This European picture book collection is intended to help teachers to widen children's horizons by bringing picture books from the European member states to British and European primary schools. It describes each of the books selected, discusses the signs and messages carried by the illustrations and text, shows teachers how to help children "read" the selected texts through their pictures and shows teachers how the books can help children recognize the similarities in children's experiences throughout Europe. The 19 books in the collection have a common theme: friendship. The universality of this theme enables children to engage with the books and empathize with the various characters - witches, animals and people of all ages.