot, relying too much on chance and the way everyone combines over making bad music. But if it makes enough people empowered and justified in the way they counter-balance the nasty kinds, it will all have been worth it. A strong three and a half stars, if not quite the full four.

I loved this book. The illustrations are beautiful. I also really appreciated the resources listed in the back.

Cute overall, and I can see series potential with Little TJ. The illustrations are great, and the plot developed okay (although the resolution might have been too "easy" and potentially unrealistic).

Whenever Taraji P. Henson applies herself to something, she often strikes gold. With You Can Be a Good Friend Too, she comes pretty close. Tackling the themes of bullying, diversity, perseverance, and persistence, and anxiety she delivers a strong female character that is not afraid to kill someone's mean streak with kindness. A little stalled at the beginning, but brought the fire once it got going.

Vibrant illustrations and a book full of personality! Read this with my 7yo son tonight and we enjoyed it. He loved making all the sound effects, I love the lesson to be kind even when it’s a really tough choice to do so.

Thank you so much to Zonderkidz and Netgalley for the ebook to read and review.

Lil TJ is so excited to be going to school, she is full of confidence and ready to make a million friends, but then she finds a boy starts bullying her and her sparkle disappears, until her grandma reminds her to be herself and to be kind.

This is a gorgeous book it’s perfect for helping with children that are struggling at school, that are being bullied at school, that maybe are about time to start school. It’s got a wonderful way of sharing how to figure things out, a great adult that was there to help her figure out the situation.

I loved little TJ she’s so full of personally and so vibrant, she had her own style and that was exactly who she needed to be, she found the music room to be her favourite thing at the school which was so sweet, and it was the key to figuring everything out that she was struggling with.

This is such a wonderful book about being yourself and finding friendship, it has a helping guide at the end about identifying bullying which is a wonderful things, the storyline itself is a wonderful read with such adorable illustrations and the cutest characters. I really enjoyed this book and love the messages it sends out.

No matter what.

Other people can be cruel.
This book is about self-love and compassion. I liked the fact that the main character practices those two and other life-affirming techniques and perspectives through her own agency. The pictures have immense colour harmony. This book is inclusive and contributes to the representation of the underrepresented.

Little TJ is so excited about her first day of school! She is dreaming about all the things she will learn, the activities she’ll get to participate in, the lunch room and of course, making a million new friends. However, when she arrives at school her first day jitters set in and she ends up alienating her classmates and attracting a bully. Each day seems to go wrong and TJ finds herself shrinking to avoid being bullied; she stops wearing her favorite clothes, eating her favorite lunch and sharing her work in class. TJ confides in her grandmother who offers support, gives her advice on how to deal with a bully and encourages her to find her confidence once more. The next day TJ feels more like herself again, during recess she finds her rhythm in the music room and once the other kids see how much fun she is having marching to the beat of her own drum (literally) they come to join her. TJ even finds common ground with her former bully and makes a new friend.

THOUGHTS: With notes from the author about how to help your child deal with a bully, this book is great for parents whose child might be struggling at school. The lessons in this book would also resonate with teachers and could easily be used at the beginning of the school year to encourage classroom community. This picture book has fun, vibrant illustrations that will catch the attention of kids ages 4-8.

A beautifully illustrated story that follows Lil TJ as she navigates school and forms friendships. The story teaches the lesson that even though you can be a good friend, not everyone is meant to be your friend and the feelings may not be reciprocated. I was happy that TJ shared her excitement and nervousness about school with her Grandma Patsy, and her grandmother was there to give her advice. Having support at home gave TJ the courage to be her unique self and that she can stand up for herself while still being kind to others. I was confused as to why Beau is much taller and less behaved than the other children, did the author do this on purpose?  Beau's negative energy and bullying made TJ feel like she needed to not be seen and to make herself plain. The story teaches an important life lesson that I hope resonates with young readers - that it's important to be true to yourself and have grace for others, even if they are unkind.

This is a really cute picture book with great themes. You really can embrace your own uniqueness and individuality while being open to others and accepting them for who they are! Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read this

This book was so adorable. I wanted to read it because my child started pre-school. She loved the bright colors and the story. We were able to have a lively discussion abut her time at school. The character of TJ was also adorable and it was great to see that she embraced her individuality and uniqueness, but also was more than willing to be a friend to everyone.

What a fantastic message about being true to yourself and having grace for others even if they are unkind. The illustrations are vibrant and fun as well.

I would say this book is for ages 2 years and older. I liked the concept of the book and how the main character over came how one of the characters made her feel. she came back to school the next day after talking to her grandma and stayed true to herself. My final rating of this book is 4.5 stars.

A beautifully illustrated story showing how you can give someone a chance, even when they aren't so kind to you at first. Lil TJ learns this lesson when she first goes to school. At first, she thinks everyone will become her best friend, but it doesn't quite work out that way. Eventually, Lil TJ learns that she can be kind anyway, and maybe her luck will change. Spoiler: It does.