We're Better Together

Illustrated by Ekaterina Trukhan
Every toddler wants to help—this board book shows them they already can. We’re Better Together turns sharing, playing, and pitching in into moments of real belonging, helping little ones discover that who they are and what they do makes their community stronger.

Children who feel like they belong start showing up for the people around them. We’re Better Together follows toddlers through the everyday moments that build that feeling—cleaning up side by side, making music, welcoming someone new—so little ones see that community isn't just something they're part of. It’s something they help create.
Small actions, big impact. Helping, sharing, and showing up build social-emotional skills toddlers carry with them.
Grows confidence and voice. Little ones learn to speak up, pitch in, and take pride in what they bring.
Cooperation kids can feel. Cleanup time, making music, welcoming a new friend—teamwork in scenes toddlers recognize.
Every child adds something only they can. Celebrates differences that make a community whole.
That feeling—I’m needed here. I make this better.—is one of the most powerful things a child can carry into the world. For more than 75 years, Highlights has helped parents and educators nurture caring, confident kids through trusted, developmentally grounded books.
Eileen Spinelli is a poet and picture book author who has written more than 40 books for children, including Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch; The Best Story; and Someday. She enjoys walking with friends on a snowy morning and believes that all days brighten when shared. Eileen lives in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Ekaterina Trukhan is a Russian illustrator. She graduated from Camberwell College of Arts and has since illustrated children’s books. She draws inspiration from everyday life, mid-century illustration, and the books she had when she was a child. Visit her at ekaterinatrukhan.com and goodillustration.com.

About

Every toddler wants to help—this board book shows them they already can. We’re Better Together turns sharing, playing, and pitching in into moments of real belonging, helping little ones discover that who they are and what they do makes their community stronger.

Children who feel like they belong start showing up for the people around them. We’re Better Together follows toddlers through the everyday moments that build that feeling—cleaning up side by side, making music, welcoming someone new—so little ones see that community isn't just something they're part of. It’s something they help create.
Small actions, big impact. Helping, sharing, and showing up build social-emotional skills toddlers carry with them.
Grows confidence and voice. Little ones learn to speak up, pitch in, and take pride in what they bring.
Cooperation kids can feel. Cleanup time, making music, welcoming a new friend—teamwork in scenes toddlers recognize.
Every child adds something only they can. Celebrates differences that make a community whole.
That feeling—I’m needed here. I make this better.—is one of the most powerful things a child can carry into the world. For more than 75 years, Highlights has helped parents and educators nurture caring, confident kids through trusted, developmentally grounded books.

Author

Eileen Spinelli is a poet and picture book author who has written more than 40 books for children, including Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch; The Best Story; and Someday. She enjoys walking with friends on a snowy morning and believes that all days brighten when shared. Eileen lives in Wayne, Pennsylvania.

Ekaterina Trukhan is a Russian illustrator. She graduated from Camberwell College of Arts and has since illustrated children’s books. She draws inspiration from everyday life, mid-century illustration, and the books she had when she was a child. Visit her at ekaterinatrukhan.com and goodillustration.com.

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