The Buddy Bench

Name: The Buddy Bench
ISBN: 9781962725651

by Laila L. Lewis

For the child who feels invisible at recess or finds it hard to join a game. This story explores how a simple wooden bench can foster kindness and new beginnings.

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About This Book

Reach for this book when your child comes home from school feeling lonely, invisible, or unsure of how to join in on the playground. It is an essential tool for navigating those tricky recess dynamics where every child seems to have a group except for them. The story introduces the concept of a buddy bench: a designated spot where kids can sit when they are looking for a friend to play with. Through gentle prose, it explores themes of empathy, courage, and the simple power of inclusive kindness. Parents of children aged 4 to 8 will appreciate how it validates the sting of being left out while offering a tangible, proactive solution. It is a beautiful choice for fostering social confidence and teaching children how to look out for one another in a school setting.

Loneliness & Belonging Making Friends Empathy & Kindness Being Left Out School Life Friendship & Social Friendship & Loyalty Standing Up for Others

What Parents Should Know

Sad ThemesMild

Relatable depictions of loneliness and the feeling of being left out.

Sensitive Topics

The book deals with social isolation and the fear of rejection. The approach is direct and secular. The resolution is highly hopeful and realistic, as it models a concrete social intervention used in many modern schools.