How To Make A Friend

Today, I’m sharing a clever picture book that teaches young readers all about friendship and persistence. How To Make A Friend by Stephen W. Martin and Olivia Aserr provides a hilarious step-by-step guide for how to make friends, and maybe also how to stop them from destroying the world.

How To Make A Friend tells the story of a young girl as she follows all the steps to build a robot friend. But, as our main character finds out, sometimes friendships don’t go exactly as we plan. Sometimes your robot friend might turn out to be a bit evil, build an army of other friends, and try to destroy the city. If that’s the case, you have to stop them, and you might even find a true friend along the way.

I absolutely adored How To Make A Friend! I can’t wait to read this one aloud to my nieces because I know the far-fetched story and the humor will have them completely hooked. It honestly reminded me of cartoons from the 60’s or 70’s, though those cartoons were generally missing a female lead with an interest in STEM. I also appreciate the fact that How To Make A Friend doesn’t feel like a book marketed to “girls in STEM”. It’s a fully fleshed out story with elements of STEM, social emotional learning, and lots of humor, making it a perfect read for everyone.

The illustrations by Olivia Aserr are wonderful and move the story along perfectly. Stephen Martin’s text reads almost like a handbook, which makes room in the illustrations for storytelling. The text and illustrations combine perfectly to create an almost cinematic experience.

Whether you’re looking for a book to help a child through a difficult friendship or to highlight failed first attempts, I would highly recommend How To Make A Friend. You can pick up a copy wherever books are sold, including Bookshop and Amazon. (Please note: Some links provided are affiliate links. Affiliate links allow me to receive a small commission for recommendations at no cost to you. This commission is used to maintain this site and to continue bringing content to you. I always appreciate your support!)

Thank you so much to Clarion Books for providing me with a copy of this fantastic book!

About The Author:

Stephen W. Martin is a writer on the shows Trash Truck and Bravest Warriors and the author of the picture books Charlotte and the Rock and Stewart’s Best Pen. He and his wife are on the run from their robot best friend in Los Angeles.

Website: stephen-w-martin.com
Twitter: @Stephen_W_M

About The Illustrator:

Olivia Aserr paints backgrounds for animation and also illustrates children’s books. She lives, swing dances, and creates in Los Angeles with her dog, Bonnibel. Telling fantastical and diverse stories is her passion.

Website: oliviaaserr.com
Twitter: @oliviaaserr
Instagram: @oliviaaserrillustration

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