Say What? How We Communicate - by Radka Piro (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Say What?: How We Communicate - A Nonfiction Picture Book About Speech, Gestures & Social Skills for Kids

How do we express ourselves without saying a word? Why do we only understand some facial expressions? Say What?: How We Communicate is a vibrant nonfiction picture book for kids ages 9-12 that explores the fascinating world of human communication--from speech and gestures to digital messages and emotional cues.

With bold illustrations and engaging facts, this book dives into the many ways people connect across cultures, time, and technology. Kids will learn about body language, facial expressions, touch, writing, symbols, and even the internet--plus discover a whimsically illustrated timeline of mass communication. Designed to spark curiosity and build emotional intelligence, this book is perfect for classrooms, homeschool, and thoughtful bedtime reading.

Whether your child is chatty or quiet, this book helps them understand how communication works--and how to use it to build better relationships.

• STEM + SEL Learning - Combines science and social-emotional learning in a fun, accessible format.


• Inclusive & Engaging - Covers diverse communication styles across cultures and abilities.


• Visual Learning Tools - Features speech bubbles, labels, and a timeline to support comprehension.


• Award-Winning Illustration - Charlotte Molas's bold, colorful art brings every concept to life.


• Perfect for Home, School, or Therapy Settings - A valuable resource for teaching empathy, expression, and connection.

For over 75 years, Albatros Media has been crafting original and innovative children's books that are both playful and educational, fostering curiosity and a thirst for knowledge in young minds. We deliver the highest quality children's books from novelty, picture, pop-up, and how-to books, to non-fiction, and fairy tale books.

Review Quotes

Selected for The Children's Book Council's May 2024 "Hot Off The Press" Reading List

"This book addresses an inclusive array of communication methods in a fun and accessible style for young readers. This book also includes a whimsically illustrated timeline of mass communication that is effective for teaching its history. The illustrations are bright and vivid. There are many colors throughout the comical and entertaining illustrations. The headings are bold and clear and the use of speech bubbles and labels makes this non-fiction book visually appealing. I liked everything about this book." --Nutan Mathew, Youth Services Book Review

"There's so much good information here, and it's in a very readable format that would be suitable for both elementary and middle school students. This would be great to use with students who struggle with various aspects of communication, but is also just a fun source of facts for general use." --Karen Yingling, YA Books Central

"Say What is a wonderful book on human communication. I appreciate that it discusses both the scientific and social ways that communication happens. With an abundance of informative content, this book would be great for readers of all ages." --Librarian, Nativity Prep Boston

"This is a book you could read all at once or in bits and pieces, gleaning new information each time. While the simple illustration style may be appealing to the very young, the content is aimed at more of a middle grade audience." --NetGalley-Reviewer

"Featuring eye-catching bold illustrations and loads of information on anything and everything you can think of related to communication, this one would be better for older kids. I love how broad the information is in this one!" --Picturebook Playdate, IG

About the Author

Radka Piro is a bookworm, a passionate traveler, and a creative storyteller. After studying foreign languages, she set out to explore the distant corners of the world and discover her true purpose. Now, she is a successful writer and editor, based in the Czech Republic.

Charlotte Molas is an illustrator whose work is characterized by its elegant, colorful graphic writing, infused with humor and lightness. After studying marketing and visual communication, she joined L'école Corvisart in the illustration department. She now works for a press, creates textile collections, and collaborates with brands and various institutions. She is based between Paris and Biarritz.