Handbooks for Little Humans: Fairness; Handbooks for Little Humans: Friendship

By Zanni Louise

Art by Maja Veselinovic

Affirm Kids 2026

Reviewed by Mia Macrossan

Zanni Louise continues her excellent series of useful handbooks for teachers and caregivers to use with young children with these two additions to the list, one on fairness and one on friendship. These are companions to previous publications on compassion, confidence, inclusion and integrity, all concepts that can be difficult for young minds to come to grips with.

These very child friendly titles are designed by Veselinovic to be immediately attractive and engaging with plenty of bright colours, appealing human and animal figures with carefully spaced text that doesn’t overwhelm the page.

Fairness starts with an explanation of what it is, again the illustrations are very helpful here. Digging deeper Louise writes about giving everyone a fair chance, sharing, taking turns, and playing by the rules. She mentions paying attention and gives some tips to try when something feels unfair. Mouse and Zebra, two cartoon characters have a little two page story illustrating fairness in action.

Friendship ( where persons are attached to each other by affection, liking, respect, esteem) is not really definied although Louise does show how it works. Examples include letting the other person choose the game, including someone who was sitting alone, and  listening carefully. Being inclusive and adjusting a game so everyone can join in is given as an example of friendship.

She lists the friendship tools of kindness, patience, acceptance, compassion, trust, respect, honesty, loyalty and forgiveness; challenging concepts that each deserve a book to themselves, (and some already have one). The importance of saying ‘sorry’ is highlighted and how friendships change is also examined. The Mouse and Zebra mini story is about being unselfish and helping a friend.

Both books have a lot to offer in terms of ideas and situations to discuss with young people. All those who work with children, parents, teachers, counsellors, will find these aids useful in helpfing children to better understand these important tools for living happy and fulfilling lives.

Ages 3 – 8