Agent
Associate Agent
Assistant
Biography
Laura Henry Allain MBE is an author, educationalist and consultant. She is the creator and series producer of the well-loved, award-winning, first Black British Animation global series, JoJo and Gran Gran, developed and produced by CBeebies. Her bestselling books, include My Family, Your Family and the Maya and Marley book series.
Laura has worked with several global brands, including Paramount, Mattel, Moonbug, John Lewis, Comic Relief and Bafta.
Laura is a board member of the Children’s Media Foundation and vice president of The British Association of Early Childhood Education. She is a supporter of the Grenfell Memorial Quilt, an Ambassador for British Dyslexia Association, an Ambassador for the National Year of Reading and a Fellow of the Royal Literary Fund. She is the creator and presenter of the podcast My Words, My Book and the writer of the: ‘Pick Up A Book’, song.
Laura is proud to be dyslexic and, on her travels, shares her dyslexic story, from childhood to the present day, the highs and lows. Her favourite quote is by basketball coach John Wooden: “Don’t let what you can’t do interfere with what you can do.”
Maya and Marley and the New Friend (2026)
A warm and joyful picture book that celebrates empathy, friendship and community, written by award-winning, bestselling author Laura Henry-Allain MBE, creator of JoJo and Gran Gran.
Welcome to Grove Adventure Playground, where everyone is welcome! Brother and sister Maya & Marley live in the adventure playground with Mum, Dad and their cheeky pet goats, Lou and Chou.
It’s the day of the big community lunch, and the playground is busy with friends and neighbours, all arriving with tasty dishes to share. But among the crowd of excited guests, Maya and Marley spot a new face – one that looks worried and shy. Can Maya and Marley find a way to make this new friend feel welcome?
Don’t miss Maya & Marley and the Great Big Tidy Up, winner of the Teach Early Years Award 2025!
Publications
Selected Publications
** WINNER OF THE TEACH EARLY YEARS AWARD 2025 **
Siblings Maya and Marley are ready to take charge and make a change in this award-winning picture book by Laura Henry-Allain, creator of JoJo & Gran Gran!
“I’m wondering, I’m wondering… we need to have a great big tidy up!”
Maya and Marley live in their very own adventure playground with Mum, Dad and their cheeky pet goats, Lou and Chou. When the playground becomes overrun with litter, Maya and Marley decide it’s time to get tidying. But clearing up a whole playground is a big job – will anyone else come along to help with the great big tidy-up?
** HIGHLY COMMENDED – THE WEEK JUNIOR BOOK AWARDS 2024 **
There is no one way to have a family and no right way to be a family.
My Family, Your Family is a powerful non-fiction book that focuses on what makes a family, explores how different families come together and celebrates the idea that every family is unique.
Specifically written by producer, educator and consultant, Laura Henry-Allain, My Family, Your Family aims to help children and adults have meaningful discussions on family and belonging in an accessible and approachable way.
Other books from Ladybird that celebrate our diverse world include:
My Skin, Your Skin: Let’s talk about race, racism and empowerment
I Am, You Are: Let’s talk about disability, individuality and empowerment
Selected for Book Trust’s Great Book Guide 2024-2025
