Maya & Marley and the New Friend

Authors: Laura MBE Henry-Allain & Yabaewah Scott

For children c 0-2 years | Picture storybooks | Romance & relationships stories (Children's / Teenage) | Family & home stories (Children's / Teenage) | People & places (Children's / Teenage) | Personal & social issues (Children's / Teenage)

Published on 4^th June 2026 by Penguin Random House Children's UK (Ladybird) in the United Kingdom as part of the 'Maya and Marley' series.

Paperback / softback | 32 pages
248mm x 250mm x 4mm | 182g

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!