Disclosure: I was sent a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. I am working with The Children's Book Review and Malia Grace to bring you this post.
Are you getting ready for back to school? When does school start for you? Teachers go back in a couple of weeks for me. It is hard to believe my summer is almost over. I haven't done half the things I hoped to but have had an amazing summer! I'm also looking forward to the new school year, but I know this can be hard on kids especially the first time they go to school or go to a new school. Today we are sharing an amazing book about a young coyote finding his place at school even after a difficult beginning. The book is Cody's Whisper by Malia Grace and illustrated by Lauren Elise Reeves. There is a giveaway at the end of this post and I created a free printable with lessons from the book!
About the Book:
Cody’s Whisper Written by Malia Grace and Illustrated by Lauren Elise ReevesAges: 5-10 | 32 Pages | Publisher: Ingram Spark (2025) | ISBN: 979-8992880045
Publisher’s Book Summary: Cody’s Whisper is a gentle, beautifully illustrated children’s story about a quiet coyote pup who feels out of place in a loud, busy world. Searching for where he belongs, Cody turns to nature, to the sun, moon, creek, and wise forest animals, to discover that his soft voice and calm heart are powerful just as they are.
Purchase Links:
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
Bookshop.org
About the Author:
Malia Grace is a spiritual writer and guide whose work inspires children and families to reconnect with nature, nurture inner calm, and build emotional resilience. Her stories gently awaken readers to their quiet strength and natural wisdom. Cody’s Whisper is her heartfelt debut children’s book, encouraging kids to honor their softness and shine in their own way.
For more information, check out the-whisper-way.com.
About the Illustrator:
Lauren Elise Reeves is a freelance illustrator keen on building relationships with her clients. Her art is inspired by work from Dungeons and Dragons, the story-telling of the Redwall series and a love for wildlife. Her art focuses on the magic of the natural world. She loves to share in the creative process and has worked with many self-published authors to help bring their personal goals to life.
From Me:
In this book a sweet young coyote is going to his first day of school. Cody loves the quiet and when he gets to school, he discovers other kids do not. When he begins to stutter, his classmates make fun of him. He is embarrassed and hurt and runs off to the forest. He wonders if he will ever fit in. He then sees various parts of nature and asks each for help and advice. The moon told him his soft voice was just as special as the loud ones. The sun reminds him to keep shining. Animals in the forest also give advice and the next day Cody goes to school he finds he can be himself and soon his classmates are kind to him.
As a parent of an introvert and a teacher who has had plenty of quiet students, I love this book!! It shares the uniqueness of each person. It also gives advice to help each person be themselves and find their way. The advice is full of lessons we want our kids to learn and live by. I love how this book doesn't say there is something wrong with being quiet and shy. It shares that everyone is special, and the world needs our differences. It honestly fills my heart to read this story. Each child should know he or she is special. Each should know he or she can be himself or herself and needs to find ways to be true to themselves. This book is perfect for back to school. It shares how each of us has our own wants and needs. Cody liked it quiet, but his classmates liked to shout and laugh. With help from his friends in the forest Cody found a way to be quiet and still heard and live in the noise. Such a powerful message for each student to learn when starting school or starting the school year.
The illustrations in this book are adorable. Cody just looks so sweet. The pages are colorful and well done. This book is a win for everyone. I hope it makes it to every lower elementary and preschool as well as the homes of all the young kids especially the quiet ones who are starting school this year! To go with the book, I made some printables on Canva. You can download them from here or click on the pictures.
