Maya & Marley and the New Friend Paperback by Laura Henry-Allain MBE

Product Details

• Publisher: Ladybird (2026-07-28)
• Language: English
• Paperback: 32 pages
• ISBN-13: 9780241624067
• Item Weight: 192.78 grams
• Dimensions: 24.89 x 24.89 x 0.51 cm

A warm and joyful picture book that celebrates empathy, friendship and community, written by award-winning, bestselling author Laura Henry-Allain MBE, creator of JoJo and Gran Gran.

Welcome to Grove Adventure Playground, where everyone is welcome! Brother and sister Maya & Marley live in the adventure playground with Mum, Dad and their cheeky pet goats, Lou and Chou.

It's the day of the big community lunch, and the playground is busy with friends and neighbours, all arriving with tasty dishes to share. But among the crowd of excited guests, Maya and Marley spot a new face – one that looks worried and shy. Can Maya and Marley find a way to make this new friend feel welcome?

Don't miss Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up, winner of the Teach Early Years Award 2025!

About the Author

Laura Henry-Allain MBE is an award-winning international producer, storyteller, educationalist and consultant. She is the creator of the well-loved JoJo and Gran Gran characters, developed and produced by CBeebies and is the series' associate producer. She is also executive producer on a few shows that are currently in development, including Daddio & Co.

Some of Yabaewah (Ya-bay-wah) Scott's first canvases were the important work documents of her parents. Keeping her passion for creativity in mind, she eventually went on to study Graphic Design and Illustration at University.

Within Yabaewah's work, you'll often see a bold use of colour and texture, gaining a feeling of warmth with hints of nostalgia. She's currently working as a freelance illustrator and teacher in London. Yabaewah would describe herself as a curious creative with a love for animals and the whimsical.