Mary and Clare are best friends. But watching her best friend get special attention at preschool because it’s her birthday is tough on Clare. At snacktime there is a pink-themed party for pink-clad Mary, and by the time snack is over, yellow-clad Clare has had enough. “Yellow is prettier than plain old pink,” she declares, and before long both are yelling, “YOU ARE NOT MY FRIEND!” After a little distance and a little nap, all is right again in Margaret Chodos-Irvine’s bright, boldly illustrated, charmingly realistic story portraying a scenario that is recognizable and compelling for many young children. Highly Commended, 2007 Charlotte Zolotow Award (Ages 3–6)

Clare and Mary do everything together. After all, they're best best friends. But on Mary's birthday, she gets a party, a shiny crown, and lots of attention--and Clare gets jealous. The best best friends get into a big, big fight. Only after Clare comes up with a way to make peace do the girls realize that between true friends, love triumphs over jealousy every time (even when it comes to crowns and cupcakes).