Hello Friend!

[Rebecca] Cobb's illustrations capture the joy of childhood * Sunday Times *
This funny and cheerful picture book tells one story in the text and another in the easy-to-read pictures, as an overenthusiastic little girl is determined to befriend a reluctant boy at playgroup. But a twist shows friendliness is to be recommended. * Sunday Times *
There is a lovely warmth saturating Rebecca Cobb’s Hello Friend!, in which a rosy-cheeked protagonist plays zealously with a less enthusiastic pal, building towers, sharing lunch and banging a tambourine. At last, a small farewell smile shows that she has won him over, and the next day he is as excited as she is. A charming look at playground dynamics that effortlessly evokes pre-schooler feelings of being excited and overwhelmed * The Guardian *
Friendship and optimism are what Rebecca Cobb’s Hello Friend! (Macmillan, £11.99, 3+) addresses, with typical insight, wit and graphic elegance. A little blonde girl insists on befriending a shy brown-haired boy at nursery, relentlessly offering him things he doesn’t like. She risks rejection – but triumphs. * New Statesman *
look amazing for teaching about friendship and empathy to younger readers. Perfect for Nursery, reception and Key Stage 1 classes! * the Reader Teacher *
Rebecca Cobb uses minimal text with great clarity and precision in this warm-hearted picture book about making friends. It’s a perfect read for little ones starting school or nursery who might be a bit nervous, reassuring them that there will be lots of other children who want to make friends. Cobb’s hugely expressive coloured pencil and ink illustration has just the right warmth and cuteness while ably showing the anxiety of the shyer child too. This is a subtly emotional picture book, perfect for adults to use to talk about feelings and fears as well as friendships and consent. * BookTrust *
Cobb always perfectly captures the joys and uncertainties of childhood with her observant eye and warm heart. [...] Brimming with Cobb’s trademark rich colours, irresistible playfulness and the spirit of adventure that has made her one of the nation’s favourite author/illustrators, this creative, clever and utterly charming picture book is destined to be another family favourite! * Lancashire Evening Post *
Let’s just say the ending is heart-warming and this is a delightful tale about first friendships * BookBairn *
Which is simply brilliant! A comic tale of a girl who makes a new friend... Even if she is slightly over bearing and dominating! The ending where her friend comes running to greet her and his shy face becomes a smile is amazing! -- Dean Boddington
The story is told from the perspective of the little girl and the simple phrases so accurately depict a child’s thought process. The illustrations show the little boy’s perspective and the combination is very powerful indeed. Rebecca has captured the childhood experiences of making friends, feeling shy and insecure, as well as growing in confidence and befriending others. This would be a brilliant book to share with children who are about to start in new schools, nurseries, child-minders and pre-schools -- Picture Book Perfect