My Friend, Billy Whiskers

By Author / Illustrator

David Litchfield

Genre

Friends and family

Age range(s)

Publisher

Frances Lincoln Children's Books

ISBN

9780711296022

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

05-02-2026

Synopsis

Some friends are real, some are imaginary, but all can help us find our voice. My Friend, Billy Whiskers is a charming celebration of friendship, bravery, and the little push we sometimes need to step into something new.

One day, while the other children play together, Patrick sits alone, but he isn't really alone. His imaginary friend, Billy Whiskers, is always there, ready for bike rides, tree climbs, and magical adventures where Patrick's worries can just disappear. But on this special day, with the help of Billy Whiskers, Patrick finds the courage to take a new adventure and say hello to real life children playing in the real life playground. Can you guess what happens next?

This heart-warming and uplifting picture book from award-winning author-illustrator David Litchfield celebrates the magic of imaginary friendship, the power of empathy, and the friends who help us grow.

Reviews

Maria

If you have read and loved The Bear and the Piano, Grandad's Secret Giant, Rain before Rainbows, Peace on Earth (to name just a few) then you are going to love David Litchfield's latest book, My Friend Billy Whiskers, with familiar illustrations and a story that is full of hope and comfort for all children and readers!

Patrick is nervous and full of worries but he has a secret friend, Billy Whiskers, who can be seen by nobody else. Billy Whiskers is a huge, whiskery character, gentle, encouraging and kind who makes Patrick feel better and listens to his worries about friendship and new situations. At times, when Patrick's worries grow louder and louder, Billy Whiskers takes Patrick on magical adventures that help Patrick to feel big and brave and able to take steps into new friendships.

After some magical adventures we see Patrick playing with some new friends until he has a fall and feels unsafe and upset. However, something magical happens and Patrick's new friends help him to feel big and brave - just like Billy Whiskers! Billy Whiskers and Patrick have a truly special relationship and Billy continues to support Patrick through nervous days and into his adult life too!

What a fantastic book to share with children about worries and anxiety. This book is perfect for PSHE work exploring how sometimes children have a special invisible friend to support and help them through worrying times. Billy Whiskers is a beautiful character - caring, compassionate and wise. The magical adventures are beautiful too! The familiar illustrations are so gorgeous with fabulous details of relationships, seasons and true hope.

This book was shared with a class of six to seven-year-olds who love David Litchfield books and loved this book, too. It was wonderful talking about Billy Whiskers and the children's own 'Billy Whiskers' who help them - and the adults, too. Definitely 5 stars!

Picture book / Reviewed by Maria, teacher