Between Words: A Friendship Tale - by Saki Tanaka (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Everywhere Kai and his father go, Kai builds a little stack of wishing stones--but when they finally decide to stay in one place, Kai finds it difficult to communicate and make friends"--

Book Synopsis

You don't always need words to make a friendship bloom. A touching ode to connection and belonging by debut picture book author-illustrator, Saki Tanaka.

Kai is used to following the seasons with Pa, from place to new place where people speak languages unfamiliar to his ears. When they finally settle in a valley full of pools, Kai tries to invite the other children to join in his play, but the strangeness of his words drives them away. Frustrated, he kicks his most treasured stone into one of the pools and in his search for it, finds something even more valuable.

Dive into a whimsical tale of unexpected friendship, told with compassion and warmth. With every brushstroke, Saki Tanaka paints a radiant world where bonds are formed beyond language barriers.

Review Quotes

Praise for Between Words:

''Through powerful visual storytelling, this exquisite tale makes clear that words aren't necessary to develop a truly lasting bond... A pitch-perfect tale for shy friend-makers everywhere.'' -- Kirkus Reviews

''This is a beautiful story about the power of imagination, communication, and friendship. Though languages and customs can be different, and even worrisome for a child yearning to belong, the universal language of a smile connects us all." -- Lynn Brunelle, Emmy Award-winning writer for Bill Nye the Science Guy and best-selling children's book author

''Between Words is moving, emotional, beautiful, and relevant for both children and adults to read. It truly conveys through the stunning illustrations and powerful words what Kai is experiencing as an outsider, yearning to be included. Most of us at some point in our lives will or have experienced this too. It's a must for your home, classroom, school, or family library.'' -- Lauren Dennis-Perelmuter, Founder and CEO of The Art Box Academy

''Magical. Vivid. Stunning. (Saki's) images and words will transport you.'' -- Cátia Chien, illustrator of The Bear and the Moon, a Society of Illustrators Gold Medal Winner for Original Art

''Gorgeous!'' -- Mike Curato, Award-winning author and illustrator of Flamer and the Little Elliot series

''Saki Tanaka's beautifully illustrated and touching tale stands as a profound reminder that empathy, compassion, and understanding are the true languages that unite us all.'' -- Sarah Scheldt, early elementary educator, literacy specialist

''In Between Words, Saki Tanaka has woven a tale of bravery and courage reminding us how lonely childhood can be. Kai, the young boy in the story, tenderly emphasizes the reality that we have no control over what life we are born into -- it is up to us to mold the world in which we would like to coexist.''-- Anthony Gaskin, early elementary educator, children's book author

''Beautiful! Having worked with animators for over twenty-five years I can attest to the impact of a powerful image. Saki Tanaka's stunning illustrations truly tell a thousand words.'' -- Lesley Bentivegna, Artist Manager, Walt Disney Animation Studios

''Between Words is a celebration of the power of youth, compassion and diversity to bridge divides and create new bonds, sometimes even without words. Saki Tanaka captured these ties beautifully in a poignant tale of discovering differences and similarities.'' -- Gabriela Ramos, UNESCO Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences

About the Author

Saki Tanaka is a Mexican-Japanese author-illustrator who grew up in different parts of the world. This transient upbringing made her foster friendships without a common language in imaginative ways; through gestured games, mimed plays, and drawings that transcended words and worlds to give her a sense of belonging. You can now find Saki in Denver, Colorado, inspired by aspen-inhabited mountains and vaporwave skies. When she's not painting new portals to magical realms, she's connecting with other dreamers through a shared affinity for synchronicities, tear-inducing guffaws, and spontaneous dance parties. She'd love to hear how you spark connections with kindred spirits. Visit her at sakitales.com and let her know!