My Beautiful Voice
by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
Interest age: 4 to 8
Published by Frances Lincoln, 2021
About this book
When a child who never speaks gets a new teacher, Miss Flotsam, she is blown away by her colourful personality, her vivacious stories and her enthusiasm for poetry. Gently, Miss Flotsam encourages the silent girl to write her own poem as part of a school poetry project which will lead to a performance – but will the little girl muster the courage to read her poem aloud?
Allison Colpoys’ stunning illustrations explode in a riot of colour, perfectly depicting the kind and expansive Miss Flotsam described by Coelho: the kind of teacher everyone would love to have. This visual treat of a book is filled with Coelho’s love for words and the magic of stories and rhyme, all of which have the power to transport us to other places – and the power to give us confidence, if we believe in our own voice.
It's never clear whether the little girl is just very shy or perhaps has selective mutism, but it’s clear that she hasn’t said much for quite a while, and her confidence in speaking is very low. Either way, this is a gentle story that pays homage to the people that sometimes come into our lives to guide us through difficult times, and the power of a fantastic teacher.
About the author
More books like this
-
Under the Love Umbrella
by Davina Bell, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
4 to 9 years
-
Luna Loves Gardening
by Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers
4 to 9 years
-
All the Ways to be Smart
by Davina Bell, illustrated by Allison Colpoys
4 to 9 years
-
Aaron Slater, Illustrator
by Andrea Beaty, illustrated by David Roberts
4 to 9 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
5 picture books that celebrate communication differences
Our Writer in Residence, Lucy Rowland, shares her favourite books with characters who communicate differently.
-
Books about people who help us, for age 0-5
Discovering people in our community who help us (and their exciting vehicles!) is a key part of children's early years. As their worlds broaden to people and things outside the home, so they learn how some people have jobs that keep us safe and well. These are some of our favourite books to engage and excite young children on this topic.