Thought-provoking . . . An accessible addition to libraries that may function as a springboard for a discussion on positive communication and the importance of listening."—School LIbrary Journal

"Like Ludwig and Barton’s previous picture book, The Invisible Boy (2013), which concerns a quiet child, this book has a purpose. It deals with a recognizable problem, offers some points to discuss, and delivers its message lightly." —Booklist

"Sympathetic and most of all, hopeful."—Publishers Weekly

"The ending reflects real life in that Owen still has bouts of talkativeness, though now he does also listen for others' input. . . . Similarly talkative youngsters struggling with social interactions may want to schedule their own laryngitis days." —Kirkus Reviews

 “This delightful story shows the beauty and benefits of tuning in and listening to others in compassionate, caring ways—something we definitely need more of in our chatter-filled world!” —Dr. Michele Borba, bestselling author of UnSelfie: Why Empathetic Kids Succeed in Our All-About-Me World

A Junior Library Guild Selection

TRUDY LUDWIG is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children's books that help kids cope with and thrive in their social world, including The Invisible Boy, My Secret Bully and The Power of One. She has received rave reviews from educators, experts, organizations, and parents at schools and conferences around the US for her passion and compassion in addressing peer aggression and friendship issues. An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association, Trudy also collaborates with organizations like the Committee for Children and ConnectSafely.org, and has served as content adviser for Sesame Street Workshop. Trudy's books have won the Mom's Choice Gold Award, the IBPA Benjamin Franklin Gold Award, and the NAPPA Gold Award, and have also been recognized as NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People.

Visit her at trudyludwig.com

Follow her on Twitter at @TrudyLudwig

PATRICE BARTON earned a BFA in studio art from the University of Texas in Austin, where she lives with her husband and son. Her books include The invisible Boy and Quiet Please, Owen McPhee by Trudy Ludwig, as well as I Pledge Allegiance by Pat Mora and Libby Martinez and Remarkably You by Pat Zietlow Miller. Her work has been honored by the Society of Illustrators and the International Literacy Association (ILA) among others.


Visit her at Patrice Barton.com

Follow her on Instagram at @PatriceBarton