Quiet Please, Owen McPhee!
Trudy Ludwig, Author
Patrice Barton, Illustrator
Alfred A. Knopf, Fiction, Jul. 3, 2018
Suitable for Ages: 5-8
Themes: Talking too much, Being a good listener, Social skills
Opening: Owen McPhee doesn’t just like to talk. He loves to talk, morning, noon, and night.
Synopsis:
Owen spends every waking minute chattering away at his teachers, his classmates, his parents, his dog, and even himself. But all that chatter can get in the way of listening to important instructions from the teacher during a science experiment. Not only does he mess up his own project, he messes up another group’s project. His chatter spoils story time. Even his classmate are annoyed and yell “quiet” when they’ve had enough and exclude him from playtime.
When Owen wakes up with a bad case of laryngitis, he resorts to writing down the things he wants to tell his classmates. When he can’t write fast enough, it gives him a perfect opportunity to observe and listen to what others have to say. He may just learn something or have something to offer in a different way.
From the author-illustrator team behind The Invisible Boy comes a bright and lively picture book that captures the social dynamics of a busy classroom while delivering a gentle message about the power and importance of listening…not only with your ears but with your heart.
Why I like this book:
Trudy Ludwig’s newest treasure, “Quiet Please, Owen McPhee!” is the perfect resource for home and classrooms. Many children — and adults — talk to much. And their nonstop chatter may cause problems, that include loneliness because everyone wants to avoid a chatterbox. But, Ludwig tackles this subject with humor and wisdom as she lets a spirited Owen find his own way of learning to listen to others. Owen doesn’t change overnight, but he realistically works hard to control his chatter. This story also reminds readers that it’s important to put others first. There is so much heart in Owen’s journey.
Ludwig once again teams up with illustrator Patrice Barton, whose colorful pastels are lively and dramatic. Barton brilliantly captures the dynamics between Owen and his classmates through page after page of priceless expressions! Children will also enjoy the great use of speech bubbles, which show how chatty Owen is. Check out the book endpapers.
Resources: The author has prepared Questions for Discussion that teachers can use in the classroom to personalize Owen’s story. Parents will also find the discussion questions useful.
TRUDY LUDWIG is a nationally acclaimed speaker and an award-winning author who specializes in writing children’s books that help kids cope with and thrive in their social world, including My Secret Bully, Confessions of a Former Bully, and The Invisible Boy. An active member of the International Bullying Prevention Association and a contributor to Sesame Workshop, Trudy has received the Mom’s Choice Gold Award, the IBPA Gold Benjamin Franklin Award, and the NAPPA Gold Medal, and also been recognized as NCSS-CBC Notable Social Studies Books for Young People. Visit her at Trudy Ludwig on her website. Follow her on Twitter at @TrudyLudwig.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s website.
*Review copy provided by the author.
Ohh, I have several grandsons (both just 6) who can relate to this book I believe. On my list to get for them. THANKS!
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Yes, I am going to gift this books to several grandchildren for Christmas!
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I just received mine in the mail already. You’re right – PERFECT Christmas gift. xo
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That’s great! Hope you enjoyed it.
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This book has my son’s name written all over it. Thanks for reviewing it, Pat.
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Everyone who commented has a child or was a child who liked to chatter.
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This is a hard lesson! I know I become a chatterer when I’m nervous. Thanks for highlighting it, Pat.
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It is. I chatter too much when I am anxious about doing something!
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Such an important topic, that doesn’t always get the attention it should.
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It is the first book I’ve read on the topic.
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I was a bit of a chatterbox myself as a child. I know a few kids who could benefit from this book. Cute and useful!
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Yes, I was too. It is such a positive way to help a child learn to listen to others.
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I know a few little chatterboxes who might benefit from reading this book 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
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It would be an excellent classroom book! Great discussions!
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Oh, the beloved chatterbox! Can’t wait to see this one!
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Cleverly designed with text and illustrations.
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Great choice Patricia. It is on my hold list at the library. Thanks!
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I am happy you enjoyed my review! It is adorable for young children.
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I remember overhearing a parent tell her chattering child that if he does all the talking, he’ll never learn anything he doesn’t already know. I’m looking forward to reading this book.
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Clever advice. This is a fun and helpful book for chatterboxes.
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Haha, every teacher knows this scenario. Cool storyline.
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It is a clever storyline. I like Ludwig’s books.
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I can still relate to this! ha!
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Then, I think this book has your name on it. 🙂
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Haha!
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🙂
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Oh, yes, I love the sound of this book! Just put it on hold! Thanks!
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Glad you enjoyed my review. It is an excellent story about learning to listen.
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Great pick, P. This book reminds Mom of herself when she was little. And it reminds me of her now!
Love and licks,
Cupcake
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Ha! So your mom is a talker! I think we all could benefit from this book.
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Sounds like a fun read!
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It’s very entertaining!
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This sounds like a lovely book, Patricia. I like that Owen learns to put others first. I’m sure we know many who like to talk about themselves but take no interest in others. It’s an important lesson to learn.
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Even for adults! It is an fun story that would make an excellent read-a-loud!
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Love this! I know a few kids just like Owen. Great lesson to be learned in a nice way. Thanks for sharing.
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Yes, it is a great lesson for chatty kids…and adults.
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Oh, there’s a mischievous part of me who would love to give this book to my son.
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I think the two of you would have a grand time reading it together — who would get in the last word?
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what a marvelous way to tell a story…. about leaving room for listening. And in such a way as to empower people to not-talk when not-talking is what we need more of.
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It is a book that both kids and adult can benefit from. Listening to others is a gift to them and to ourselves.
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Beautiful book. Oh my nephews chatter away when they get so excited. This reminded me of the youngest one. So cute. Thanks for sharing Pat.
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Glad you enjoyed my review. I love Trudy Ludwig’s stories for kids.
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