Price: $18.99 - $13.84
(as of Apr 09, 2025 14:14:19 UTC – Details)
Winner of the Schneider Family Book Award
Boston Globe-Horn Book Award Winner
What if words got stuck in the back of your mouth whenever you tried to speak? What if they never came out the way you wanted them to?
Sometimes it takes a change of perspective to get the words flowing.
A New York Times Best Children’s Book of the Year
I wake up each morning with the sounds of words all around me.
And I can’t say them all . . .
When a boy who stutters feels isolated, alone, and incapable of communicating in the way he’d like, it takes a kindly father and a walk by the river to help him find his voice. Compassionate parents everywhere will instantly recognize a father’s ability to reconnect a child with the world around him.
Poet Jordan Scott writes movingly in this powerful and ultimately uplifting book, based on his own experience, and masterfully illustrated by Sydney Smith, winner of the Hans Christian Andersen Award, the highest international distinction given to author and illustrators of children’s books. A book for any child who feels lost, lonely, or unable to fit in.
Finalist for the BC and Yukon Christie Harris Illustrated Children’s Literature Prize
A Charlotte Zolotow Honor Book
An American Library Association Notable Children’s Book
ILA Primary Fiction Honoree
Named a Best Book of the Year by The Wall Street Journal, People Magazine, NPR, Kirkus Reviews, Shelf Awareness, Bookpage, School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Publishers Lunch, and more!
A Horn Book Fanfare Best Book of the Year
A Junior Library Guild Gold Standard Selection
A Bank Street Best Childrens Book of the Year!
A Chicago Public Library Best Book of the Year
A CBC Best Picture Book of the Year
A Kids’ Book Choice Award Finalist
From the Publisher
“This is unquestionably one of the best picture books of 2020.”
—Book Page, Starred Review
“An astounding articulation
of both what it feels like to be different and how to make peace with it.”
—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
This beautiful, deeply personal story by poet Jordan Scott is luminously illustrated by Greenway Medalist Sydney Smith. With its strong message of affection and acceptance, and beautiful packaging including an extra-wide double gatefold spread, I Talk Like a River is a perfect gift for loved ones near and far.
“This wrenching and beautiful book
will give succor to children who stutter and expand the hearts of those lucky enough to take fluency for granted.”
—The Wall Street Journal
“Lyrical and empowering. . .
An important and unforgettable offering presented with natural beauty and grace.”
—The Horn Book, Starred Review
Publisher : Neal Porter Books; Illustrated edition (September 1, 2020)
Language : English
Hardcover : 40 pages
ISBN-10 : 0823445593
ISBN-13 : 978-0823445592
Reading age : 4 – 8 years
Lexile measure : 480L
Grade level : Preschool – 3
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 9.3 x 0.4 x 10.27 inches
Customers say
Customers find the book beautifully illustrated and appreciate its language, with one review noting it can be interpreted for any child. The message receives positive feedback, with one customer describing it as empowering. The speech quality receives mixed reactions, with several customers finding it unsuitable for children with speech delays.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
