Tilly is worried about going to her new school, which she knows will be full of strangers. Following her teacher's advice, she decides to try The Friendship Bench . . . but someone else is already on it!

Tilly has just moved to a new house, by the splash and curl of the sea. She loves doing cartwheels in the sand and playing catch with Mummy and Shadow the dog. But when it is time to start her new school, Shadow and Mummy must stay outside. And inside is full of strangers. 'Why don't you try The Friendship Bench?' says her teacher, when Tilly is playing alone. 'It helps children find new friends to play with.' But when Tilly gets there, somebody is already on it . . . Also available: Lubna and Pebble. Tisha and the Blossom, and Tibble and Grandpa

"This is a beautiful picturebook that celebrates new beginnings and the power of human connection."