Wake up each morning with the sounds of words all around you, but find that you cannot say them all. When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating the way he would like, a quiet walk by the river changes his perspective. He cannot stop thinking about all the eyes watching his lips twist and twirl when he tries to speak. But when his father points to the river bubbling, churning, whirling, and crashing, the boy finds a new way to think about his voice. Even the river stutters. This powerful and uplifting story explores what it is like to feel lost or unable to fit in, showing how a change of scenery and a supportive parent can help you find your voice.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
46 Pages
A young boy spends his mornings with his beloved Baba, his grandmother. She does not speak much English, but they connect deeply through shared gestures, gardening, eating, and walking to school together. Marked by memories of wartime scarcity, Baba cherishes food, and she teaches the boy to do the same as they search for worms to keep her garden healthy. Eventually, Baba needs to move in with the boy and his parents. Now, he has the special chance to care for her just as she has always cared for him. This deeply personal story evokes universal emotions about the bond between a child and a grandparent. It is a beautiful exploration of how we communicate love without needing many words, rooted deeply in daily rituals and quiet moments.
6-8 Years
9-12 Years
43 Pages
