There is a bench seat under a tree, where a man holds his new baby son in his arms.

There’s a swing seat on a porch, park benches and a bus stop. All hold fathers who hold, help, and support their sons as they grow.

They talk, they point at the stars or proudly hold sports trophies in the air. Sons and fathers, boys and men, enjoying the quiet moments, the sad, the unsure and the gloriously happy – together.

Written for her husband Harry, The Duke of Sussex and their son Archie, Meghan The Duchess of Sussex wanted to show the loving and growing relationship between fathers and sons. This is portrayed in both her rhyming text and in Christian Robinson’s illustrations.

Although The Bench is uncomplicated in text and watercolour depictions, father and son relationships are a constantly evolving thing as years pass. From a baby through to a teen, sons need their fathers and fathers love their sons on every page.

Simple but beautiful. A perfect gift for a new dad. Take the dust cover off and see some special initials carved into the wood grain of the hidden cover.

Author – Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex

Illustrator – Christian Robinson

Picture Book

(Penguin UK, 2021, Dad, Son, Father, Papa, Ages & Stages, Growing up, Family, Love, Achievements, Togetherness)