When it's time for recess, Miss Mellon's students pour through the school doors and swarm over the playground. They fly make-believe planes, tame dragons, and ride elephants. But wait- why are there a few kids standing alone and watching? Why aren't they joining in?Why do they...

When it's time for recess, Miss Mellon's students pour through the school doors and swarm over the playground. They fly make-believe planes, tame dragons, and ride elephants. But wait- why are there a few kids standing alone and watching? Why aren't they joining in?Why do they look so forlorn? They all have their reasons, but all they really need is a little encouragement. They need a kind word. They need a buddy bench.

Deas illustrates inky figures energetically engaged in playground activities, along with fantasy play characters (a pink dinosaur, a blue elephant). The students’ self-guided innovation is idealistic, but kids who recognize themselves in the playground scenario may well take the sentiment to heart. Back matter offers context about the growth of buddy benches around the world

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