Word Trouble

Word Trouble is a lovely picture book which tells the story of a family newly arrived in England. Ronnie, their little boy, starts Nursery and is sad to find that although the other children want to include him, he doesn't understand anything they say. Things get better, though, when Ronnie makes a new friend who also speaks another language. Together, they listen and watch and play until gradually, one day, the language comes tumbling out and Ronnie realises he is well and truly at the heart of the Nursery.

The illustrations are clear, pencil-crayoned pictures which immediately bring to life a busy, happy Nursery and a small, cosy home. The language is simple and clear, presented in an unfussy, easy to read font.

This would be the perfect book to share with a new arrival or as a class or assembly story, to start a discussion about how we welcome and act for people who might not look or sound like everyone else. Whilst it could be a story about isolation and rejection, it is instead a story about bravery, kindness and acceptance.

One for the classroom bookshelf or a school library that will be used on a regular basis. The only thing I missed from the pages was some representation of Ronnie's family language, but I suppose this would have lessened its universal message.

Picture book / Reviewed by Wendy Kelly, teacher

Suggested Reading Age 5+