Imagine if your deepest fears about fitting in and making friends could be answered by a magical friend made of rainbow colors, glitter, and imagination.

That’s exactly what happens in LIBBY the LUNCHBUDDY, the debut children’s picture book by Alex Kuehn—a heartwarming, whimsical story that empowers young readers to face their first-day-of-school fears with bravery and creativity.

At the heart of this beautifully illustrated book is Vivienne, a nervous little girl who is about to begin a new school. The idea of eating lunch alone and feeling invisible fills her with dread, and she does what many kids secretly wish they could do—she hides under her bed. Her mother, recognizing her anxiety, lovingly encourages her to draw a magical friend, a “Lunchbuddy,” to help her feel brave and less alone.

That night, Vivienne pours her heart into creating a vibrant character—Libby—with fuzzy ears, a shimmering tail, and hair so colorful it nearly touches the ground. She adds a sprinkle of glitter and goes to bed. What she doesn’t expect is that Libby will literally burst to life the next morning in a puff of glittery rainbow smoke on the school bus.

Libby isn’t just a figment of Vivienne’s imagination. She’s the embodiment of all the courage, comfort, and confidence Vivienne didn’t know she had. Libby walks beside her (invisibly to others, of course), reassuring her and nudging her toward connection.

The genius of Kuehn’s storytelling lies in its gentle but powerful handling of childhood anxiety. Instead of solving Vivienne’s problems for her, Libby serves as a bridge between fear and independence. By the end of the day, with new friendships blossoming, Libby fades into the background like a proud mentor watching her student shine.

But what really makes LIBBY the LUNCHBUDDY sing is its rich emotional core. Kuehn doesn’t shy away from showing the big, scary feelings that come with new beginnings. Additionally, through playful illustrations, endearing dialogue, and heartfelt moments, young readers see that those feelings are normal and conquerable.

Ultimately, LIBBY the LUNCHBUDDY is more than just a story—it’s a glittery, glowing guide for every child who’s ever felt a little scared to sit at the lunch table alone. It’s a reminder that bravery can begin with a crayon and a dream—and that sometimes, the friend we need most is already inside us.

About the Author

My name is Alexandra Kuehn, and this is my very first children’s book. I am a native Marylander from the DC/Baltimore area, and I have lived in Kent Island with my husband and two daughters for just over a decade. As a child, all I ever wanted to do was write stories. I knew I wanted to be a children’s book author from a very early age. Decades later, I have two girls of my own who have supported and inspired me to work towards making that dream a reality.

Book Name: Libby The Lunchbuddy

Author Name: Alexandra Kuehn

ISBN Number: 1967963843

Website: https://plumbennybooks.com/

Ebook Version: Click Here

Paperback Version: Click Here

Media Contact
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Country: United States
Website: https://scholasticpublishers.co.uk/