The Boy on the Bench

Gabriel Alborozo's warm, friendly illustrations perfectly bring to life this gentle, empathetic story about overcoming fears and being yourself.

The playground is packed with children playing, but Tom is sitting on a bench with his dad.
He’s just not sure he’s brave enough to join in.

Tom can't see a space for himself anywhere in the playground. Not on the slide, or on the roundabout or on the swings. But when a little girl loses her teddy, will Tom have the courage to help?

“This is a beautiful little story about courage and friendship which should be essential reading for parents as well as children.” - Father Reading Every Day