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by Carole Ibrahim (Author), Christian Abi Khalil (Author), Lola Usupova (Illustrator)
Moving to a new place can feel scary and overwhelming for a child.
My First Friend in a New Land is a gentle and reassuring rhyming picture book that helps young children feel safe, understood, and hopeful as they adjust to a new home and make their very first friend.
Kayla and Audrey are sisters who leave everything familiar behind and move to a new country. They miss their friends, their routines, and the comfort of home. As they wonder if they will ever truly belong, one sunny day in a strawberry field changes everything.
There, they meet Emma.
What begins as a simple moment of play blossoms into the start of a beautiful friendship and a new sense of belonging.
Written in comforting rhyme and filled with heart, this story gently supports children navigating:
- Moving to a new country or city
- Starting a new school
- Leaving friends behind
- Learning how to make new friends
- Building confidence in unfamiliar places
Perfect for families experiencing relocation or immigration, this bilingual book opens meaningful conversations about change, resilience, and the courage it takes to begin again.
Ideal for ages 3-8, parents, educators, and caregivers will cherish sharing this story to help children process big emotions and discover the power of friendship.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one new friend to make a new place feel like home.
