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Friday, 19 August 2022

Review: A Way with Words

Sam spoke no words.
Not once.
Not ever.

But even though Sam doesn’t speak out loud, she still has lots to say. 

She watches the world closely. She listens and thinks deeply. She stores her words in things around her and finds other ways to communicate — through music, art, dance and fabric.

People in her community think she’s strange, but Sam shows them that speaking with words isn't the only way to get your message across.

A Way with Words is a gorgeous picture book that explores being different, being quiet and being unique. The other kids don’t understand Sam at first, and neither do her teachers. But Sam doesn’t stop being who she is to please them.

I think this is the thing I like most about this story. Sam knows who she is. She knows what is right for her and she fights for it. Without words, she finds a way to reach out to the people around her and tell them — in her own way — what she can offer the world.

The language in this picture book is dreamy and whimsical (aka stunning!). Teamed with playful illustrations in gorgeous earthy tones, it weaves its way into your head and lingers there after you close the covers.

We aren’t all the same. We all do things differently. A Way with Words celebrates difference and diversity, and I love that about it.

Title: A Way with Words
Author: Stacy Burch
Illustrator: Lucy McLoughlin
Publisher: Ethicool, $22.00
Publication Date: 14 June 2022
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780648872375
For ages:  3 - 6
Type: Picture Book