Nowhere is the power of visual art over text more evident – for me, at least – than when it comes to selecting a picture book. I know that there are plenty of folks who pick picture books by genre, or “lessons” in the text, or the title, author, and so on. If I like the cover art, that’s it, I’m in! This was the case with Roz Maclean's picture book More than Words: So Many Ways to Say What We Mean. After reading it, I’m happy to report that it contains important messages about communication styles and access in addition to the stunning illustrations. But… it was the art that hooked me, and it will probably hook you (and your little ones) too!
Nathan doesn't say much.
He sure has a lot on his mind, though.
At school, Nathan quietly observes the ways his peers communicate. Even when they’re not talking, they’re expressing themselves in all sorts of ways!
By witnessing the beauty of communication diversity, Nathan learns and shows his classmates the essential lesson: Not only does everyone have something to say, but seeking to understand one another can be the greatest bridge to friendship and belonging.
This tender, stunningly illustrated picture book explores and celebrates the many forms of expression—signing, speaking, singing, smiling, among others—and culminates in a poignant story about connection and understanding.
Includes additional material at the end of the book with vocabulary, an introduction to various forms of communication, and information about communication access, perfect for back-to-school and classroom discussions.
Nathan is quiet at school – he thinks about digging under the trees growing outside and how many puddles there are in the schoolyard while his classmates verbalize their wants and needs. As the book progresses, we learn that talking is just one way to communicate our feelings and thoughts – other ways include facial expressions, writing, braille, typing, spelling, signing, singing and many more. All of Nathan’s classmates use different methods to share themselves, and learning to listen to those different ways is how Nathan and his classmates eventually make friends.
More Than Words does not follow a traditional picture book narrative; instead it shows various young ones communicating in different ways on each page, before concluding with Nathan’s method on the final pages. That isn’t to say it isn’t unified – it is in theme and ideas, in its art style, and Nathan shows up in the foreground or background on several pages, silently observing his classmates. But it does not have a plot, so to speak. On the final two pages, after the “story” has concluded, there is a two-page spread of text on the definition of communication, communication styles and assistive devices, and a list of ways to help everyone have communication access. While they will likely not feature in storytimes, these pages will help adult readers answer any questions young ones have, and possibly spark an interest in fighting for communication access.
Maclean’s illustrations are totally fabulous, and take the book from an informational text to something transcendent. With gouache, pencil crayon, acrylic ink, and digital tools, they illustrate a whole spectrum of communication methods in bright, appealing colors. In the outside scenes, it’s autumn, with yellow-leaved trees and falling leaves, and indoor scenes feature beautifully-drawn details of the classroom and other school spaces. The communication styles are typically shown in a rainbow of color and draw the eye, but upon rereads there are other things that are fun to track from page to page – birds, toys, and more. Nathan’s world is a full one, and Maclean’s art makes it exciting to explore.
In all, this is a picture book about listening to others, and in doing so, gaining empathy and building friendship. It is for all ages, but especially young ones who struggle to understand the different communication styles of their peers.
Recommended for: children just starting kindergarten or joining new groups, storytimes at libraries, schools, or daycares, and anyone who appreciates colorful and beautiful picture book art.
Fine print: I received a digital copy of the text from the publisher at Picture Book Palooza. I did not receive any compensation for this post.
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