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When I Want to Be Silent
★ "A spare, tender case for what words can't hold; best shared one-on-one and a natural pairing...
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★ "A spare, tender case for what words can't hold; best shared one-on-one and a natural pairing with Peter H. Reynolds's The Dot." - School Library Journal (STARRED review)
"With a quiet profundity, the creators manage to capture the indescribable." - Publishers Weekly
"Bracingly short, the book enraptures with its images, even as its simple words allow for complex ideas about language and how we process it." - Kirkus Reviews
This is a beautiful picture book about the power of the unsaid. About the inner world and the richness of what words cannot express.
A perfect harmony of rhythmic prose and detailed illustrations, this black-and-white picture book radiates extraordinary emotional depth. Its main character, a little bear, inhabits a world where words are not always enough.
Like a gentle, meditative poem, every page exudes warmth, tenderness, and empathy, capturing the quiet beauty of thought and feeling. At its core lies a book about the limits of language and the power of stillness. It shows readers how being together in silence can be meaningful when words fall short.
Originally published in Bulgaria, this quiet masterpiece became an international sensation, with rights sold in seven languages before arriving in English. Perfect for fans of Shaun Tan and Peter Reynolds.
Highlights:
- Builds Empathy on Every Page: Helps children understand that words aren't the only way to connect, allowing them to see the world through a different lens.
- A "Read-It-Again" Favorite: Featuring a gentle bear protagonist and rhythmic prose, it's a story that captures the attention of readers of all ages.
- For Every Child: Gives quiet children permission to embrace their silence while helping extroverts put their empathy to work.
- A Manifesto Against Chaos: A unique piece of art and poetry that stands out by being quiet in a world of flashy, colorful titles.
- The Perfect Gift: A timeless, black-and-white addition to any child's library.
- A Global Sensation: A best-selling title in 7 European countries, beloved by reviewers, librarians, and parents alike.
Author: Zornitsa Hristova
Publisher: Helvetiq
Published: 09/01/2026
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.71lbs
Size: 9.69h x 8.43w x 0.39d
ISBN: 9783039641482
Audience: Ages 4-8
Review Citation(s):
Publishers Weekly 08/31/2026
About the Author
Zornitsa Hristova (1974) is a children's book writer, literary translator, journalist, and editor-in-chief of a children's news media. She is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of Tochitza Publishers. Zornitsa has authored numerous books and has won many awards, such as the Hristo G. Danov Award, the Peroto Award, and the Golden Lion Award. Her books Urban Geography and Another Day at the Museum were also in the White Raven catalogues in 2017 and 2022. She lives in Bulgaria.
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