Min is known in her family for being wild, messy and chatty. Her sister Bea is quite different, being neat and tidy and loves reading, but the two get along together very well. 

One day Min is startled to find that she is unable fo say the words which used to come so easily to her. Her tongue feels locked and when she looks in the mirror she can see a creature on her shoulder who she believes is responsible for stealing her words. 

Bea is sad to see what has happened to her sister, so tries to help Min overcome what they learn to call a stammer. 

With help from others who have overcome challenges of their own, Min learns to accept and acknowledge her stammer. She even comes to realise that it gives her special qualities. It helps her to recognise when others are struggling, and to reach out to them. And she has a bigger vocabulary than others because she has learnt to avoid words that cause her difficulty. Bea, in turn, comes to recognise and manage her own worrying habit.  

This is a beautiful story with a powerful message, prompted by Maggie O'Farrell's own experience of having a stammer. She says in the author's note that she still faces situations where she is unable to say certain words, and hopes that this book will help us all understand the condition better and be kinder and more accepting of those who struggle with stammering.  

The book is aimed at children aged 5-8 so is perfect for both new readers and those who like to be read to. The pictures from this Italian illustrator.are beautiful and nostalgic in style. A very lovely book.