Tayra's Not Talking (Kitty and Friends, 3)

There’s a new kid in the kindergarten class, but she won’t say a word! But … does it really matter? This sweet story has a timely message: there are many ways to make ― and be ― a friend!

The students in Miss Seabrooke’s kindergarten class don’t understand why the new student won’t respond when they talk to her. Speaking LOUDER doesn’t help. Tayra doesn’t even answer the teacher! Should they just leave her be? Maybe, Kitty decides, she can show Tayra things instead of telling her. Happily, it works! Soon the pair find they can communicate with gestures, dancing, drawings and smiles. And when the others see how much fun they’re having, they join in, too! It seems words aren’t the only way to connect and be friends!

In this charming picture book, Lana Button uses playful, cadenced rhyming text to explore the art of making a friend. This story sensitively captures a kindergartener’s fears and uncertainties, especially around being new and “different” and models compassion, acceptance and friendship as a reassuring way for others to respond. Christine Battuz’s expressive illustrations clearly convey the friends’ emotions as they process this new experience and try to decide what to do about it. This book is a perfect springboard for discussions about feelings, friendship, differences and belonging. It’s a strong choice for character education lessons on kindness, empathy, inclusiveness and caring.

Lana Button works in early childhood education. She is the author of Willow's Whispers, Willow Finds a Way, Willow's Smile and My Teacher's Not Here! Lana studied theater performance at Concordia University in Montreal, and now lives in Burlington, Ontario, with her husband and three daughters.
Christine Battuz has illustrated over sixty books for children, including Wade's Wiggly Antlers and What If Bunny's NOT a Bully?, and has taught art to children of all ages. She lives in Bromont, Quebec.