Words Can Fly: Mindful and Uplifting Poetry for Children

by Donna Ashworth, Eirinn McGuinness (Illustrator)

This enchanting poetry collection serves as a compassionate guide through the journey of childhood, crafted with wisdom and warmth by #1 Sunday Times best-selling author Donna Ashworth.

The perfect gift for any parent to share with their child, Words Can Fly is a beautifully illustrated keepsake, ideal for reading together and treasuring for years to come.

From heartfelt reminders like “Gratitude Goggles” to thoughtful explorations of belonging in “Fitting”, each poem gently touches on what matters most in young lives—family, friendships, school, and the world around us—encouraging a growth mindset that fosters empathy and builds resilience. Through heartfelt verses like "Butter Side Down," "Siblings," and "Youier," children are inspired to celebrate their unique identities, embrace curiosity, and discover the transformative power of kindness and compassion.

A timeless addition to any young reader's bookshelf, Words Can Fly offers a treasure trove of poems that will be cherished and revisited again and again.

Genres: Poetry, Childrens, Middle Grade

144 pages, Hardcover

Published December 9, 2025

Reviews

[Natasha]

Lovely collection for children and adults.
Gorgeous words and gorgeous illustrations.
And yes one of them made me cry. Not unusual for Donna Ashworth tho.

We gifted this book to our children's school it's a brilliant resource for teachers and has poems covering all sorts of topics from the fun to the heavier things little ones might be experiencing.

[Sim]

Beautiful, beautiful poems and illustrations. These are well received in my assemblies!

[Jessica Brownlee]

This is an absolutely beautiful poetry book. It explores a great range of feelings and circumstances. It is illustrated gorgeously and is something truly special. This would be good to use in PHSCE in the classroom. It explores all sorts of challenges children face- big and small. This book is wonderful and I look forward to using it in the classroom!

[Katy Slessor]

Beautiful book for a child (or adult!), very uplifting but in a normal way and not saccharine and cheesy. I had a library copy but plan to purchase and revisit as lives little ups and downs come along.

[Connie Mitchell]

A beautiful anthology of poetry covering a range of themes, form anxiety, to family. There is a poem for every occasion and perfect to be shared and great topics of discussions in a classroom.

[Georgi_Lvs_Books]

A lovely collection of poetry 💖

Hopetimism -

Facts, a little fear, and a whole lot of hope.