This book opened such an important conversation in my classroom. My students immediately connected with Almondine’s feelings and spoke honestly about friendship, rumors, and forgiveness. It’s truly a wonderful teaching tool.Mary Farino Thomas has created a beautiful story filled with warmth and emotional depth. It’s the kind of book children will remember long after the final page.
Where Children Learn the True Meaning of Friendship
Children’s author Mary Farino Thomas invites young readers into a heartfelt world of friendship, emotions, and life lessons through beautifully illustrated storytelling. Her beloved book Almondine Squirrel: I Thought You Were My Friend follows a gentle forest adventure that helps children understand trust, rumors, and forgiveness in a way that feels relatable and comforting. Through lovable animal characters and thoughtful dialogue, Mary creates stories that encourage empathy and emotional awareness. Her stories open meaningful conversations about friendship, kindness, and believing in yourself, even when others doubt you.
About The Author
Mary Farino Thomas:
Mary Farino Thomas is a passionate storyteller who believes that children’s literature has the power to shape compassionate, thoughtful, and emotionally aware individuals. Drawing inspiration from family, life experiences, and her deep love for children, Mary writes stories that gently guide young readers through the complex emotions they may encounter while growing up.
About Book
Stories That Teach Friendship, Trust, and Emotional Strength
In her touching children’s stories, Mary Farino Thomas explores the emotional experiences that many children face but may struggle to express. Her featured book, Almondine Squirrel: I Thought You Were My Friend, introduces readers to Almondine , a kind-hearted squirrel who suddenly finds herself isolated after rumors begin to spread in the forest.
PIECE FOR THE WEBSITE
Imagine a world with no books. That’s what it’s like when you have an illiterate mom. As a young girl, I had no idea what I was missing out on. There were no books on shelves, no bedtime stories, no nursery rhymes; we never even had a cookbook in our home. We did have an occasional newspaper from our dad. That was where my love of the Peanuts first developed. I loved reading the comics. Once I started school, I was amazed by the stories inside the pages of those books. I would go to the library and just read as many stories as I could. I purposely read books beneath my grade level because I wanted to read everything I had missed out on as a young girl. Later in life, when I had my own children, I vowed to introduce them to stories before they were out of my womb. After they were born, I made sure they rarely went to bed without a story first. As they grew, their bedtime stories became chapter books. Their dad was reading The Lord of the Rings to my daughter when she was in 3rd grade!
The wonder on my children’s faces as they read is the same wonder I now see on my grandchildren’s faces. I wanted to find a way to contribute to that wonder. Thank you, Almondine Squirrel. I hope many children will enjoy your stories.
CONTRIBUTION TO THE SOCIETY:
After 9/11, I started a scholarship fund at Connetquot High School in Bohemia, NY in honor of my first husband Tom. It is called the “Battalion Chief Thomas J. Farino Scholarship”. Each year I pick one or two (sometimes three) recipients to receive the award. I decided to donate all of my proceeds from the book to the scholarship.
"May 19, 2008"
Our mission is to acknowledge an “overall” outstanding student from Connetquot High School, located at 190 Seventh Street Bohemia, NY, with a scholarship in honor of Battalion Chief Thomas J. Farino.
BC Thomas J. Farino gave his life on September 11, 2001 during the F.D.N.Y. rescue efforts at the World Trade Center. Tom was the Captain of Engine 26 and was posthumously promoted to Battalion Chief. He attended Msgr. McClancy Memorial High School where he graduated with High Honors meeting the requirements for the Principals Honor list. He then went on to John Jay College where he received his bachelor’s degree in Police Science. Education was an important aspect of Mr. Farino’s life. He encouraged his children Jane and James very early on to always do their best and not be afraid to challenge themselves academically. For these reasons it only made sense to acknowledge a student from Connetquot High School, located in Bohemia, NY, Tom’s hometown.
testimonials
What Readers Are Saying
Parents, teachers, and young readers are discovering the heartfelt lessons and
emotional wisdom found in Mary Farino Thomas’s children’s stories.
Mark Thompson
Librarian
My daughter loved the characters and beautiful illustrations. The story helped her understand that misunderstandings happen in friendships and that kindness matters.
Daniel Harper
Parent
A gentle and thoughtful story that helps children process difficult emotions. Almondine’s journey shows kids that they’re not alone when friendships become complicated.
Linda Rodriguez
School Counselor
The message is powerful yet simple enough for young children to clearly understand. It sparked a meaningful conversation with my son about trust and how to treat friends with kindness.
Jessica Collins
Parent and Reader
Get Your Copy Today
Discover Stories That Help Children Grow
Stories have the power to shape how children see the world and how they treat others within it. Through the heartfelt storytelling of Mary Farino Thomas, young readers are invited to explore important emotional lessons about friendship, trust, kindness, and resilience.
If you are a parent, educator, or caregiver searching for meaningful children’s books that go beyond simple entertainment, Mary’s stories offer exactly that. Books like Almondine Squirrel: I Thought You Were My Friend provide engaging narratives that help children understand complex emotions in a safe and comforting way. They encourage thoughtful conversations about how to handle misunderstandings, rebuild trust, and show empathy toward others. These stories are perfect for bedtime reading, classroom discussions, and family moments where children can reflect on what it truly means to be a good friend.
Join the growing community of readers who are discovering stories that nurture compassion and emotional strength in children.
Explore Mary Farino Thomas’s books today and share stories that inspire kindness, understanding, and meaningful friendships for years to come.