Nonna’s Corner is where I share books I’ve read with my grandchildren affectionately referred to as the Royals here at Caffeinated. Today, we have Quiet Please, Owen McPhee. Geared towards children in grades K-3, this illustrated story offers humor and lessons as we get to know a very talkative little boy named Owen McPhee.
by Trudy Ludwig
Genres: Childrens
Pages: 40
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon *affiliate
From the author-illustrator team who brought you The Invisible Boy comes the story of a boy who won't stop talking--until he gets laryngitis. You don't have to be a chatterbox to appreciate this tale of listening and learning.
Owen McPhee doesn't just like to talk, he LOVES to talk. He spends every waking minute chattering away at his teachers, his classmates, his parents, his dog, and even himself. But all that talking can get in the way of listening. And when Owen wakes up with a bad case of laryngitis, it gives him a much-needed opportunity to hear what others have to say.
From the author-illustrator team behind The Invisible Boy comes a bright and lively picture book that captures the social dynamics of a busy classroom while delivering a gentle message about the importance of listening.
Quiet Please, Owen McPhee! written by Trudy Ludwig and illustrated by Patrice Barton shares the tale of a talkative boy who loses his voice and learns the value of listening. Parents and teachers with a talker in their lives will enjoy this story and the lessons it brings.
Oddly enough Princess Sophia wasn’t at all interested in the book when she saw it. Hey, she is three and as a book lover whose occasionally dismissed a book based on the cover; I get it. So, I sat down with Prince Clayton who was more than happy for story time. As I read I could not help but laugh. Owen’s non-stop rabblings reminded me of Princess Sophia and her mother. Both are/were non-stop, inquisitive children. As I continued reading aloud and Owen’s talking got him into unexpected trouble, a funny thing happened, Princess Sophia wormed her way up into my lap to see the pictures. LOL.
Owen’s talking annoys his friends, causing him to miss important information and ends with his friends yelling in frustration. It baffles poor Owen, but when he wakes up with laryngitis, it provides the perfect opportunity for him to listen to others. I loved the lessons contained within this story and how the children interacted. It was thoughtful and positive in a fun, sometimes silly way that provided teachable moments.
The back of the book contains questions perfect for classroom discussions or a one on one with your little one. Princess Sophia learned about laryngitis and letting others share their ideas. As for Prince Clayton this was a little over his head, but he enjoyed reading with his Nonna and that is a wonderful thing.
- Age Range: 5 – 8 years
- Grade Level: Kindergarten – 3
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Mary @StackingMyBookShelves!
This sounds cute and what a good lesson. To listen to others. I love this. Can I use this on my kids? No, I am kidding. My kids are pretty good at that. But, I like the life lesson as it is important. Great review Kim!
Mary
Kimberly
I think we all have moments even as adults where we talk too much!
Dani Eide
Love Nonna’s Corner! ♥️ Love how reading a book to one child will draw the others in for a listen. Sounds like a fun story about listening.
Kimberly
Right. It never fails that they both end up on my lap.
Angela Adams
Sounds perfect for Library Story Time. I’ll pass this on to our children’s librarian. Thanks for the post!
Kimberly
Happy to share Angela and thank you.
ShootingStarsMag
Aw, this sounds like a cute one! My nieces and nephew aren’t really huge talkers, but I think they would still like this. I’m glad Sophia warmed up to it! 🙂
-lauren
Kimberly
She really did. Now she gets laryngitis all the time!
Crystal @ Lost in Storyland
This sounds like a fun read. I love how it features an MC with whom children may relate and teaches a lesson. Will check this one out!
Kimberly
I do too and the discussions in the back where great.
Tyler H. Jolley
A book cover connoisseur already? I’m not surprised. Haha, she’s seen more books at her age than most kids by age five. This is a really cute book. My first and forth kids were complete chatter boxes. I think the middles were closer in age so maybe we didn’t notice because they talked to each other constantly? I love these posts, they always evoke memories of when the kids were toddlers.
Kimberly
LOL. My youngest was always in trouble for talking too much in school.
RO
This sounds perfect to share with my granddaughter. Really enjoy seeing these new books you post for the kiddies. Hugs…RO
Kimberly
Happy to share Ro. {{hugs}}
Ailyn Koay
prince brat needs this book
Kimberly
Awe, yes she does 🙂
Angie Elle
I do love these posts. They give me ideas on what to read to the princesses I have on Saturdays. And they are both VERY talkative. LOL This does sound like a cute read. Thanks for sharing!
Kimberly
That makes me happy. LOL, talkative children have excellent vocabularies 🙂