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Words
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.
36 pages, Hardcover
Published April 6, 2025
101 people want to read
About the author
Katherine Davis-Gibbon
2 books187 followersKatherine Davis-Gibbon is an award-winning children's book author, yoga teacher, and mother of two. Her debut book, My Old Friend, Then, was a Finalist in the 2022 American Book Fest's Best Book Awards in two categories: Children's Mind/Body/Spirit and Children's Gift/Novelty; a Distinguished Favorite in the 2022 New York City Best Book Awards in the Children's Motivational Category; and a Distinguished Favorite in the 2023 Independent Press Awards in the Children's Motivational Category. Her forthcoming book, Words, is receiving praise from multiple editorial outlets, including being selected as a Reviewer's Choice by the Midwest Book Review and a Distinguished Favorite in the 2025 Independent Press Awards Picture Book Ages 4-8 Category.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
September 2, 2025
Words by Katherine Davis-Gibbon
September 1, 2025
Reviewed by Diana Coyle
In “Words” by Katherine Davis-Gibbon, readers are taken on a magical journey of discovering how words can have such an emotional impact on our lives. Words can teach us something new, convey a message, or even allow us to share emotions or thoughts with others. Each word we pick to speak is just as uniquely different as each of us is. Amazingly, the same word used could have different meanings for the person saying them and receiving them. Will you now stop and pay closer attention to the words that surround you every day? You’ll be happily surprised at what you just might discover.
I truly enjoyed this children’s book and felt it was in a class all its own. The theory of presenting to a child that words are just as fun and different as you are was such a refreshing concept to read as a theme for a children’s picture book. As an adult, it made me stop to think about how we each use words every day to communicate many different emotions. We can tell a story with words or even express an emotion. The words we choose have different levels of intensity depending on how we use them. Never did I read any book that came off with such an impactful message as Katherine Davis-Gibbon has written.
Another thing I want to mention is how cleverly Ms. Davis-Gibbon incorporated certain words, sometimes obviously, while other times cryptically, to her readers. Readers of all ages will stop and take their time looking at the illustrations to see what the next word might be in the picture and how that word chosen tells a different story from the others used.
The illustrations provided by Anne Berry were not only fun to look at, but the depth of each picture created pulls readers in to see what story that page is ready to present to its readers. The colors are vibrant and easily draw the readers deeper into their reading experience. There is plenty for the readers to visually take in as they turn the pages, looking at these full-paged illustrations. Anne Berry is a professional illustrator who has created art for children’s books, magazines, curricula, greeting cards, and more for over ten years.
Katherine Davis-Gibbon is not only an award-winning children’s book author; but also a yoga teacher, a meditation practitioner, and the founder of the children’s book company Riverlet Press.
Overall, “Words” by Katherine Davis-Gibbon is one book that can be enjoyed by readers young and old. The storyline is just as refreshingly unique as each chosen word character that was drawn into this enjoyable children’s picture book. This children’s book comes highly recommended!
The original review can be found at: https://bestsellersworld.com/2025/09/...
September 1, 2025
Reviewed by Diana Coyle
In “Words” by Katherine Davis-Gibbon, readers are taken on a magical journey of discovering how words can have such an emotional impact on our lives. Words can teach us something new, convey a message, or even allow us to share emotions or thoughts with others. Each word we pick to speak is just as uniquely different as each of us is. Amazingly, the same word used could have different meanings for the person saying them and receiving them. Will you now stop and pay closer attention to the words that surround you every day? You’ll be happily surprised at what you just might discover.
I truly enjoyed this children’s book and felt it was in a class all its own. The theory of presenting to a child that words are just as fun and different as you are was such a refreshing concept to read as a theme for a children’s picture book. As an adult, it made me stop to think about how we each use words every day to communicate many different emotions. We can tell a story with words or even express an emotion. The words we choose have different levels of intensity depending on how we use them. Never did I read any book that came off with such an impactful message as Katherine Davis-Gibbon has written.
Another thing I want to mention is how cleverly Ms. Davis-Gibbon incorporated certain words, sometimes obviously, while other times cryptically, to her readers. Readers of all ages will stop and take their time looking at the illustrations to see what the next word might be in the picture and how that word chosen tells a different story from the others used.
The illustrations provided by Anne Berry were not only fun to look at, but the depth of each picture created pulls readers in to see what story that page is ready to present to its readers. The colors are vibrant and easily draw the readers deeper into their reading experience. There is plenty for the readers to visually take in as they turn the pages, looking at these full-paged illustrations. Anne Berry is a professional illustrator who has created art for children’s books, magazines, curricula, greeting cards, and more for over ten years.
Katherine Davis-Gibbon is not only an award-winning children’s book author; but also a yoga teacher, a meditation practitioner, and the founder of the children’s book company Riverlet Press.
Overall, “Words” by Katherine Davis-Gibbon is one book that can be enjoyed by readers young and old. The storyline is just as refreshingly unique as each chosen word character that was drawn into this enjoyable children’s picture book. This children’s book comes highly recommended!
The original review can be found at: https://bestsellersworld.com/2025/09/...
June 10, 2025
Words by Katherine Davis-Gibbon is a vibrant and heartfelt exploration of language through the eyes of children at a local park. Young readers are introduced to a diverse group of kids, each from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds, who begin to discover the transformative power of words. Whether used to comfort or to wound, words carry weight, and through this story, children learn just how deeply language shapes their interactions and emotions.
What sets this book apart is its imaginative portrayal of words as loyal companions, friends that appear just when they’re needed, reflecting thoughts and feelings with uncanny precision. Davis-Gibbon crafts an emotional journey that resonates with children learning to navigate their inner worlds. As they grapple with how to name what they feel, Words offers gentle guidance and affirmation.
The illustrations elevate the story with a whimsical richness. From clouds that morph into meaningful words to butterfly wings forming the shape of hearts, each page brims with visual surprises. These details invite readers to engage actively, perfect for turning storytime into a scavenger hunt of hidden meanings and visual metaphors.
One particularly inventive touch is how the author personifies words as companions. It's a brilliant way to show children that language isn't just a tool; it can be a friend. And perhaps the most powerful message of all is the idea that the very same words that hurt can also heal, a concept delivered with grace and emotional depth.
Beyond language, the book gently weaves in lessons of empathy, patience, kindness, and the importance of offering second chances. These are values that children, especially in their formative years, benefit greatly from absorbing.
This beautifully crafted story deserves a place in every elementary school and library. Ideal for children who are just beginning to understand and articulate their emotions, Words offers reassurance that even imperfect expressions are valid and that their feelings always matter.
What sets this book apart is its imaginative portrayal of words as loyal companions, friends that appear just when they’re needed, reflecting thoughts and feelings with uncanny precision. Davis-Gibbon crafts an emotional journey that resonates with children learning to navigate their inner worlds. As they grapple with how to name what they feel, Words offers gentle guidance and affirmation.
The illustrations elevate the story with a whimsical richness. From clouds that morph into meaningful words to butterfly wings forming the shape of hearts, each page brims with visual surprises. These details invite readers to engage actively, perfect for turning storytime into a scavenger hunt of hidden meanings and visual metaphors.
One particularly inventive touch is how the author personifies words as companions. It's a brilliant way to show children that language isn't just a tool; it can be a friend. And perhaps the most powerful message of all is the idea that the very same words that hurt can also heal, a concept delivered with grace and emotional depth.
Beyond language, the book gently weaves in lessons of empathy, patience, kindness, and the importance of offering second chances. These are values that children, especially in their formative years, benefit greatly from absorbing.
This beautifully crafted story deserves a place in every elementary school and library. Ideal for children who are just beginning to understand and articulate their emotions, Words offers reassurance that even imperfect expressions are valid and that their feelings always matter.
April 20, 2025
Theoretically this book had a good idea at its core and there was quite a bit of serious attention to detail, but it still fell a bit short for me. I'll start by talking about the illustrations. It's clear that the illustrator has an eye for detail and has a lot of creativity. Making each word's "body" spell the actual word was really smart and highly unique! However, the way some of the words were illustrated created some confusion. I found myself sitting here reading this book and thinking, Am I stupid or is this not a complete word?, and then spending extra time confirming that it was, in fact, an actual word. In short, the words as people should be very clear and there should be little to no confusion, especially for a children's book.
As for the writing, it felt a little disconnected. I just don't get what this book is trying to get at. It almost seemed like it was encouraging young readers to overcome fear of speaking, but it wasn't totally clear. Additionally, there weren't really any connectors or transitions between different ideas, which is why I said this book lacks cohesion.
All in all, I think that this book's focus needs to be a bit more specific and conveyed well to the reader.
As for the writing, it felt a little disconnected. I just don't get what this book is trying to get at. It almost seemed like it was encouraging young readers to overcome fear of speaking, but it wasn't totally clear. Additionally, there weren't really any connectors or transitions between different ideas, which is why I said this book lacks cohesion.
All in all, I think that this book's focus needs to be a bit more specific and conveyed well to the reader.
May 18, 2025
I love the idea of this book, but it falls short of the expectation. The diversity of the children pictured throughout the book is amazing. However, a few of my problems with it are:
The “hidden” or “person” words are a cool idea and a fun concept, but they are sometimes very difficult to decipher. The title on the cover is really easy to miss and there is a word-character on page 12 that I still have no idea what it is supposed to say.
There is a line towards the beginning that says “Each one [word] says something no other word can,” but that completely ignores synonyms and isn’t really true. I get what they were going for, but it doesn’t really work.
On page 8 there is talk about how a female’s toot causes embarrassment - can we please just accept that everyone experiences flatulence because it is a normal bodily function?
Page 13 would make sense with an example, but by itself is a bit confusing or lacking.
Some words do actually hurt, and aren’t loving, no matter how presented or by whom, and to deny that is alienating and dismissive, especially to children.
The “hidden” or “person” words are a cool idea and a fun concept, but they are sometimes very difficult to decipher. The title on the cover is really easy to miss and there is a word-character on page 12 that I still have no idea what it is supposed to say.
There is a line towards the beginning that says “Each one [word] says something no other word can,” but that completely ignores synonyms and isn’t really true. I get what they were going for, but it doesn’t really work.
On page 8 there is talk about how a female’s toot causes embarrassment - can we please just accept that everyone experiences flatulence because it is a normal bodily function?
Page 13 would make sense with an example, but by itself is a bit confusing or lacking.
Some words do actually hurt, and aren’t loving, no matter how presented or by whom, and to deny that is alienating and dismissive, especially to children.
March 5, 2025
Very clever book, that utilises the scenery of a playing area and the rest of a park setting to show words, literally in their natural environment. It's about the power of words to do damage, but also to heal, connect people, and to get people to a state of flying, or simple truth, or being loved. Yeah, it's not the easiest to describe, but there are many positive words to be said about this. It's very artfully done, the way there's a character formed from the letters in the word 'WORD', the railings display 'SAFE' if you look closely, and the flowers are happy enough with just half their leaves so as to form 'OK'. I mean it's incredibly distracting from the main thrust of the text, but it's very artfully done. Here words are all around us, and help us with their friendship and strength, so we should speak them out and deliver our message to the world. Or to the rest of the park, at least.
March 12, 2025
A lovely little story, all about the power of words.
I really liked how the illustrations were charming, yet realistic. The people throughout are diverse, and there are many different relatable activities shown.
The words in bubble letters really 'pop' off the pages, and help express the message on each page.
I like the teachable messages throughout- our words can hurt, or our words can heal, or sometimes we make mistakes with our words. I can see this being a great tool in a classroom, to spark the discussion or accompany a lesson all about words/friendship/etc.
I think my only critique is sometimes the words presented were more "sounds" or "actions", and I found that a bit confusing/unnecessary (ex. toot, push).
Overall, well done! I will definitely be reading it to my grade ones :)
I really liked how the illustrations were charming, yet realistic. The people throughout are diverse, and there are many different relatable activities shown.
The words in bubble letters really 'pop' off the pages, and help express the message on each page.
I like the teachable messages throughout- our words can hurt, or our words can heal, or sometimes we make mistakes with our words. I can see this being a great tool in a classroom, to spark the discussion or accompany a lesson all about words/friendship/etc.
I think my only critique is sometimes the words presented were more "sounds" or "actions", and I found that a bit confusing/unnecessary (ex. toot, push).
Overall, well done! I will definitely be reading it to my grade ones :)
April 18, 2025
Finding the right words can be hard sometimes, and some words can hurt our feelings while other words can lift our spirits. This playful look at words explores the ways we interact with words. For example, sometimes we search for them, or are unable to find the ones we want, and at other times we share them and use them to speak the truth.
The soft, watercolor hues of the illustrations welcome readers in and invite them to look closely and find the words worked into each scene. Some are fluffy green letters spelling out "bush" in some shrubs. Others show pairs in action with "zig" and "zag" swerving around on their skateboards or opposites like "push" and "pull" tussling on the playground. The first of these figures that readers see is made of the letters w-o-r-d, which show up very clearly in the figure's shadow. That will probably set off an I-spy hunt through the book to find all the words in their various forms.
As the text says, words are unique just like people. They may seem to always come in pairs, or to have an opposite with whom they are often compared, or even seem hard to find just when we need them. But they can also be healing and give us the chance to shine. Share this book with anyone who enjoys word play, or who worries about saying the wrong thing. Remember, "Words can be tricky, but they're always here waiting for you."
The soft, watercolor hues of the illustrations welcome readers in and invite them to look closely and find the words worked into each scene. Some are fluffy green letters spelling out "bush" in some shrubs. Others show pairs in action with "zig" and "zag" swerving around on their skateboards or opposites like "push" and "pull" tussling on the playground. The first of these figures that readers see is made of the letters w-o-r-d, which show up very clearly in the figure's shadow. That will probably set off an I-spy hunt through the book to find all the words in their various forms.
As the text says, words are unique just like people. They may seem to always come in pairs, or to have an opposite with whom they are often compared, or even seem hard to find just when we need them. But they can also be healing and give us the chance to shine. Share this book with anyone who enjoys word play, or who worries about saying the wrong thing. Remember, "Words can be tricky, but they're always here waiting for you."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 25, 2025
"Words" is a thoughtful children's book that teaches kids the importance of using their words. I do think it encourages children that they are okay to use their words however they want without a filter which I don't agree with. I think some of the messages weren't conveyed correctly. It has a artwork of children fighting and later statements of giving as many chances as it takes. While I do think we need to encourage kids to forgive, we also need to encourage boundaries and if there is another child that is constantly hurting them with words- maybe they need to separate form that child. I think we need to encourage our kids to be cautious with our words. We want to use our words to be a light in this world and the kind of words we use matters.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 2, 2025
Words by Katherine Davis-Gibbon is a fascinating and educational book for recognizing letters and words. The book teaches the children the meaning of words and how to make them separately and combine. The book has a beautiful pictorial representation that attracts young readers. The words have different meanings; some are playful, and some cause stress and nervousness. It also connects the readers with words, feelings, and creativity. The children will learn different words, which is very helpful for them.
The book has beautiful illustrations from Anne Berry, a source of happiness for the children. It also enhances their learning and creativity to express themselves. It is a masterpiece that adults can read to their young ones. The book helps children to increase their vocabulary and build their language skills.
The book has beautiful illustrations from Anne Berry, a source of happiness for the children. It also enhances their learning and creativity to express themselves. It is a masterpiece that adults can read to their young ones. The book helps children to increase their vocabulary and build their language skills.
April 17, 2025
First things first I'd like to thank the author and NetGalley for lending me this ARC, however all the opinions here are my own.
Words is a children book explaining what words are and their use, explained in a funny and whimsical way, pretty smart way of writing words as pictures, I enjoyed it.
I tend to read children's books when I need to replenish my will to live and when I need recs for the young ones in my life, and I know of certain little boy who finds reading ( and school! ) awful who I believe would find this entertaining, so hopefully there are other ones out there in the same spot who might benefit from it as well!
Words is a children book explaining what words are and their use, explained in a funny and whimsical way, pretty smart way of writing words as pictures, I enjoyed it.
I tend to read children's books when I need to replenish my will to live and when I need recs for the young ones in my life, and I know of certain little boy who finds reading ( and school! ) awful who I believe would find this entertaining, so hopefully there are other ones out there in the same spot who might benefit from it as well!
August 28, 2025
My favorite part of this book are the illustrations. How the words are illustrated in the thing that they represent like buzz for the bees the one character making the title. I do think sometimes it’s hard to see like the title on the cover. The story is OK, but there are many times that it feels drawn out and long. And there’s a point the middle where it feels like you’ve come to the crescendo of the book for a perfect ending just for it to go forward again. I like the idea of this book, but I think it needs a little bit more editing.
April 16, 2025
Oh, this was such an exciting read! I really enjoyed Katherine Davis-Gibbon's text and Anne Berry's illustrations are beautiful, fun and so innovative with how the words are spelt as characters in the story too! Children would be thrilled to spell out the words and find where the smaller ones are hidden. Great book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 29, 2025
Thank you to the author and publisher for a free e-copy to review
I enjoyed this book about the importance of words. I found the messaging clear to follow, and I know my children would feel the same way! I loved that the words were illustrated as "people" and felt my children would enjoy figuring out the letters during read-aloud time. I appreciated how the author addressed being scared, learning, and growing!
I enjoyed this book about the importance of words. I found the messaging clear to follow, and I know my children would feel the same way! I loved that the words were illustrated as "people" and felt my children would enjoy figuring out the letters during read-aloud time. I appreciated how the author addressed being scared, learning, and growing!
May 3, 2025
Words by Katherine Davis Gibbon is a thoughtful and creative picture book that gently explores the magic and impact of language. It offers young readers a unique way to connect with words, emotions, and self-expression.
Reading this book felt warm and uplifting. It celebrates words not just as tools for communication, but as companions in a child’s journey of learning and growing. It’s a lovely, cozy read that invites conversation and inspires curiosity.
Reading this book felt warm and uplifting. It celebrates words not just as tools for communication, but as companions in a child’s journey of learning and growing. It’s a lovely, cozy read that invites conversation and inspires curiosity.
May 7, 2025
Dedicated to children, but I think anyone will enjoy it.
This is a very cute book, the illustrations are very good, they really catch the attention and are sure to delight both young and old. The book, dedicated to words, teaches different ways of understanding and learning different words, their use, how they serve us, how they give life, how they can be kind or not, etc. It is an ideal book for those children who are beginning to construct words. I loved it.
This is a very cute book, the illustrations are very good, they really catch the attention and are sure to delight both young and old. The book, dedicated to words, teaches different ways of understanding and learning different words, their use, how they serve us, how they give life, how they can be kind or not, etc. It is an ideal book for those children who are beginning to construct words. I loved it.
June 19, 2025
I love this book! It is thoughtful, fun, and inclusive of all readers. This is an introduction to the importance of words and how we use them. Reading and exploring the images will invite important conversations between adults and children. In this day and age, a primer on the power of communication and the choices we make with words could not be more relevant. I will be sharing this with all my young readers and their grown-ups.
April 11, 2025
Set in the park, this book incorporates words into objects. Such a fun way to present the purpose of the book. These great illustrations help to find the beauty of words and is what earned the 4th star. The text delivers the power of these words; sometimes they hurt, and sometimes they heal. And sometimes they describe an embarrassing moment.
July 13, 2025
We always take for granted the power of words and this little book reminded me of that, definitely a wonderful book to read to the kids at home and I will definitely read it to my little nephew. The pictures were beautiful, and the words written in different ways were even more so.
📌 I received an e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
📌 I received an e-arc through netgalley, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
July 20, 2025
I am reading and reviewing this book after being gifted it as an eARC through Netgalley. My opinions and thoughts are honest and my own.
The central theme is that words are unique, just like people. I thought it was important that this book touched on how words can have negative effects. I was impressed with how the author brought up that negative experiences with words can make someone not want to speak. This isn't a topic that kids generally get to explore or see in media. I would recommend this book for parents and guardians who want to introduce very high-level communication and linguistics topics to their child.
The central theme is that words are unique, just like people. I thought it was important that this book touched on how words can have negative effects. I was impressed with how the author brought up that negative experiences with words can make someone not want to speak. This isn't a topic that kids generally get to explore or see in media. I would recommend this book for parents and guardians who want to introduce very high-level communication and linguistics topics to their child.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews