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A heartwarming story that inspires children to value friendships over screen time.

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Buy now!
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Sam wins first prize.
But it wins all his attention.

A heartwarming, rhyming story of friendship, empathy, and the biggest distraction of our time.

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Buy now!

“This gorgeous book is the perfect way into a conversation about phone time versus real play time.”

Amy Hanham, Primary school teacher

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“This gorgeous book is the perfect way into a conversation about phone time versus real play time.”

Amy Hanham, Primary school teacher

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“This gorgeous book is the perfect way into a conversation about phone time versus real play time.”

Amy Hanham, Primary school teacher

“This gorgeous book is the perfect way into a conversation about phone time versus real play time.”

Amy Hanham, year 2 teacher

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Kids naturally crave attention, affection and play. But not only are they growing up learning what it feels like to come second to a smart phone, they’re growing into a world where screen time seems to matter more than spending time with anyone else.

So we created this story that supports the social skills children are still learning - being present, sharing moments and showing care.

 

It's a heartwarming gentle nudge that helps little ones understand that the best prize is not the smartphone, but people. (And in this case, the best prize just happens to be a very patient and forgiving real-life bear!).

The Story

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It all began at a coconut shy, where I had my sights on the first prize — the latest, super, solar-powered smartphone.

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But I won second prize — the bear. So I carried on playing until I won the phone... which is all I played with...

I have a special story I'd like to share, about how I became best friends with a real-life bear...

...something happened that made me question...

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Until...

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...what the best prize was after all!

The Story

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But I won second prize — the bear. So I carried on playing until I won the phone... which is all I played with...

It all began at a coconut shy, where I had my sights on the first prize — the latest, super, solar-powered smartphone.

Phone in window.png
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SP1_Sam_Frisbee.png

I have a special story I'd like to share, about how I became best friends with a real-life bear...

Bedroom - Sonny under bed_In bubble.png

...something happened that made me question what the best prize was after all!

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Until...

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Grab your signed copy to find out!

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Reserve your copy!

We print in small batches, so if you’d like to reserve a copy, please add your email below

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“I loved it!

Firstly I love a rhyming story. I thought it was a great concept and idea, especially with children so young getting addicted to technology. And lastly, the colour palette for the illustration was right up my street. Really beautifully put together. Will there be a sequel to Sunny and Sam?”

Rachel Gibb, Parent

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Creative duo, dads (and you've probably guessed) brothers. We are on a mission
to create entertainingly impactful stories
for little kids (and the big ones!).

We'd also like to mention that no A.I bots
are used in the writing, illustrating
and editing of our stories.

Sorry bots - no offence.

Hello, we're the Barber Brothers

Multi-award-winning creative duo, dads (and you've probably guessed) brothers. We are on a mission to create entertainingly impactful stories for little kids (and the big ones!).

 

We'd also like to mention that no A.I. bots are used in the writing, illustrating and editing of our stories.

 

Sorry bots - no offence.

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Hello. We're the Barber Brothers

Multi-award-winning creative duo, dads (and you've probably guessed) brothers. We are on a mission to create entertainingly impactful stories for little kids (and the big ones!).

boo hoo.jpg
TBB_AI Robot.png

We'd also like to mention that no A.I. bots are used in the writing, illustrating and editing of our stories.

 

Sorry bots - no offence.

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Stay in the loop, or drop us a line

We’ll only use your details to respond to your enquiry. See our Privacy Policy.

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Thank you for visiting

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©Copyright 2026 Barber Brothers.​  

 

Barber Brothers is a trading name of Designers Anonymous Limited (UK). Payments are processed by Designers Anonymous.

Shipping

 

We ship physical books from the UK. UK orders are typically dispatched within 3–4 working days.International orders are typically dispatched between 5–7 working days. Delivery times may vary depending on destination and local postal services. You will receive an order confirmation once the order has been complete. 

Returns

If your order arrives damaged or incorrect, please contact us using the form on this site within 14 days of delivery. Where a return is approved, we will arrange a replacement or refund. Because this is a physical book, we cannot accept returns for change of mind once an order has been dispatched. 

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