One Little Word

About this book

In the school playground, a big and hairy blob-like creature appears out of nowhere. The creature is called The Argument. It separates two best friends from each other and spoils all the other children’s fun, making everyone rather angry.

The more the two best friends yell or pull faces at each other and treat one another as enemies, the bigger The Argument grows. Until eventually, The Argument becomes so enormous it squashes up against the playground children as the two friends shout at each other from the top.

There’s only one little word that can shrink The Argument and restore peace and fun to the playground. Can the two friends realise this and which of them will say it first?

This is a poignant picture book about the power of friendship and knowing when to say sorry. The gentle, lyrical text from Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho handles the familiar heightened emotions of playground-fall outs in a way that feels sincere and authentic.

The text is complemented by brilliantly expressive illustrations. We love the vibrant colour palette and the attention to detail in the characters’ expressions which change gradually as their feelings of anger develop into forgiveness and concern for one another.

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