The New Friendship Bench

Leila and Maya were best friends. That is, until new girl Phoebe joins their class. Then Maya only wants to play with Phoebe and Leila feels very alone and left out. She remembers that her teacher told her about a friendship bench, somewhere to sit if you're feeling lonely and need a friend. Before long, she has lots more friends, including Leila and Maya.

This story is perfectly pitched for 5-7 year olds and supports the PSHE curriculum core theme of relationships, looking at how to build positive friendships.

Naomi Jones is the author of many acclaimed children's books, including The Perfect Fit, One More Try, The Odd Fish, How to Catch a Rainbow and Thunderboots. Her books have been published in 20 languages and shortlisted for multiple awards. In 2025, Naomi was shortlisted for the Ruth Rendell Award for services to literacy.

Gorgeous illustrations by Lizzy Metcalfe, winner of the Children's Publishing New Talent Category at the World Illustration Awards 2024