My Best Friend Is a Butternut Squash

A heartwarming picture book about a young boy whose only friend, a butternut squash, helps him create a rich and imaginative world for himself, ultimately leading him to a new human friend.

Alex's best friend is a butternut squash. They play pretend all day long. Sometimes his butternut squash is a baby. Alex pushes him in a stroller all around town. Sometimes his butternut squash is a pirate.They have spectacular swordfights! Sometimes Alex thinks that his butternut squash might like to join the other kids in the playground, but he doesn't want his squash to get his hopes up. What if the other kids don't want to play with him? Then one day, they meet someone new. Could Alex and his butternut squash have found a new friend?

Author: Heather Smith
Publisher: Tundra Books (NY)
Published: 06/16/2026
Pages: 40
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.05lbs
Size: 9.40h x 9.70w x 0.20d
ISBN: 9781774886632
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 02/15/2026
Booklist 06/01/2026

About the Author
HEATHER SMITH is the author of four published YA novels; three middle-grade novels, the most recent of which, Tig, has received two starred reviews and was shortlisted for the OLA Red Maple Award; and seven picture books: Angus All Aglow, A Plan for Pops, The Phone Booth in Mr. Hirota's Garden, Slowpoke the Bell Island Mine Horse, Annie's Cat is Sad, Waking Ben Doldrums and Granny Left Me a Rocket Ship. The books in her body of work have either won or been shortlisted for virtually every Canadian children's literature prize, and been translated into eight languages. She lives with her family in Waterloo, Ontario.

KASS REICH was born in Montreal, Quebec. She works as an artist and educator and has spent the majority of the last decade traveling and living abroad. She now finds herself back in Canada, but this time in Toronto. Kass loves illustrating books for all ages, including the Megabat chapter book series, Sergeant Billy, Carson Crosses Canada and Hamsters Holding Hands.