My Beautiful Voice

The thought of a school poetry performance, but a little girl is so shy that she can’t speak in class. However, her teacher, Miss Flotsam, gently encourages her to find her voice and write her poem. Her confidence builds until she feels brave enough to share the poem with the class.

A beautifully up-lifting book, ‘My Beautiful Voice’ is so full of joy, showing the importance of patience and kindness in a teacher. Miss Flotsam ‘explodes’ into the classroom, full of energy and enthusiasm. She is full of stories and experiences that she shares with her class, inspiring them with ideas for their poems. Yet she also notices and has time for the quiet child, recognising what she needs, patiently guiding her and enabling her to achieve.

For those who are quieter, the story reflects the struggles involved in speaking in front of others, but also the joy of finally finding your voice and unlocking the beauty of your own voice. It’s always a source of the greatest delight when a shy child in your class takes that first step and presents to an audience.

The book itself is also a celebration of poetry. Joseph Coelho’s language is effortlessly beautiful as it describes the events and emotions flowing through the story. There are so many images which could be used to inspire a class to develop their own images and descriptions. His words are matched by Allison Colpoys’ fabulous illustrations which capture the vitality and zest for life of Miss Flotsam, the whole spread of emotions and the final triumph of the little girl perfectly.

‘My Beautiful Voice’ is a delightful read, sure to inspire empathy and understanding and develop the love of poetry.

My Beautiful Voice

Joseph Coelho, illustrated by Allison Colpoys

Frances Lincoln ISBN: 978-0711248311