Tayra's Not Talking

By Lana Button and Amparo Ortiz

Book Overview

There's a new kid in the kindergarten class, but she won't say a word But ... does it really matter? This sweet story has a timely message: there are many ways to make -- and be -- a friend

The students in Miss Seabrooke's kindergarten class don't understand why the new student won't respond when they talk to her. Speaking LOUDER doesn't help. Tayra doesn't even answer the teacher Should they just leave her be? Maybe, Kitty decides, she can show Tayra things instead of telling her. Happily, it works Soon the pair find they can communicate with gestures, dancing, drawings and smiles. And when the others see how much fun they're having, they join in, too It seems words aren't the only way to connect and be friends

In this charming picture book, Lana Button uses playful, cadenced rhyming text to explore the art of making a friend. This story sensitively captures a kindergartener's fears and uncertainties, especially around being new and "different" and models compassion, acceptance and friendship as a reassuring way for others to respond. Christine Battuz's expressive illustrations clearly convey the friends' emotions as they process this new experience and try to decide what to do about it. This book is a perfect springboard for discussions about feelings, friendship, differences and belonging. It's a strong choice for character education lessons on kindness, empathy, inclusiveness and caring.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1525304844
• ISBN13: 9781525304842
• Release Date: June 2022
• Publisher: Kids Can Press
• Length: 32 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 9.2" x 9.1"
• Age Range: 4 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Preschool to Grade 3