Say What? How We Communicate by Radka Piro, illustrated by Charlotte Molas

Say What? How We Communicate by Radka Piro, illustrated by Charlotte Molas. Albatros Media, 2024. 9788000070919

Rating: 1-5 (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4

Format: Hardcover

What did you like about the book? Say What? How We Communicate is a book about the myriad ways people communicate. This book addresses an inclusive array of communication methods in a fun and accessible style for young readers. Every type of communication is mentioned, for example:  non-verbal, electronic, assistive technology, touch, sight, and writing. There are tips on how to be safe when communicating online, and using body language and facial expressions to convey meaning. This book also includes a whimsically illustrated timeline of mass communication that is effective for teaching its history. Related to this, Say What? also delves into the mechanics of the Internet, the telephone, and television. 

The illustrations are bright and vivid. There are many colors throughout the comical and entertaining illustrations. The headings are bold and clear and the use of speech bubbles and labels makes this non-fiction book visually appealing. 

Anything you didn’t like about it? I liked everything about this book. 

To whom would you recommend this book? Library Media Specialists teaching communication methods to students as well as to elementary students. 

Who should buy this book? Elementary schools and public libraries

Where would you shelve it? 302.2

Should we (librarians/readers) put this on the top of our “to read” piles? Considering the Massachusetts DLCS standards for elementary schools, yes. 

Reviewer’s Name, Library (or school), City and State: Nutan Mathew, Neary Elementary, Southborough, MA

Date of review: May 4, 2024