Between Words: A Friendship Tale

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Author(s)
Age Range
4+
Release Date
May 21, 2024
ISBN
978-1338736250
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You don't always need words to make a friendship bloom. A touching ode to connection and belonging by debut picture book author-illustrator, Saki Tanaka.
Kai is used to following the seasons with Pa, from place to new place where people speak languages unfamiliar to his ears. When they finally settle in a valley full of pools, Kai tries to invite the other children to join in his play, but the strangeness of his words drives them away. Frustrated, he kicks his most treasured stone into one of the pools and in his search for it, finds something even more valuable.

Dive into a whimsical tale of unexpected friendship, told with compassion and warmth. With every brushstroke, Saki Tanaka paints a radiant world where bonds are formed beyond language barriers.

Editor review

1 review
Extend a Hand in Friendship
(Updated: June 03, 2026)
Overall rating
 
5.0
Plot
 
5.0
Characters
 
5.0
Writing Style
 
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
 
5.0
Between Words is about a boy who has never stayed long in a place and yearns to make friends but often faces a language barrier. This book explores how a shared smile, wave, and time together can start the road to becoming friends. Though few words are used the emotions of yearning, hope, frustration, and peaceful coexistence come through with the illustrations. This book invites readers to gain empathy and be willing to extend a hand in friendship to someone new. For an immigrant, this book shines a light on the experience and hopefully allows you a space to feel seen.
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