Lost for Words
Natalie Russell
Book summary
A gentle story about finding a way to express yourself when one approach feels difficult. Tapir’s discovery is drawing rather than writing, alongside his friends’ poems, story and song.
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Natalie Russell
A gentle story about finding a way to express yourself when one approach feels difficult. Tapir’s discovery is drawing rather than writing, alongside his friends’ poems, story and song.
Chris Wooding
This is a dark story centred on a young person’s growing fixation on fire and the strain in his friendships. Its account signals destructive consequences, but does not explain their nature.
Diana Wynne Jones
A fantasy about two orphaned siblings entering a grand castle, where Gwendolen’s magical ability and frustration lead towards a scheme with potentially far-reaching consequences.
Bill Slavin
This is a fairground story about a disappointing mishap, an angry reaction and a dare. Morgan’s choice about the rollercoaster gives the story a focus on facing a challenge.
Sandra Richmond
This is a hockey team story about a player’s frustration, peer pressure and a shift towards more honest communication. The overview suggests that Steven’s place on the B team becomes less troubling to him.
Michele Martin Bossley
This appears to combine sport and competition with a mystery or problem involving sabotage.
Keith Negley
This is a concise, visually bold introduction to the idea that people associated with toughness can feel and show emotion. Its repeated examples make it well suited to shared reading and noticing feelings.
Robin Jacobs
A playful search story built around surprise: Louis’s failed-looking tricks become an entertaining show. Its visual humour, colourful illustrations and diverse audience create a warm, upbeat reading experience, with a final reveal involving the rabbit.
Rose Robbins
A school-based story about a child whose concentration difficulties and wish to be loud create trouble, followed by a teacher’s more responsive approach and an opportunity for musical self-expression.
Anna Milbourne
This is an upbeat exploration of what a child might do when entertainment stops. It offers a sequence of imaginative transformations, moving from frustration towards self-directed play and inventive possibilities.
This is a gentle beach adventure about a character whose plans repeatedly go wrong, then improve through friendship and a calming activity. Its central interest is recognising strong feelings and responding with compassion.
Michael Rosen
Expect comic poetry about growing up, using exaggerated everyday situations such as sibling conflict, an unwanted shirt and a spider. The collection appears suited to reading aloud and sharing reactions.
Polly Dunbar
A lively, surreal story about a child’s mounting frustration when a silent penguin will not respond. Comic illustrations, escalating attempts and a sudden lion encounter lead towards communication and friendship.
Jonathan Meres
This is comic fiction about Norm’s difficult day-to-day world: blame, family embarrassments, moving house, bodily jokes and a friend’s apparent changes.
Natalia Shaloshvili
Choose this for a conversation about saying no kindly, rather than simply teaching a child to share more.