Between Words

Written and illustrated by Saki Tanaka

A boy's lost stone leads to a friendship beyond words.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 118 ratings

40 pages· 293 words· Est. 3 min read-aloud

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Kai, a young traveler, struggles to connect with local children in a new valley where language divides them. Frustrated, he loses his cherished stone in a pool, sparking an unexpected journey. As he searches, Kai discovers a treasure more precious than words—a friendship that transcends language. Will this newfound bond help him find his place in a world where he feels like an outsider? Dive into a heartwarming tale of connection and belonging, where actions speak louder than words and friendships bloom in the most surprising ways.

From the publisher

You don’t always need words to make a friendship bloom. A touching ode to connection and belonging by debut picture book author-illustrator, Saki Tanaka.Kai is used to following the seasons with Pa, from place to new place where people speak languages unfamiliar to his ears. When they finally settle in a valley full of pools, Kai tries to invite the other children to join in his play, but the strangeness of his words drives them away. Frustrated, he kicks his most treasured stone into one of the pools and in his search for it, finds something even more valuable.Dive into a whimsical tale of unexpected friendship, told with compassion and warmth. With every brushstroke, Saki Tanaka paints a radiant world where bonds are formed beyond language barriers.

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