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Children's reading lists

Books to help grow confident and independent children

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Download our My Family, Your Family resources

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Raising a relative’s child: advice to a younger me

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Parents view quality time and bonding as top benefits of reading

Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up

** WINNER OF THE TEACH EARLY YEARS AWARD 2025 ** 
 
"A wonderfully inspiring tale that shows children just how empowered they can be." 
Joseph Coelho OBE, Children's Laureate 2022-2024 
"Where children’s books are concerned, Laura sets the standard." 
Patrick Hutchinson 
 
Siblings Maya and Marley are ready to take charge and make a change in this award-winning picture book by Laura Henry-Allain, creator of JoJo &amp; Gran Gran! 
"I'm wondering, I'm wondering... we need to have a great big tidy up!" 
 
Maya and Marley live in their very own adventure playground with Mum, Dad and their cheeky pet goats, Lou and Chou. When the playground becomes overrun with litter, Maya and Marley decide it's time to get tidying. But clearing up a whole playground is a big job - will anyone else come along to help with the great big tidy-up? 
 
A warm and joyful picture book from bestselling author, Laura Henry-Allain, that promotes empathy, community and caring for the world around you.

Laura Henry-Allain MBE (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. 
 
Yabaewah Scott (Illustrator) 
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.

"I'm wondering, I'm wondering... we need to have a great big tidy up!" 
 
Maya and Marley live in their very own playground with Mum, Dad and pet goats Lou and Chou! 
 
But when the playground becomes overrun with litter, it's up to Maya and Marley to plan a tidy up! Will they be able to clear it all away by themselves? 
 
A warm and adventurous picture book from bestselling author, Laura Henry-Allain, that promotes empathy and caring for the world around you.

Let's talk about relatives, love and belonging

My Family, Your Family

** HIGHLY COMMENDED – THE WEEK JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS 2024 ** 
 
There is no one way to have a family and no right way to be a family. 
 
My Family, Your Family is a powerful non-fiction book that focuses on what makes a family, explores how different families come together and celebrates the idea that every family is unique. 
 
Specifically written by producer, educator and consultant, Laura Henry-Allain, My Family, Your Family aims to help children and adults have meaningful discussions on family and belonging in an accessible and approachable way. 
 
Other books from Ladybird that celebrate our diverse world include: 
My Skin, Your Skin: Let's talk about race, racism and empowerment 
I Am, You Are: Let's talk about disability, individuality and empowerment 
 
Selected for Book Trust’s Great Book Guide 2024-2025

Laura Henry-Allain MBE (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. 
 
Giovana Medeiros (Illustrator) 
Giovana Medeiros was born in the late 1980s in Criciuma, a city in the south of Brazil. She graduated in Fashion Design in her hometown, but later on pursued her dream and studied Illustration at BCFE in Dublin, where she lived for three years. She worked for several years creating print designs for apparel, but since 2011 has been dedicating herself to becoming a full time illustrator. Although her work is mostly focused on the children's universe, it has also been applied to a series of different mediums such as books, magazines, textiles, games and apps.

My Family, Your Family is a powerful non-fiction book that discuss what makes a family, explores how different families come together and celebrates the idea that every family is unique. 
 
This accessible non-fiction book has been specifically written producer, educator and consultant, Laura Henry-Allain, to help children and adults have meaningful discussions on family and belonging.

Let's talk about race, racism and empowerment

My Skin, Your Skin

My Skin Your Skin is a powerful book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about race and anti-racism. Most importantly, the book empowers children to be the best versions of themselves; to have self-love, self-esteem and self-worth, irrespective of their skin colour. 
 
This book was specifically written by producer, educator and consultant, Laura Henry-Allain MBE, to support parents, teachers and carers to explain what racism is, why it is wrong, and what children can do if they see it or experience it. It also explores how important it is for children to celebrate their achievements and greatness. 
 
Fully-illustrated throughout by talented illustrator Onyinye Iwu, My Skin, Your Skin is aimed at children aged four and above. 
 
Containing explanations on key words and concepts written in child-friendly, accessible language, with relatable examples, this book supports children's understanding in building an anti-racist stance from an early age. 
 
It is perfect to read at home, and in classrooms, to support your child's life-long learning journey.

My Skin, Your Skin is a powerful book to help children and adults have meaningful discussions about race and anti-racism. Most importantly, the book empowers children to be the best versions of themselves; to have self-love, self-esteem and self-worth, irrespective of their skin colour. 
 
This book was specifically written by producer, educator and consultant, Laura Henry-Allain MBE, to support parents, teachers and carers to explain what racism is, why it is wrong, and what children can do if they see it or experience it. It also explores how important it is for children to celebrate their achievements and greatness. 
 
Fully-illustrated throughout by talented illustrator Onyinye Iwu, My Skin, Your Skin is aimed at children aged four and above. 
 
Containing explanations on key words and concepts written in child-friendly, accessible language, with relatable examples, this book supports children's understanding in building an anti-racist stance from an early age. 
 
It is perfect to read at home, and in classrooms, to support your child's life-long learning journey. 
 
This is the first in a series of titles dealing with difficult and complex topics, digested for very young children, to help them navigate the world around them.

Laura Henry-Allain MBE

Yabaewah Scott

Welcome to Grove Adventure Playground, where everyone is welcome! 
 
Brother and sister Maya & Marley live in Grove 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? 
 
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. 
 
Don't miss Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up, winner of the Teach Early Years Award 2025!

Laura Henry-Allain MBE

Books by Laura Henry-Allain MBE

Series by Laura Henry-Allain MBE

Maya and Marley

Articles featuring Laura Henry-Allain MBE

Books to help grow confident and independent children

Download our My Family, Your Family resources

Raising a relative’s child: advice to a younger me

Parents view quality time and bonding as top benefits of reading

Resources

My Skin, Your Skin postcard

Maya & Marley postcard

Early years' reading timeline

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