We’re welcoming Laura Henry-Allain MBE to Seven Stories

We are so pleased to be welcoming Laura Henry-Allain MBE to Seven Stories on Tuesday 16th June, and her visit comes at a perfect moment.

Maya & Marley and the New Friend, the latest picture book from Laura and illustrator Yabaewah Scott, published on 4th June. In it, siblings Maya and Marley are getting ready for their community playground’s annual lunch when they meet Kazuki, a nervous new boy who needs a little warmth to find his feet. It’s a story about empathy, friendship, and the simple, powerful act of making someone feel welcome.

Laura will be with us as part of Independent Bookshop Week, spending the day at Seven Stories working with school children on some very special bunting crafts, and making herself available to everyone with a free community book signing in our bookshop from 1pm – 2pm. Come along, meet Laura, and pick up a copy of the new book.

Laura is the creator and series producer of JoJo and Gran Gran – the first Black British animation to become a global series – and she brings to everything she does the same commitment that runs through her books: that every child deserves to see themselves in stories, and that stories have the power to build confidence, community, and connection.

Maya & Marley and the New Friend is published by Ladybird, priced £7.99, suitable for ages 4+.