More Than Words: Children’s Books That Celebrate Different Ways of Communicating
A book list for every kind of voice, from quiet to loud and everything in between.
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As a speech therapist, I love finding books that not only entertain but also help little ones build language, spark curiosity, and encourage back-and-forth interaction.
This month, in honor of Autism Acceptance Month, I’ve curated a special list of children’s books that celebrate characters who communicate in wonderfully unique ways. Whether through gestures, communication devices, sign language, or limited speech, these stories remind us that there’s no one “right” way to communicate, and that every child deserves to feel seen, understood, and valued.
From engaging board books for babies to thoughtful stories for preschoolers, each pick encourages empathy, connection, and conversations about inclusion in a gentle, age-appropriate way.
Ready to explore some powerful, heartwarming reads? Let’s dive in!
“Talking is Not My Thing!”
In this sibling story, the younger sister is autistic and non-speaking, but she’s bursting with ideas, creativity, and joy. Through gestures, drawing, flashcards, and body language, she communicates in her own way, and her brother totally gets it. This book is a celebration of neurodiversity, sibling love, and all the rich and different ways children express themselves.
Reading age: 3 - 7 years
“The Bear Who Stared”
Bear loves to stare, not to be rude, but because he doesn’t know how to start a conversation. When a googly-eyed frog offers him a smile and a tip, Bear discovers that even a small gesture can lead to big friendships. This sweet and funny book gently helps children who struggle with initiating play or social interaction find confidence and community.
Reading age: baby - 5 years
Get it from Amazon
“A Day with No Words”
This beautiful picture book follows an autistic child and his mom as they go about their day, communicating through a tablet and sharing their thoughts in their own unique way. With rich, inviting illustrations and a heartfelt narrative, A Day With No Words celebrates the deep connection between parent and child and honors the many ways families can express love, joy, and understanding. It’s a powerful reminder that words don’t have to be spoken to be heard.
Reading age: 4+ years
“Wanda’s Words Got Stuck”
Wanda finds talking tricky. Her words feel sticky, tangled, or too small. Whether she’s selectively mute, stutters, or just has big feelings, Wanda’s story honors those moments when words don’t come easily. Through rhyme and heart, this book beautifully reminds us that connection isn’t only about talking. Sometimes, you don’t need words at all to be understood or to make a friend.
Reading age: 3 - 5 years
“I Talk Like a River”
This poetic and powerful book follows a boy who stutters and feels overwhelmed by his stutter. One morning, his father takes him to the river and offers a new perspective: his voice moves like the water. Sometimes strong, sometimes still, but always flowing. I Talk Like a River is a stunning tribute to children who stutter, and a moving reminder that there is beauty and strength in every voice.
Reading age: 4 - 8 years
Get it from Amazon | Bookshop | Target
“All the Ways Sterling Communicates”
Sterling is bright, playful, and full of ideas, and he communicates in more than one way. Sometimes, he uses AAC. Sometimes, he signs in ASL. Sometimes, he speaks. However he chooses to express himself, Sterling is always heard. This beautifully inclusive board book introduces young readers to the many ways children can communicate, with a neuro-affirming, play-based lens. Created with the expertise of a speech-language pathologist, it's a simple, powerful reminder that all communication is valid and every voice matters.
Reading age: 1 - 14 years
Get it from Amazon
“What the Jackdaw Saw”
The jackdaw wants to invite his friends to a party, but when he calls out, no one responds. Why? Because they’re using sign language, and he hasn’t learned it yet. With the help of a wise owl and real-life deaf children who helped shape the story, the jackdaw begins to understand. This is a bright, fun, and thoughtful introduction to sign language and inclusion, wrapped in a classic rhyme.
Reading age: 3+ years
“A Boy and a Jaguar”
Alan loves animals more than anything. At the Bronx Zoo, he sees big cats alone in cages and wonders why are they being treated this way? He wants to speak up for them. But speaking isn’t easy for Alan. He stutters and struggles to get his words out. Except when he talks to animals. Then, the words flow. This powerful true story follows Alan as he grows up, finds his voice, and becomes a fierce advocate for animals and for people who don’t always feel heard. A gentle, inspiring reminder that our voices matter, even if they sound different.
Reading age: 4 - 7 years
Get it from Amazon | Bookshop | Target
“Penguin”
Ben gets a penguin as a gift, but no matter what he does—tickling, dancing, making funny faces—Penguin stays quiet. It’s not until a surprising twist that Penguin finally speaks, and what he says is well worth the wait. This charming story mirrors how some children communicate on their own timeline and in their own way. Penguin is beautiful nod to patience, connection, and the delight that comes when a child finds their voice.
Reading age: 4 - 8 years
“Boy”
Boy doesn’t hear the battles happening in his kingdom, but he sees the fear they cause. Through gestures and writing, he helps his village understand that peace is possible. A beautifully illustrated story featuring a deaf main character who helps others see the world in a new way. It’s a gentle, meaningful look at communication breakdowns and the power of alternative forms of expression.
Reading age: younger readers
“Extraordinary Jordyn and her Bionic Ears”
Jordyn is curious, brave, and full of big dreams, especially about space! She also wears a cochlear implant and a hearing aid, which she proudly calls her “bionic ears.” This heartwarming story follows Jordyn as she faces questions and stares from others, but keeps showing up as her full self. It's a beautiful reminder that being different is something to celebrate. Extraordinary Jordyn is a great read for helping kids learn about confidence, kindness, and all the ways we can communicate and connect.
Reading age: 3 - 8 years
Get it from Amazon
“The Cow Who Fell to Earth”
A very confused little cow arrives from another planet and doesn’t speak the same language as the animals on the farm. Chaos ensues, but so does connection. This playful, giggle-worthy story is a subtle nod to children who feel out of place or struggle to communicate and how warmth and patience can bring everyone together.
Reading age: 2 - 5 years
Get it from Amazon
“El Deafo”
In this funny and deeply honest graphic novel memoir, Cece Bell shares what it was like to grow up with hearing loss and wear the Phonic Ear, a powerful hearing aid. It gave her super hearing (sometimes at awkward moments) but also made her feel different. Through it all, she longs for connection and a true friend. Cece’s story is empowering, relatable, and full of heart. El Deafo is a wonderful read for older children navigating their own communication journeys
Reading age: 7 - 10 years
Get it from Amazon | Bookshop | Target
“Beegu”
Beegu is a small alien lost on Earth. The grown-ups don’t understand her, but the children do. With stunning illustrations and gentle storytelling, this modern classic speaks to the heart of any child who’s felt out of place or unheard. It’s a timeless tale of belonging and how sometimes, understanding doesn’t require words at all.
Reading age: 2 - 4 years
Get it from Amazon
“Krong”
This story stars a little alien who crash-lands on Earth and doesn’t speak the same language as the kids he meets. It’s funny, expressive, and full of moments where nonverbal communication (facial expressions, body language, shared experiences) takes center stage. A lighthearted way to explore what it feels like to be misunderstood and how empathy can break through.
Reading age: 5 - 6 years
Get it from Amazon
“Oof Makes an Ouch”
Oof is big and strong but doesn’t always have the words to explain how he feels. This thoughtful story explores how tricky emotions can come out through behavior when children don’t yet have the tools to express themselves. A great pick for starting conversations around emotions, language, and self-regulation.
Reading age: baby - 5 years
“All the Ways to Be Smart”
This joyful, rhyming celebration of all the unique ways kids can be smart—from building forts to telling jokes to caring deeply—is a hug in book form. While it doesn’t focus specifically on SLCN, it’s a powerful reminder for children (and adults) to celebrate strengths, especially when challenges can feel big. Perfect for any child who needs to be reminded: you are more than enough, exactly as you are.
Reading age: 2 - 6 years
“Chatterbox Bear”
Gary the bear loves to talk. But when he’s shipwrecked on an island where no one speaks his language, he must learn new ways to connect. Through music, gestures, and trial-and-error, Gary discovers the joy of nonverbal communication and true connection. A heartwarming pick for kids learning that communication is a two-way street.
Reading age: baby - 5 years
Get it from Amazon
“I Go Quiet”
This hauntingly beautiful picture book follows an introverted girl who feels unseen and unheard. Through imagination, creativity, and books, she begins to envision a future where her voice is strong and sure. For older readers, this book is a moving exploration of inner worlds, quiet courage, and the importance of feeling understood.
Reading age: 4 - 8 years
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WOW! Such an impressive list. Thank you for sharing!