This is a cute book about a TJ, a little girl who is excited for her first day of school. She chats with her grandmother about her thoughts surrounding school and her grandmother helps her prepare. Unfortunately, TJ soon realizes that not all kids may want to be her friend and deals with a bully. Her grandmother helps her work through this so she can overcome bullying and possibly make a new friend. This is a great book for children who are handling scary new situations such as starting a new school or making new friends.

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

I enjoyed reading this picture book. I could see including it on a friendship or back to school display in our Youth Services area. The artwork was very vivid and I liked that the book included the tips on the last page. Overall I appreciate the message that was shared and hope it will resonate with readers.

#YouCanBeaGoodFriendNoMatterWhat #NetGalley

This book confused me quite a bit. First of all, the drawings were beautifully detailed and the colors were bright and joyful. However, it did appear that Beau was a lot taller than TJ, or older than her, but I don't think that was the case. It seemed that they were in the same class, but it was hard to tell.

Secondly, I feel that the saying "you get more flies with honey" was wrongly used throughout this book. That saying means that someone is being salty (like vinegar) and will make more friends by being sweet (like honey). The reason why this doesn't make sense is TJ wasn't being mean to Beau at all, Beau was the rude one, the problem child. Adding on to that: not everyone needs to be your friend!!!! That is difficult to expect children to do, and at the same time it paints an unrealistic picture for kids when they are first making friends or meeting new people.

TJ also never advocates for herself and hides her true self to avoid Beau's teasing. I think a way more effective message would have been to stand up for yourself against bullies, and not let them get to you. Allow the bullies to sink their own ship, not bring yours down, too.

This is a great book about learning how to be comfortable with yourself no matter what other people think. Lil TJ was so excited to start her new school. She has a unique style and flair about her that will make you smile. She is enthusiastic about trying new things and making friends. But when she gets singled out by a bully, she starts to lose some of that joy. Getting constantly picked on takes a toll on Lil TJ. She eventually tries a different tactic to avoid the bullying by dressing plain and trying to blend in with the other kids. But she gets some advice from her grandmother and decides to try it out on her bully. By centering her joy and being kind despite the bully's antics Lil TJ triumphs and regains her strength. This tactic might not work with all bullies, but it's good to read about Lil TJ's journey and how the bullying affected her. It's a great opportunity to discuss her mental health and her reaction to the bully. I also like the note in the back for parents that talks to them about actions that they can take if their child is being bullied.

This is a gorgeous picture book about one girl and her hopes of making LOADS of friends at school… but someone ends up being mean to her. She loses herself and starts being like everyone else until her Gran gives her some sound advice. Gorgeously illustrated. Def one I’ll pick up! Loads of lovely messages about being a good friend and empathy in this.

This is a beautiful children’s story demonstrating the difference between expectations and reality. I love how the author showed the excitement TJ had concerning starting school and how the actions of others affected her experience. This is a story I will gladly read to my grandchildren. It’s an excellent tool to teach about bullying. Well done.

Thank you NetGalley and ZonderKidz -Books for allowing me to read this book.

As parents, we want to protect our kids from anything that will hurt them. But there comes a time when they will be away from us and we can't protect them from the hurts of the world. Little TJ is so excited about all of the friends she will be making at her new school, but all she seems to make is a "bully." She talks to her beloved grandmother about it and her grandmother suggests she can "catch more bees with honey." TJ takes her advice, and soon realizes that the bully just needed someone to give him a chance.

A great book for young elementary aged children to learn how to navigate school and friendships. Cute, colorful, eye-catching illustrations. Loved it!

Such a cute book that explains bullying in an age appropriate way and teaches kids to always be nice to everyone. It’s a lot like many of the book out there but I don’t think there can ever be too many books showcasing kindness as the message. The illustrations are bright and vibrant and definitely my favorite part!

You Can Be a Good Friend is a sweet heartfelt story about making friends and being yourself. A perfect story to read before starting school or a new activity. This would be a great addition to first week of school curriculum plans for early elementary school. The illustrations are beautiful and really capture the tone of the story. The additional suggestions at the end of the story ate also helpful for parents/teachers looking to have deeper and more in depth conversations about bullying and making friends.

A good picture book about overcoming bullying, kindness and reaching out to make new friends.
Fab vibrant illustrations too

I'm a fan of Taraji P. Henson, but as it goes with many actor/musician crossovers into children's books, there are better ones out there. I'm sure the parents who are fans of hers will reach for it, but I definitely think there are more interesting ones about rising above bullying. It was a sweet story and I have no complaints, but it isn't one that I consider a must-read.

Sends a great message to our children about how to be a kind person admits everything we are going through. The beautiful illustrations capture the essence of the book wonderfully.

It was a cute book, but a lot like most children's books out there already. The illustrations were cute and I love the bright, bold colors. Showing the use of technology for TJ to speak to her Grandma is right in line with today's youth.

Finding good friends and being a good friend are essential life skills. This book does a great job teaching kids about it in an entertaining way.

This is a great little book for kids! Especially good for children just going into school, starting at a new one, or dealing with a bully.

Well-known actress, Taraji P. Henson is the author of this one, with Paul Kellam the illustrator.

Lil TJ is about to start school and is very excited. At school, she encounters a boy, Beau, who doesn't seem to like her. He bumps her and then insults her, and he picks on her. Grandma advises TJ to be her sweet self and be nice to him. She does, and they make friends.

The dog is humorous. I think he's a Boston Terrier, but I'm not sure. I love the touch of TJ video chatting with Grandma Patsy on her tablet. Neat details in each picture! Pleasing to see all the shades of skin colors in the school!

Great note for adults at the end with practical advice if you think your child is being bullied.

Series or Standalone series based on "A Lil TJ Book" on the cover
Genre- children's fiction picture book
Target Age - 4-6 yr old
Will I read again? Yes
Recommended for? School libraries, kindergarten and first grade classrooms, parents
Who will like it most? Young children, but a lot of text and will need to be read aloud to most young childen.

Characters 5/5
Writing 5/5
Plot 5/5
Pacing 5/5
Unputdownability 5/5
Enjoyment 5/5
Cover 5/5

Thank you to Netgalley and publisher Zonderkidz, as well as author Taraji P. Henson for providing me an e- book ARC of this so I could read it and give you my honest review.

I was interested to see what the amazing actor Taraji P. Henson came up with in this children’s picture book, and she delivered!

This has a very sweet message about being your authentic self, being kind and what to do about a bully. Lil TJ is excited to go to her first day of school, but a boy named Beau starts making loud, rude comments about everything she says or does. Luckily, TJ has her Grandma Patsy to help her figure out what to do!

The illustrations in here are beautiful, and I especially love Lil TJ’s cute little doggo! There’s a page at the end detailing steps to take if your child is being bullied, which I think any parent of a school-aged child will find helpful.

Look for this in June!

Thank you to NetGalley and Zonderkidz Books for an advance copy in exchange for my honest feedback.

This was a cute book and sweet with good lessons for children on how to be a good friend. I think it’s also relatable because every kid goes through the nerves of first day jitters and trying to make new friends. I like the illustrations.

There is a lot in this book that had potential and a lot that was good, but the story felt really disjointed in some ways. Almost like we needed another 10 pages to really get into how TJ goes from being a bright ray of sunshine to hiding her true self because of Beau's abuse and then back. I get that this is for young readers, so you don't want to draw things out, but I did feel like we needed a bit more of TJ being sad before she works out how to be true to herself.

I also didn't get how she could just suddenly begin drumming, and all the other kids can pick up instruments too. That part was useful in resolving the TJ-Beau conflict, but it felt out of place in the story. If the book had had TJ doing more band stuff before the recess event OR that the conflict resolves in games at recess, I feel it would have just worked better.

I am also not really clear on how TJ's grandmother's saying at the start of the book really links up to the rest of the story. Again, it just dropped out of nowhere in their phone call. I get how it is part of the lesson she learns. Just not why it was introduced the way it was.

The book got a 3 star for me (and not 2) because I did like the way it was illustrated and for the overall premise behind it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with this book in exchange for my review! All opinions are my own.

I was intrigued when I found out that Taraji P Henson wrote a children's book, This book was very cute. I think Tarai did a great job, and she should write more books for children in the future. I also thought the illustrations were very cute. I also enjoyed that this book was entertaining for children but also taught children lessons about being a good friend.
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Absolutely adorable. Such a cute and sweet kids book. Shows feelings about a new school and making new friends.