Norland hosts book launch and story time with Laura Henry‑Allain MBE
3 June 2026
Norland will host a book launch and story time event to mark the publication of Maya & Marley and the New Friend by award‑winning author and educationalist Laura Henry‑Allain MBE.
Maya & Marley and the New Friend, written by Laura Henry-Allain MBE and illustrated by Yabaewah Scott, will be published on 4 June 2026. The latest title in the Maya & Marley series, the book is aimed at children aged four and over and explores themes of empathy, friendship and caring for others.
Laura Henry‑Allain MBE is an author, educationalist and consultant, and the creator and series producer of the award‑winning animation JoJo & Gran Gran, developed and produced by CBeebies. Her work focuses on inclusive storytelling and meaningful representation in children’s media.
The book launch event will take place on Saturday 13 June at Norland’s Oldfield Park campus and will include a programme of creative paper craft activities, followed by a story time led by Laura Henry‑Allain. Laura will read from her new picture book, introducing children to the characters of Maya and Marley.
The event will conclude with a community lunch, providing an opportunity for families to spend time together and reflect on the themes explored through the story.
Laura Henry-Allain said: “I am super excited to be joining Norland as part of my book tour, where I will be connecting with students, staff and the wider community. Maya and Marley and the New Friend celebrates friendship, belonging and empathy and how we welcome others. I am also looking forward to seeing the posters that the students have designed that link to the theme of the books.”
With the publication of Maya & Marley and the New Friend, Laura Henry‑Allain has also invited Norland students to design a poster inspired by the themes of the book, offering students an opportunity to engage creatively with the story’s messages of empathy, friendship and inclusion.
The poster competition will be judged by a panel including award‑winning teacher and rapper MC Grammar; award‑winning author and illustrator Diane Ewen; Yabaewah Scott, illustrator of the Maya & Marley series; Norland’s librarian Kathryn Aveyard; and the book’s author, Laura Henry‑Allain MBE. The winner will be announced at the book launch event at Norland on 13 June.
The book launch is a continuation of Norland’s close work with Laura Henry-Allain MBE, which includes delivering Norland’s graduation address, collaborating on children’s literature initiatives and joint work on community projects such as the Grenfell Memorial Quilt. By hosting the launch, Norland will highlight the role of stories in supporting children’s communication, emotional development and understanding of the world, values that are central to Norland’s approach to early childhood education.
Find out more and book tickets for the launch event
