Maya & Marley Storytelling with Laura Henry Allain

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Book tickets
Join the award-winning author behind JoJo and Gran Gran for a special storytelling of her latest book: Maya & Marley and the New Friend!

Join award-winning storyteller and educationalist Laura Henry Allain MBE for a special storytelling of her newest picture book ‘Maya & Marley and the New Friend’. After the story, take part in an author Q&A, plant your own friendship flower seeds, and design a bunting triangle inspired by the book. Craft materials will be provided, and books will be available to buy and have signed and dedicated at the event. All children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the event.

About the book

Maya and Marley are back with another adventure!

While preparing Grove adventure playground for the annual community lunch, it’s up to Maya and Marley to greet all the guests. But when they introduce themselves to a new boy, Kazuki, the two siblings make it their goal to take the nervous Kazuki under their wings. Will Maya and Marley find a way to make Kazuki feel welcome? And what will their cheeky goats, Lou and Chou be up to this time?

A warm and adventurous picture book from bestselling author, Laura Henry-Allain, that promotes empathy and caring for the world around you.

Laura Henry-Allain MBE

Laura Henry Allain MBE is an author, educationalist and consultant. She is the creator and series producer of the well-loved, award-winning, first Black British Animation global series, JoJo and Gran Gran, developed and produced by CBeebies.

Laura is a board member of the Children’s Media Foundation and vice president of The British Association of Early Childhood Education. She is a supporter of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt, an ambassador for the National Year of Reading, an ambassador British Dyslexia Association and a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund. She is the creator and presenter of the podcast My Words, My Book and the writer of the: ‘Pick Up A Book’, song.

Visitor information

  • Each session lasts for 1 hour
  • Adults will need to stay with their children while they take part; smaller children may need some assistance
  • Please arrive at the Pavilion five minutes before the workshop begins
  • The Pavilion is at the top of the Gardens, accessed from our London Road entrance via a hill
  • Food and drink are not allowed in the Pavilion
  • Tickets do not include a copy of the book, but they can be purchased and signed by the author at the event.