Etuna Elephant Finds Friends: A Lesson in Making New Friends: 4 (Ducky Friends Books) - Softcover

Bardina, Patricia; Burgess, Joanne

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1662979703 ISBN 13: 9781662979705

Publisher: Gatekeeper Press, 2026

Synopsis

Moving to a new place can feel scary-especially when you miss your old friends.

When Etuna Elephant arrives in the colorful town of Kuume, she's lonely and unsure she'll ever feel at home. Although her mother reminds her that every new beginning is an adventure, Etuna isn't convinced.

Everything changes when she gathers the courage to explore her new neighborhood. Along the way, she discovers that making friends starts with a smile, introducing yourself, asking questions, and joining in the fun.

Etuna Elephant Finds Friends is the fourth book in the award-worthy Ducky Friends series, which teaches essential social-emotional learning (SEL) skills through engaging animal characters and memorable stories.

Perfect for children ages 5-7, parents, teachers, counselors, therapists, and homeschool families, this heartwarming picture book helps young readers learn how to:

• Introduce themselves with confidence
• Start conversations
• Meet new friends
• Feel comfortable in unfamiliar situations
• Build healthy social skills that last a lifetime

Because every friendship begins with one brave hello.

About this title

About the Authors

Patricia Bardina, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist who specializes in helping children develop social and emotional skills. Joanne Burgess, B.A., is an educator and former preschool teacher with extensive experience teaching social skills to young children.

The two first met while working together at Seattle Children's Hospital, where they taught social skills to children with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental and behavioral challenges. Their shared passion for helping children build confidence and meaningful friendships inspired the idea for the Ducky Friends series.

Drawing on decades of combined experience working with both neurodivergent and neurotypical children, Patricia and Joanne create engaging stories that help young readers develop practical social skills through relatable characters and gentle, encouraging lessons.

About the Illustrator

Paul Sharp is an award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in children's books, magazines, brand packaging, commercials, educational materials, apps, and animated interactive media. A graduate of The Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he spent more than twenty years as an art director for Random House Toys & Games and Curtis Publishing's children's magazines.

Together with his wife, Alice, who serves as the series colorist, Paul created the memorable characters and vibrant world of Kuume that bring the Ducky Friends stories to life.

Edition details

• Publisher: Gatekeeper Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1662979703
• ISBN 13: 9781662979705
• Binding: Paperback
• Illustrator: Sharp Paul
• Number of pages: 38