You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!): A Lil Tj Book (56th NAACP Image Award Winner for Children's Literature)

Review Quotes:
Actress, mental-health advocate, and debut picture-book author Henson's text follows Lil TJ as she embarks on a journey to her first day of school, excited about the new friendships she plans to make. However, when a kid named Beau begins to bully her, putting her down, Lil TJ begins to retreat into herself instead of being authentic and confident. But when she follows the advice of her beloved grandma to treat others with kindness as she would wish to be treated, she learns how to resolve matters peacefully with her new bully and turn him into an apologetic new friend. Coupled with Kellam's vibrant, stylistic illustrations that make everything neon colored and lively, Henson's story line shows young readers that kindness and empathy are key, that we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and that differences should be celebrated, not mocked. A closing note from the author imparts advice to parents dealing with children who are being bullied.--Booklist

Review Quotes:
In actor and mental health advocate Henson's debut picture book, a young girl facing troubles at school takes her grandma's advice. Lil TJ can't wait to start school and make new friends. She has her own unique style, and she lets it shine on her first day. She participates eagerly, but at recess, a boy named Beau gives her a hard time. Beau mocks everything about her, from her small stature to the peanut butter and tomato sandwich she eats at lunch. Lil TJ starts to dull her shine. She wears plain clothes and styles her hair like the other girls in class to avoid Beau's attention, but she's still nervous. And will she ever make friends? Grandma Patsy, with whom Lil TJ talks almost daily on her tablet, reminds her that nurturing friendships takes time and tells her she should continue to be her sweet self. The next day at recess, Lil TJ stays inside and plays music. When other kids hear, they join her, and Beau looks nervous as he struggles with an instrument. Lil TJ remembers Grandma Patsy's words of wisdom and takes the opportunity to turn her and Beau's relationship around. While the message is timeless and the characters likable, the story's resolution feels a bit too easy. Lively, expressive, cartoonlike illustrations bring the straightforward text to life. Lil TJ is Black, Beau is brown-skinned, and their class is diverse. A solid choice for starting discussions on bullying, friendship, and kindness. (author's note) (Picture book. 4-7)--Kirkus Reviews

Brief Description:
"From award-winning actress and mental-health advocate Taraji P. Henson, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) shows kids the great things that can happen when we approach others and ourselves with empathy, patience, and love. In this debut picture book from Taraji P. Henson, quirky, stylish and a bit off-the-cuff Lil TJ is ready for her first day of school. But when she gets there, TJ finds that everything she does is a little different than everyone else and she's standing out in all the wrong ways. Once TJ's classmate Beau notices, he relentlessly teases her. TJ is filled with anxiety and doubt until she recalls some important words of wisdom from her Grandma Patsy. When she looks inside to her own creativity and personality, she figures out how to help herself make new friends! and helps someone else too! You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) is the perfect read for: Easing back-to-school jitters and setting a course for the new school year; Helping children ages 4-8 to overcome anxieties and embrace what makes them unique; Classroom and library story time, as well as bedtime reading; Promoting mental wellness and learning socialization skills, embracing the importance of standing in their own uniqueness, and promoting friendship over bullying. Includes author's note with references for parents and teachers. Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe winning actress, writer, and producer. She started the Boris Lawrence Henson foundation in 2018, which promotes mental health awareness and provides resources and services aimed at tackling the mental health crisis"--

Review Quotes:
PreS-Gr 3--Lil TJ is about to start school and just knows she's going to make millions of friends. She says as much to her grandma, who tells TJ that friendships need to be nurtured if they're going to grow. With that in mind, TJ prepares for school, having done her hair and donned her best outfit. At first, she's excited to answer the teacher's questions and play music, but the day soon turns sour when she encounters a bully named Beau who is mean to her at every turn. Beau does not let her enjoy drawing or her favorite lunch. Lil TJ tries to change herself to avoid attracting Beau's attention, but he keeps making her feel small. She goes to her grandma for advice, and her grandma advises TJ to be her sweet self and to be kind. By being herself, regardless of what Beau says, Lil TJ finds friendship and learns a lesson in kindness. This picture book is an excellent tool for adults and parents to help facilitate conversations surrounding bullying and fitting in. The author's note provides tips for parents who suspect their child is being bullied. Lil TJ's journey is a thoughtful and well-paced portrayal of staying true to and not;oneself and not;regardless of what anyone says. The eye-catching and not;illustrations feature dynamic characters of various skin tones. VERDICT This beautifully illustrated picture book tackles bullying and fitting in; an essential purchase for the picture book shelf. --Myiesha Speight--School Library Journal

Publisher Marketing:

56^th NAACP Image Award Winner for Outstanding Literary Work - Children (2025)

#1 New York Times Bestseller!

From award-winning actress and mental-health advocate Taraji P. Henson, You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) shows kids the great things that can happen when we approach others and ourselves with empathy, patience, and love.

In this debut picture book from Taraji P. Henson, quirky, stylish and a bit off-the-cuff Lil TJ is ready for her first day of school. But when she gets there, TJ finds that everything she does is a little different than everyone else and she's standing out in all the wrong ways. Once TJ's classmate Beau notices, he relentlessly teases her. TJ is filled with anxiety and doubt until she recalls some important words of wisdom from her Grandma Patsy. When she looks inside to her own creativity and personality, she figures out how to help herself make new friends! --and helps someone else too!

You Can Be a Good Friend (No Matter What!) is the perfect read for:

• Easing back-to-school jitters and setting a course for the new school year
• Helping children ages 4-8 to overcome anxieties and embrace what makes them unique
• Classroom and library story time, as well as bedtime reading
• Promoting mental wellness and learning socialization skills, embracing the importance of standing in their own uniqueness, and promoting friendship over bullying.

Includes author's note with references for parents and teachers.

Taraji P. Henson is an Academy Award-nominated and Golden Globe winning actress, writer, and producer. She started the Boris Lawrence Henson foundation in 2018, which promotes mental health awareness and provides resources and services aimed at tackling the mental health crisis.

Review Citations:

• Booklist 06/01/2024 pg. 101 (EAN 9780310160595, Hardcover)
• School Library Journal 07/01/2024 pg. 57 (EAN 9780310160595, Hardcover)
• Kirkus Reviews 07/01/2024 (EAN 9780310160595, Hardcover)

Contributor Bio:Henson, Taraji P

Taraji P. Henson is a multiple award-winning actor, writer, director, producer, and activist for mental health. She is the New York Times bestselling author of Around the Way Girl. Her natural humor and honesty, and her desire to encourage everyone to live true to yourself are reflected in Lil TJ, the main character in her first picture book. Taraji is a Washington DC native and currently lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Paul Kellam is an illustrator based in Jacksonville, where his first drawings began in crayon on his parents' home walls. At an early age, he developed a love for art, inspired by the many cartoons he watched so passionately. Paul breathes life into his work using juicy hues and rhythmic shapes, proudly illustrating stories that celebrate diversity and paint all shades in a positive light. He illustrated the award-winning novel The Good Turn as well as Antonello: Mellow Fellow. Paul loves to eat (especially Chinese), tend to plants, and watch anime with his roomie.