For grown-ups

Explore Beny's neighborhood with your child. Meet the friends, ask a question and try an idea together.

How to explore togetherFor educators
Tilly the turtle in a striped tee and denim vest, holding a drawn note and waving hello.

What this is

A world of 14 animal friends, each practicing one simple tool for everyday life: being kind to yourself, noticing what's happening, trying something brave, making room for others, and taking a next step.

The friends are learning as they go. Each adventure gives them something new to discover and practice together.

What it isn't

It's not therapy or a formal curriculum. It's a friendly, playful way into a conversation. There's more in the questions at the bottom of this page.

How to explore together

Five minutes is plenty. Real life is busy.

  1. Pick a friend

    Let your kid choose whoever they like the look of, or pick the friend whose moment matches your day.

  2. Give their idea a go

    Each friend has one small idea to try and one question to wonder about together.

  3. Make it their own

    Talk, draw, move or listen. Your child can choose how they'd like to take part, including simply enjoying the characters.

Meet the friendsFind a tool for the moment

A few words to borrow

Short, friendly phrases for everyday moments.

  • After a missed tryWant a minute before another go?
  • When a worry shows upWhat do we know? What could we find out?
  • When something feels bigI'm right here. Want to take a little pause with me?
  • When a friend needs spaceLet's ask whether they'd like company or space.
  • When friends like different thingsYou can like different things and still be great friends.
  • When a plan feels too bigWhich little piece shall we start with?

Conversation starters

One question from each friend. Good for car rides, bedtime, or the walk home.

  • What would you like to try next?Ask with Beny
  • What kind thing could you say to yourself today?Ask with Cappy
  • What do you know for sure?Ask with Willow
  • What is your body asking for?Ask with Ollie
  • What's one little thing you'd like to try?Ask with Pippa
  • What would you like to join?Ask with Tilly
  • Would your friend like company or space?Ask with Hazel
  • What makes you, you?Ask with Zuri
  • What is one small step you can take today?Ask with Sully
  • What can you notice right here?Ask with Ellie
  • What could help you pause and choose?Ask with Finn
  • What's your next play?Ask with DJ Next Play
  • What's something you like about being you?Ask with Peri
  • What's the first piece of your plan?Ask with Kiki

For educators and group leaders

Give your group a shared language, one friend at a time.

  • Introduce one friend and connect their tool to a familiar group moment, like waiting turns or a game that didn't go well.
  • Offer different ways to take part: talking, drawing, moving, or listening.
  • Never require children to share private experiences in front of others.
  • Come back to the same friend later. Tools are for practicing, not for passing once.
Get in touch
Kiki the kangaroo in her maker vest and goggles, holding a checklist clipboard.

Where the tools come from

Every tool started on Making Space for Love, a podcast about relationships, vulnerability and emotional health. Bounce Back Beny translates those same ideas for kids.

Listen to the podcast

Questions grown-ups ask

What is Bounce Back Beny & Friends?

A world of 14 animal friends who are learning the tools for everyday life together. Each friend practices one tool, like being kind to yourself, checking the story in your head, or giving a friend room. Beny practices all of them.

Is this therapy or a curriculum?

No. These friends are a warm way to start a conversation and something small to practice together. If a child is struggling a lot or for a long time, please reach out to your pediatrician, school counselor or a licensed mental health professional.

Where do the tools come from?

They come from Making Space for Love, a podcast about relationships, vulnerability and emotional health. Bounce Back Beny translates the same ideas grown-ups talk about on the show into stories and words for kids.

Is there a show or a shop?

Not yet. Stories, an animated series and friends you can take home are all in development. For now, this site is the best place to meet Beny and his friends.

Can I use the friends in my classroom or group?

Yes, you're welcome to introduce the friends and their questions in conversation. If you'd like to use the artwork or materials in a more formal way, send us a note through the contact page.

How can my child join in?

They can talk, draw, move, listen or simply enjoy meeting the friends. Let them choose.