Do you like FRIENDS, SCHOOL and FUNNY STORIES?

Then this book is YOUR NEXT READ. 

One lunchtime, Benji goes to the worst bench in the whole school instead of playing footy. There he meets a girl named Alice and a spider named Mabel. And Mabel needs their help! But can Benji and Alice do it alone? 

From the creators of Your Kid's Next Read – the largest online children's book community in Australia – comes a new chapter in children's fiction. Join the conversation on Facebook today! 

Details

ISBN13: 9781923419308
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 112
Edition:
Publication Date: 24 Feb 2026
Publisher: Affirm Press
Publication City, Country: Australia
Dimensions (cm): 19.8(H)x12.8(L)
Weight (gm):

Author Biography

Maddy Mara is the pen name of Melbourne-based creative duo Hilary Rogers and Meredith Badger. Hilary and Meredith have been collaborating on children's books for nearly two decades. Hilary is an author and former publishing director; Meredith is the author of countless books for kids and young adults, and teaches English as a foreign language. Maddy Mara is the melding of their respective daughters' names. Laura Stitzel is a Melbourne-based illustrator, author and animator. Her work spans publishing and television, with credits in background art, character animation and storyboarding for studios producing content for Disney, PBS, Adult Swim, Fox Entertainment and Netflix. She is the author-illustrator of Moonlight Mums and Mr Mo Starts to Grow, and has illustrated numerous picture books and book covers.

Reviews

'The series, developed by the creators of Your Kid's Next Read, features short, approachable stories to build reading confidence. Judging by The Lonely Lunch Club, it's off to a strong start and will be a welcome addition for parents, teachers and librarians who want to support children on their reading journeys.'  * Books+Publishing  *