More than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean

by Roz MacLean, Roz MacLean (Illustrator)

Overview

A CBC Kids Reads Competition Finalist

In the tradition of All Are Welcome and The Day You Begin comes a touching picture book about the many unique ways we communicate, and how we can better listen to and respect these different modes of expression.

Nathan doesn't say much.
He sure has a lot on his mind, though.

At school, Nathan quietly observes the ways his peers communicate. Even when they’re not talking, they’re expressing themselves in all sorts of ways!

By witnessing the beauty of communication diversity, Nathan learns and shows his classmates the essential lesson: Not only does everyone have something to say, but seeking to understand one another can be the greatest bridge to friendship and belonging.

This tender, stunningly illustrated picture book explores and celebrates the many forms of expression—signing, speaking, singing, smiling, among others—and culminates in a poignant story about connection and understanding.

Includes additional material at the end of the book with vocabulary, an introduction to various forms of communication, and information about communication access, perfect for back-to-school and classroom discussions.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781250864505
Publisher:	Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
Publication date:	09/05/2023
Pages:	48
Sales rank:	62,366
Product dimensions:	8.90(w) x 11.25(h) x 0.40(d)
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Roz MacLean is an award-winning Canadian illustrator and children’s writer. She especially loves making art about themes that are important to her, like exploring emotions and diverse ways of being in the world. She is passionate about education, inclusion, and the arts.
rozmaclean.com

Editorial Reviews

"MacLean’s gouache, pencil crayon, acrylic ink, and digital illustrations depict a class diverse in skin tone, ethnicity, religion, and ability. We see children who use wheelchairs, a child with a hearing impairment, a service dog, and a student who uses oxygen tubing . . . A warmly inclusive look at the many ways we communicate with one another." —Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"With affirming and informative language, this book has a place in every collection supporting and celebrating the many methods of communication children and adults are using today. Highly recommended." —School Library Journal

"[H]eartwarming and insightful . . . More Than Words has the potential to spark meaningful conversations among parents, teachers, and caregivers, helping children develop a broader perspective on communication. It has the potential to inspire meaningful discussions about acceptance, understanding, and the beauty of expressing oneself in various ways." —Waterloo Region Record

From the Publisher

08/01/2023

K-Gr 3—Celebrating communication in its many forms, this charmingly illustrated title will find a useful place in all collections informing children about myriad ways humans "talk" to one another. Readers meet Nathan, a dark-skinned boy who doesn't say much but who is thinking about a great deal. Then the text names many other children and the ways they express themselves. Braille, sign language, tablets, singing, pointing, building, movement, and more are named and shown in bright spreads. The affirming illustrations feature a diverse cast of children connecting with one another in ways that work best for each child. The illustrations capture energy, inclusion, and joy as children express themselves and are listened to and understood by others. Detailed back matter expands on the text and could be especially useful when introducing the concept of communication. The "Ways to Help Everyone Have Communication Access" could be a great conversation starter for a classroom developing strategies to embrace a wide range of learners. VERDICT With affirming and informative language, this book has a place in every collection supporting and celebrating the many methods of communication children and adults are using today. Highly recommended.—John Scott

School Library Journal

★ 2023-07-26
You don’t always need to use words to make yourself heard.

Nathan, a brown-skinned boy, doesn’t say much, but he is thinking a lot. The text then examines ways that people say things without talking: making facial expressions; writing with a pencil, brailler, or tablet; using an alphabet board; signing; using text- or symbol-to-speech technology; singing and making sounds; moving, playing, and building; and painting or drawing. Each spread shows children using these methods to communicate. Ending pages circle back to Nathan and the interconnected channels and pools he has dug in the schoolyard for the little boats he has crafted out of walnuts and leaves. Even without a single word exchanged, the other children find a way to listen to him and reach out a hand in friendship. MacLean’s gouache, pencil crayon, acrylic ink, and digital illustrations depict a class diverse in skin tone, ethnicity, religion, and ability. We see children who use wheelchairs, a child with a hearing impairment, a service dog, and a student who uses oxygen tubing. The backmatter distinguishes between expressive and receptive communication, emphasizes that “Even if someone doesn’t express themselves in the same way as you, it doesn’t mean they don’t understand you,” and lists ways to ensure everyone has communication access. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A warmly inclusive look at the many ways we communicate with one another. (Informational picture book. 4-10)

Kirkus Reviews