The Friendship Blanket

Nothing shouts comfort more than a cozy blanket. Leonarda Carranza and Erika Rodriguez Medina show readers just how special a blanket can be in their new picture book, The Friendship Blanket.

Aurelia and her family must move far away from the place they have called home forever. Worse, they need to leave Abuelita behind. Abuelita gives Aurelia a blanket so that she can always remember where she came from. Although Aurelia would prefer to have Abuelita with her instead of the blanket, it does come in very useful as she tries to make friends at her new school.

Leonarda Carranza takes readers through the heartbreak and joy of a big move to a new place. Although not explicitly told, it is obvious that Aurelia has moved to a new place where the kids don’t speak the same language and/or have a hard time understanding her. She is teased at school and feels incredibly lonely. I love how the blanket from Abuelita, a connection from her old home, helps her connect with people in her new home. 

There will be many, many readers who will connect with Aurelia and her family and see their own stories reflected back. For those welcoming someone new to their school or community, it’s a perfect reminder to be patient, kind and welcoming. The Friendship Blanket would be a wonderful addition to the first month of the school year reading list.

I love Erika Rodriguez Medina’s illustrations for this story. The colours in each layout are carefully considered and contribute to the mood and feel of the story. When Aurelia is feeling sad, the colour palette becomes moody and bluey purple. When Aurelia is feeling happy, the colours are bright and vibrant. The illustrations make this an often to return to treasure.