It is my personal opinion that every adult should have a running list of favorite children's books. Not only does this make it easier if you need a quality gift for a child dear to you in your life, but it also makes a social stand the children's lit is something worth paying attention to and valuing. 

My dear friend Robin is a phenomenal example of this, and I love her book recommendations were generally, but specifically for my kids. " Cowboy and Octopus” by Jon Scieszka and Lane Smithwas a gift to my family from Robin, and goodness what a gift it was! 

(Native non-trigger reassurance: The fact that Cowboy is a cowboy has absolutely nothing to do with the plot other than insinuating he rides a horse and likes baked beans.) 

Stylistically, this book is amazing. It's done entirely in collage format, with exactly the same picture being used for the characters in every circumstance. It's a book that screams to be read in multiple voices. And this series of short vignettes are all different commentaries on friendship. 

It fundamentally values the idea that people who are very different from each other can be dear friends. That everyone has different styles of being a friend. That part of being a friend and loving somebody is acknowledging both their strengths and their weaknesses, and valuing the intent behind their actions, even if their actions are not necessarily the most pleasing to you. 

So be loving to your friends, teach the children in your life how to be a good friend, and read “Cowboy and Octopus” in the goofiest voices you can.