A multicultural group of children discover a park where everyone's words come to life—and look and behave a lot like kids. Some words are kinder and more inviting, while others are pushy or prickly or odd. Not every word makes the best first impression, but as they play and share adventures, the children connect more deeply with language. They learn that words have superpowers and grow to love them for their quirks. They see that words make excellent friends, who magically appear just as they're needed and perfectly mirror how kids feel. The more these children bond with language, the more they tap into their inner voice—and as they dare to give it expression, they gain more respect for the power of words.

This book is ideal for developing readers, who will relish the process of sounding out words and spotting those they already know—who will see themselves in this cast of characters, thus developing greater self-awareness and empathy for their peers, as well. Parents, teachers, librarians, and therapists can use this book for social-emotional learning, as it playfully nurtures a love of language while reminding children to treat words with care.

Illustrated by Anne Berry