I Have a Voice!
by Joni Klein-Higger
and Flora Zaken-Greenberg, Ph.D.
illustrated by Eileen
Goldenberg
“I Have a Voice!”
by Joni Klein-Higger and Flora Zaken-Greenberg, Ph.D, illustrated by Eileen
Goldenberg, is an important book for children and families of children with
“selective mutism,” an anxiety disorder that affects children’s ability to
speak. In this picture book, Jamie is anxious about speaking to strangers and
worried about starting kindergarten.
Jamie’s mother takes Jamie to work with Dr. Faye, a
“feelings” doctor. Dr. Faye helps Jamie learn ways to communicate with signs,
gestures, a feelings poster, puppets, singing, and talking to Sophie, her doll.
Dr. Faye also gives Jamie a pink string to remind her that Jamie has a
beautiful voice and can speak. When Jamie starts kindergarten, she makes a new
friend, Emma, to share being kindergarteners together!
Eileen Goldenberg’s illustrations are sweet, colorful, and
add to the careful unfolding of Jamie’s story. I especially like that Ms.
Goldenberg adds diversity in depicting the children in the story. Her
characters’ facial expressions and the thoroughness in the artwork perfectly
complement Ms. Klein-Higger and Dr. Zaken-Greenberg’s story.
This picture book is highly recommended for parents,
teachers, school libraries, doctor and therapist’s offices to help families who
are struggling with selective mutism and other anxiety disorders. There are
questions with answers as a resource to help families at the back of the book.
Reviewed
by:
Penelope
Anne Cole
Multi-Award
Winning Author of Magical Matthew, Magical Mea,
Magical Mea Goes to School, Magical Max and Magical Mickey, and
Magical Mea Goes to School, Magical Max and Magical Mickey, and
Magical Max and Magical Mickey’s
Big Surprise
In and Out, All ‘Round About –
Opposite Friends
What’s for Dinner? and ¿Qué vamos a comer?:
For
Halloween: Ten Little Tricksters and Diez pequeños bromistas
New: My
Grandma and Me Coloring Book
Web: http://www.penelopeannecole.com/
Web: http://www.penelopeannecole.com/
Tags:
I have a voice, Joni Klein-Higger, Flora Zaken-Greenberg, Ph.D., Jamie, Emma, selective mutism, anxiety disorders, help, resources, therapy, talking
Good review, Penny. Important book, Joni.
ReplyDeleteThanks Judy. These type of books are very helpful to families with children suffering from selective mutism. Wishing authors Joni & Flora and artist Eileen much success.
DeleteA very important book and an excellent review. Thanks, Penny for sharing. Good Luck to the author and illustrator!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Barbara. Appreciate your support as always!
DeleteGreat review, Penny! It is a great book. I enjoyed it immensely as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Karin. It's a book that can help a lot of kids and families, too.
DeleteI read it months ago and think the book will help lots of kids with that condition since it will let others understand them better.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet, Yes, so many conditions we don't know about. This is one that I had heard about, but knew very little about. I'm glad the authors have gotten the word out. Best wishes to Joni, Flora, and Eileen.
Delete