Owen McPhee doesn’t just like to talk, he LOVES to talk. He spends every waking minute chattering away at his teachers, his classmates, his parents, his dog, and even himself. But all that talking can get in the way of listening. And when Owen wakes up with a bad case of laryngitis, it gives him a much-needed opportunity to hear what others have to say. From the author-illustrator team behind The Invisible Boy comes a bright and lively picture book that captures the social dynamics of a busy classroom while delivering a gentle message about the importance of listening.
Gorgeously illustrated, this is a wonderful little story about a little boy who talks too much and learns the consequences the hard way. It's not until he gets some first-hand understanding of what can happen when he listens and gives other people a chance to talk, though, that he realizes that there must be a balance. The mix of actual story and speech bubbles is a fun combination!
I can see this book being useful for a specific situation with certain kids, or even in a classroom setting where a teacher can emphasize the importance of everyone being heard. The illustrations are lovely, and combination of printed text and illustrated speech bubbles is different and fun. However, without a child who I felt really needed this lesson, I don't see myself enjoying reading it.
Patrice Barton earned a BFA in studio art from the University of Texas–Austin and illustrates books for children.
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