United States – September 16, 2026 – Bernie Hayne’s uplifting children’s picture book, The Friendship Party, has received the Literary Titan Book Award, recognizing its thoughtful exploration of friendship, inclusion, empathy, and emotional well-being.
Through heartfelt storytelling and bright, expressive illustrations by Valery Vell, The Friendship Party invites young readers on a joyful journey that celebrates connection, kindness, and the courage to care. The book offers children an encouraging guide to building healthy relationships while helping parents, teachers, and caregivers begin meaningful conversations about resilience, communication, and the importance of supporting one another.
The idea for the book came from a young reader named Mashel, the daughter of Hayne’s friend. As Mashel prepared to start school, she became excited about making friends and playing games. Her enthusiasm inspired Hayne to create a story that would help children approach friendship with confidence and compassion.
“Inclusion, communication, and forgiveness are important because they help children build strong, healthy friendships,” Hayne said. “I wanted to show that everyone deserves to feel included, that talking honestly can solve misunderstandings, and that forgiving others helps friendships grow stronger after mistakes are made.”
Literary Titan praised the book as “a sweet, engaging children’s book” that teaches valuable lessons about developing and maintaining healthy friendships. The review commended its honest portrayal of disagreements as a normal part of relationships and highlighted its practical messages about listening, apologizing, resolving misunderstandings, and ensuring that no one feels left out.
The review also celebrated Vell’s illustrations for their cheerful details, visual vibrancy, and ability to capture the characters’ emotions. Hayne previously collaborated with Vell on Smile Your Way to Happy and Learn Your Way to Happy, both published by Little Steps Publishing.
“Stories allow children to see situations through the characters’ experiences,” Hayne said. “As they connect with the story, they can better understand feelings, empathy, kindness, communication, and problem-solving in a way that feels natural and engaging.”
With its accessible language, relatable situations, and warm illustrations, The Friendship Party is a valuable addition to homes, classrooms, libraries, and counseling spaces. Its message is both simple and enduring: every friendship is worth celebrating.
Discover the award-winning The Friendship Party by Bernie Hayne today. The book is available for purchase through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Search for The Friendship Party by Bernie Hayne to order a copy and share its inspiring lessons about kindness, inclusion, communication, and friendship with a young reader.
About the Author
Bernie Hayne is a children’s author whose uplifting books encourage young readers to develop confidence, emotional awareness, kindness, and positive relationships. She is the author of Smile Your Way to Happy, Learn Your Way to Happy, and the Literary Titan Book Award recipient The Friendship Party. Working with Little Steps Publishing and illustrator Valery Vell, Hayne creates engaging stories that pair practical social and emotional lessons with colorful, inclusive artwork. Through relatable characters and everyday experiences, she hopes to give children the understanding and skills they need to navigate friendships, express their feelings, and care for others.
Media ContactCompany Name: Literary TitanContact Person: Bernie HayneEmail: Send EmailCountry: United StatesWebsite: https://amzn.to/3TqL5DK
