Everything You Need To Know About Meghan Markle’s Children’s Book, The Bench

The Bench, by Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex, has a really sweet backstory, and is based on the family's lives.

Meghan Markle children's book

by Rhiannon Evans |
Updated on

It's fair to say Meghan Markle has had rather a busy week - first, she gave birth to her second child, a daughter, called Lilibet Diana. And now, just days later, her first children's book is finally out on the shelves. We'll certainly be getting a copy. But here's what else you need to know about the book.

Meghan Markle book
©Penguin Random House

What is The Bench about?

A release said her book, The Bench, was based on viewing the fatherly love between Harry and Archie. Penguin Random House says the book is about, 'the special bond between father and son—as seen through a mother’s eyes.

Penguin Random House says the book is about, 'the special bond between father and son—as seen through a mother’s eyes. Inspired by her own husband and son,The Duchess of Sussex’s debut touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between fathers and sons and reminds us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family. Inspired by her own husband and son,The Duchess of Sussex’s debut touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between fathers and sons and reminds us of the many ways that love can take shape and be expressed in a modern family.'

Speaking about the book and it's inspiration, Meghan wrote: 'The Bench started as a poem I wrote for my husband on Father’s Day, the month after Archie was born.

Meghan Markle Book
©Penguin Random House

'That poem became this story. Christian [Robinson the illustrator] layered in beautiful and ethereal watercolour illustrations that capture the warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life; this representation was particularly important to me, and Christian and I worked closely to depict this special bond through an inclusive lens.

'My hope is that The Bench resonates with every family, no matter the makeup, as much as it does with mine.'

Meghan will also narrate the audiobook edition of the book.

Meghan Markle book
©Penguin Random House

Where can you buy The Bench?

You can buy The Bench in book stores such as Waterstones or on [Amazon.](http://<iframe style="width:120px;height:240px;" marginwidth="0" marginheight="0" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" src="//ws-eu.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=GB&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=graziadaily00-21&marketplace=amazon&region=GB&placement=0241542219&asins=0241542219&linkId=5287bb8a02436696bacfdc31e371d681&show_border=false&link_opens_in_new_window=false&price_color=333333&title_color=0066c0&bg_color=ffffff"> ) It is currently retailing at £9.98.

What kind of reviews is The Bench getting?

The reviews have been mixed, but then we must consider some of the negative reviews on Amazon might be left by trolls. Currently, most reviews are either five or one star, meaning it's averaging at a three star review at the moment. One positive review read, 'Received our kindle copy this morning (hardback due tomorrow), it’s a sweet story with beautiful illustrations, read it to my near 2year old & he sat quietly (v rare) & loved the pictures. It’s a beautiful sentimental children’s story, well done Meghan.'

Of course, Meghan is not the first celebrity to have stepped into the world of children's books - view our gallery below of some of the best around...

Gallery

Children's Books Written By Celebrities - Grazia

Children's Books Written By Celebrities1 of 23

Sulwe, Lupita Nyong'o

Sulwe has skin the colour of midnight – she's darker than everyone in her family and everyone at her school, when all she wants is to be like everyone else. Then, on a magical journey through the beautiful night sky, Sulwe has her eyes opened and everything changes in an instant.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities2 of 23

Kamala and Maya’s Big Idea, Meena Harris

Written by Kamala Harris's niece, Meena Harris, Kamala and Maya's Big Idea tells the inspiring true story of two sisters who work together with their community to effect change and transform their neighbourhood.

The Hill We Climb, Amanda Gorman3 of 23

The Hill We Climb, Amanda Gorman

The breakout star of President Biden's inauguration (and in a room featuring Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga and Michelle Obama, that's some feat), Gorman is the Inaugural Youth Poet Laureate of the United States. This is is her debut poetry collection, including The Hill We Climb, the poem she read at Biden's inauguration. She has a children's picture book, Change Sings, coming out on September, but in the meantime, this is a great piece of history to have on your child's bookshelf.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities4 of 23

Presenting...Tallulah, Tori Spelling

Tallulah has been told 'don't' all her life — don't get dirty; don't talk loudly; don't wear jeans. Tori Spelling and illustrator Vanessa Brantley show us what happens when Tallulah stops focusing on what she isn't, and takes a look at what she is.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities5 of 23

Tell Me Again About The Night I Was Born, Jamie Lee Curtis

In this special story about adoption, a little girl asks her parents again and again to tell her about the night she was born, memorising the tale and learning the importance of a loving family along the way.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities6 of 23

Please, Baby, Please, Spike Lee

Spike Lee and his wife Tonya Lewis Lee give a behind-the-scenes look at life with a baby, from the good to the bad.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities7 of 23

Yoga Babies, Fearne Cotton

Follow along with your little as the Yoga Babies practise their moves at home, in the garden and before bedtime.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities8 of 23

Evie's Magic Bracelet, Jessica Ennis Hill

Written by Olympian Jessica Ennis Hill, we meet Evie, a little girl who gets a beautiful bracelet in the mail from her grandma that gives her the special power to talk to animals — which comes in handy when she and her friends meet a frightened silver unicorn.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities9 of 23

The Case of the Time Capsule Bandit, Octavia Spencer

In the first book of this series, Randi Rhodes, the world' first ninja detective, has three days to find a missing time capsule with the the future of her whole town at stake. Will she be able to save the day?

Children's Books Written By Celebrities10 of 23

The Last of the Really Great Whangdoodles, Julie Andrews

Once upon a time, the Whangdoodle was the wisest, kindest and most special creature in the world, until he disappeared and created a magical world for himself and all the other extraordinary animals, where they were almost completely forgotten about…until Professor Savant told the three Potter children — Lindy, Tom and Ben — about them and they set about to rediscover the missing Whangdoodles.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities11 of 23

Of Thee I Sing, Barack Obama

Former President Barack Obama writes a touching, beautiful letter to his daughters in which he celebrates 13 extraordinary Americans, from Georgia O'Keeffe to Jackie Robinson.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities12 of 23

Sugar Plum Ballerinas, Whoopi Goldberg

Alexandrea Petrakova does not want to be a ballerina and she does not want to leave her home of Apple Creek. Her ballet-crazy mum, on the other hand, can't wait to move to Harlem and enrol Al at the Nutcracker School of Ballet. Life is hard when you're the new ballerina on the block, though, and Al might just need some magic plum power…

Children's Books Written By Celebrities13 of 23

Dream Big, Little Pig!, Kristi Yamaguchi

Poppy the big has big dreams — she wants to be a star! But it's harder than it looks to get there…until Poppy discovers how magical it feels to be sliding and swirling on ice. Introducing Poppy, star of the rink!

Children's Books Written By Celebrities14 of 23

Just The Two Of Us, Will Smith

Will Smith's Grammy-winning lyrics are joined together with stunning illustrations by Kadir Nelson to celebrate the dignity and honour of fatherhood.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities15 of 23

C is For Country, Lil Was X

Lil Nas X's children's book, C is For Country, will be available to order in January.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities16 of 23

Freckleface Strawberry, Julianne Moore

Perfect for any child who is struggling to accept a part of themselves, Freckleface Strawberry shows how important it is to celebrate all the things that make you YOU.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities17 of 23

River Rose and the Magical Lullaby, Kelly Clarkson

Named after Kelly Clarkson's daughter, River Rose, we see little River too excited to fall asleep — she's going to the zoo tomorrow!— until her mum sings her the magical lullaby that sends her off on a dream adventure. The book comes with a link so you and your little can listen to the magical lullaby, too.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities18 of 23

Natalie Portman's Fables, Natalie Portman

Academy Award-winning actress and activist Natalie Portman retells three classic fables — The Tortoise and the Hare, The Three Little Pigs, and Country Mouse and City Mouse — and gives them a modern twist

Children's Books Written By Celebrities19 of 23

The English Roses, Madonna

Nicole, Amy, Charlotte and Grace are 11-years-old and best friends living in London who are always having fun at sleepovers and picnics, but who never invite Binah, a girl who seems to have it all. However, when a feisty fairy godmother comes along and takes them on a magical journey to see Binah's life, they see not everything is as it seems.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities20 of 23

Girls Hold Up This World, Jada Pinkett Smith

Written by Jada Pinkett Smith, this collection of poetry and beautiful imagery is set to inspire, encourage and strength the spirit of all young women.

Children's Books Written By Celebrities21 of 23

She Persisted Around The World, Chelsea Clinton

She Persisted Around The World, Chelsea Clinton's second children's book, introduces tiny activists to 13 women around the globe who changed the world, including Marie Curie, Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz and Malala Yousafzai

Children's Books Written By Celebrities22 of 23

Your Baby's First Word Will Be Dada, Jimmy Fallon

Jimmy Fallon takes you behind-the-scenes and gives readers an inside look at how all dads manage to ensure their babies' first word is 'Dada.'

Children's Books Written By Celebrities23 of 23

The Joy In You, Cat Deeley

Enter an adorable world of colourful animals, where you can be whoever you want to be and indulge your inner joy. A really charming debut from the award-winning TV presenter.

READ MORE: How The Royal Family Reacted To Harry And Meghan's Baby News

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