by Wendy Meddour
illustrated by Daniel Egnéus
 
Tilly and her mum have moved to a new place near the “the splash and curl of the sea”. Luckily she has her fluffy shaggy dog, Shadow with her. Unluckily, Shadow isn’t allowed in to her new school with her. At play time, Tilly knows no one to play with. Her father-Christmas-lookalike art teacher suggests the Friendship Bench to her, but the bench looks very busy with another small child, Flint. 
 
After some time looking at their shoes, looking at the sky, Tilly and Flint wonder if perhaps the bench isn’t working. So, they set about fixing the bench. Soon, something new and quite wonderful blossoms. 
 
A lovely story with illustrations which sweep and swoop across the pages. Quirky perspectives play with the off-page space, capturing all of the drama, the splashes and curls, of a seaside setting. 
 
'Warm, friendly book about friendship with a diverse cast of characters. This is a book that will be read and read again’ (Dr. Darren Chetty, Writer & Teacher);  ‘I really liked it. Gorgeous illustrations brimming with warmth and kindness’ (Patrice, Children’s/YA author) (both Letterbox Library reviewers).  [Single parent family.] Age 4-7, Paperback 30pp
 
Themes: Diverse Families