Davina Bell (text) and Hilary Jean Tapper (illustrator), What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say, Hachette Australia, June 2022, 32 pp., RRP $24.99 (hbk), ISBN 9780734421142
I’m sorry. I love you.
Everyone is different and that’s okay.
I like you just how you are.
A picture book touching on the moments children might struggle to find the right words, What to Say When You Don’t Know What to Say is a warm and wonderful guide to finding the words even when we are not brave. The phrases will resonate with readers big and small, and show all how to navigate the world with empathy, kindness and heart.
Davina Bell and Hilary Jean Tapper have together created a thoughtfully illustrated handbook dealing with some of life’s most challenging moments. The carefully selected phrases by Davina conveying acceptance, forgiveness and compassion echo alongside Hilary’s illustrations that are moving and evoke a sense of timelessness with the use of watercolour, ink and pencil.
Young readers are encouraged to understand their feelings and show empathy and kindness. For teachers and educators there is a set of notes that cover key curriculum areas such as Humanities and Social Sciences, English Language and Visual Literacy, and Creative Arts.
There is a little bit of magic in this book, leading us on a path to being better humans. A must for the shelf – library, school or home.
Highly recommended.
Reviewed by Shelley Stephens
