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can take shape and be expressed in a modern family". Meghan described
Robinson's "beautiful and ethereal" illustrations as capturing "the warmth, joy, and comfort of the relationship between fathers and sons from all walks of life" and that she and Robinson "worked closely to depict this special bond through an inclusive lens".
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The book is about the relationship between a father and his son told from the perspective of the mother. Random House
Children's Books said in a press release that the book "touchingly captures the evolving and expanding relationship between fathers and sons and reminds us of the many ways that love
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On June 9, the book reached number three on Amazon's
American bestseller list and was number one in the Children's Emotions books category. On June 17, the book reached number one in the children's picture books category of
206:
for its illustrations but stated it lacked "a good story and basic rhythm" and remarked its readability targeted "needy" parents rather than young children. Sarah Dawson of
240:, Sarah Lyall complimented the book's messaging and illustrations but labelled the rhyming "tortured" and dubbed the writing "not terrible, but it's not terrific."
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dubbed it a "sweet, calming bedtime read" that was "unlikely to win any literary awards" and also noted its appeal to adults rather than children. Writing for
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gave plaudits for the book's "soft rhymes and gentle watercolours", and praised its relatability to diverse families. Rosita Boland for
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a "series of imperatives disguised as loving verse", and criticized its grammar and "generic" storyline. Emily
Phillips from the
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praised
Robinson's watercolor depictions as "lovely" but labelled the Duchess's writing "extremely disjointed". Writing for
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273:"Meghan, Duchess of Sussex to publish children's book based on Prince Harry's relationship with their son Archie"
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467:"The Bench review: Meghan Markle's children's book is 'soothing, loving, although a little schmaltzy in places'"
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366:"Meghan Markle aims to 'nourish communities through reading' with free donations of her book 'The Bench'"
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569:"Meghan Markle's 'The Bench' tops New York Times bestsellers list in children's picture books category"
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442:"The Bench review: the Duchess of Sussex's semi-literate vanity project leaves Harry holding the baby"
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416:"'The Bench' review: Meghan Markle's children's book has finally been published – here's our review"
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171:. Meghan found inspiration for the book from the relationship that Harry has with their son,
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301:"How Meghan Markle honored Harry, Archie (and possibly Lilibet) in her new children's book"
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391:"The Bench by Meghan, Duchess of Sussex review — lacking a good story and basic rhythm"
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338:"Meghan Markle is publishing a children's book inspired by Prince Harry and Archie"
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to libraries, schools, and other nonprofit programs across the United States.
175:. Following its release, Meghan, alongside Archewell, donated 2,000 copies of
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The genesis for the book came from a poem that Meghan wrote for her husband,
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543:"Meghan Markle's Book'The Bench' Jumps to Third on Amazons Bestseller List"
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518:"The Tortured Rhyme and Reason of Meghan Markle's Picture Book Debut"
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136:. It was published on June 8, 2021, by
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811:Harry & Meghan: A Royal Romance
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819:Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal
364:Roberto, Melissa (June 10, 2021).
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336:Chelsea Ritschel (May 4, 2021).
1007:Children's books about families
971:(Almost) Straight Outta Compton
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138:Random House Children's Books
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681:Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex
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802:(TV series, 2017–2020;
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69:Children's literature
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859:Harry & Meghan
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805:play, 2021)
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153:watercolour
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894:Archetypes
851:The Prince
792:television
695:(daughter)
633:1981-08-04
255:References
159:Background
125:is a 2021
20:The Bench
919:The Bench
829:(2020–21)
774:Archewell
723:charities
683:(husband)
395:The Times
220:The Bench
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192:Reception
177:The Bench
142:audiobook
122:The Bench
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790:Film and
713:(mother)
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579:June 17,
573:Fox News
547:Newsweek
527:June 12,
501:June 10,
370:Fox News
202:praised
183:Synopsis
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476:June 8,
451:June 8,
425:10 June
400:June 8,
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349:May 4,
284:May 4,
167:, for
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904:Books
689:(son)
305:Today
98:Print
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