Michele Graham, Millie Finds her Voice, Gosh Design, December 2023, 32 pp., RRP $22.99 (pbk) ISBN 9780645925302
Millie loves to talk. She talks when she walks, runs, and plays. One day when she stops talking, the people who care about her notice and embark on a sensitive journey to help Millie overcome her fears and trauma.
It’s no easy feat to tackle childhood trauma in a children’s picture book, but Michele Graham handles Millie’s story with gentle words in a thoughtful narrative. Most of all she highlights the importance of listening, especially by the unsung heroes that help children overcome abuse. Not often is the teacher, police officer or the judge highlighted, yet they can be critical voices in resolving childhood trauma and abuse stories. The role of grandparents is also instrumental, extending Millie’s support world and helping her find her voice again.
Michele combines emotive illustrations and paints a not so comfortable picture of when children are exposed to abuse, but also what to look out for when children isolate and demonstrate changes in personality.
Millie finds her voice offers a gentle approach with young children in opening discussions about abuse. Most importantly it provides caregivers with a path to listen, believe, and act when they suspect child abuse.
Michele Graham is a communications professional, showing her love and respect of language by navigating a challenging subject.
This is a powerful debut about creating safe spaces for children to overcome their silence. Available for purchase from the publisher’s website.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
