My Beautiful Voice
What’s inside...
A moving, lyrical picture book about a shy child who discovers the power of their own voice through poetry with the help of an extraordinary teacher. Written by poet and playwright Joseph Coelho, this book features beautiful illustrations by Allison Colpoys. It follows the journey of a child who is too shy to speak but finds courage through writing a poem. Encouraged by an enchanting teacher, the child reads the poem aloud, showing everyone that her voice is powerful and beautiful. This heartwarming story encourages empathy and bravery in young readers and demonstrates that everyone's voice can be impactful, no matter how small.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What made the main character feel confident about her voice?
How do you think the teacher helped her students find their voices?
Can you think of a time when someone encouraged you, like the teacher in the story?
What would you do if you were nervous about showing your talent to others?
How do you feel when you share something special about yourself with others?
Tip: Role play these questions
Start by sharing a personal story where you had to use your voice in a challenging situation to help your child relate to the main character.
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about the book by asking them how they would feel in similar situations.
Praise your child for their insights during the discussion to boost their confidence in expressing their opinions.
Connect the story to real-life events by discussing any similar experiences they may have had in school or with friends.
Highlight the importance of supportive teachers and friends, and discuss how your child can be supportive of others in their lives.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Finding one's voice
Explanation: The story illustrates the journey of a shy child who, with the encouragement of a nurturing teacher, discovers the confidence to speak up and express herself.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to overcome their shyness and speak confidently in class discussions or social gatherings, helping them to share their thoughts and participate more actively.
Example Lesson: The importance of supportive relationships
Explanation: Through the character of the teacher who supports the protagonist, the book highlights how crucial encouragement and support are in fostering self-belief and growth in children.
Real-World Application: Kids can appreciate and seek guidance from mentors and educators in their lives, learning to trust and rely on others for emotional and educational support.
Example Lesson: The power of self-expression
Explanation: The protagonist uses her newly found voice to express herself creatively, demonstrating the empowering nature of self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to engage in activities that allow them to express themselves, such as writing, speaking, or arts, which can be vital for emotional development and personal identity formation.
Example Lesson: Courage to face fears
Explanation: As the child in the story overcomes her fear of speaking in front of others, she teaches the reader about the importance of facing and overcoming personal fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children understand the importance of confronting fears, whether it's trying new activities or making new friends, thereby building resilience and adaptability.