Meesha Makes Friends by Tom Percival (Bloomsbury, 2021) is a delightful picture book with a play on the word “makes” in the story. Meesha feels very shy, and does not always understand social clues of those around her. In order to not feel lonely, she makes things out of cardboard and other materials to be her friends. It is only when she’s in a social situation and sees someone else doing something similar that she realizes making friends can be about being herself. She and another child actually relate to one another and Meesha can recognize that now she has made a real friend.
Imagination is shown by the swirls and shapes surrounding the children, as the cover suggests. Lonely moments and shown in dull tones while the happy moments, when Meesha feels like she’s connecting to other people are shown in colorful spreads. Meesha Makes Friends is a sweet picture book from the Big Bright Feelings series, and this is my favorite from the series. Children will certainly relate to Meesha’s plight as well. My 8-year-old daughter enjoyed it very much, especially since she loves to create things, imagine friends, and also make real friends herself.
