New Picture Book Gets Kids Talking

Oliver Has Something to Say! (March 2007) is the debut picture book from Burlington, Ontario author, Pamela Edwards. During her years as an elementary school teacher Pamela met many children who, for various reasons, were not ready to talk in class. She created this comical, upbeat story to show little ones what a positive experience it can be to find your own voice.

People assume four-year old Oliver is shy, because every time he opens his mouth, his chatty parents and bossy sister talk for him. When he starts prekindergarten and is asked what he would like to do, at first the words don't come out. But once he realizes that this is his big chance to speak up, nothing can stop him!

Readers and listeners will identify with Oliver’s frustration at not being listened to, his well-meaning but overbearing family, his first-day-of-school nerves, and his elation at finally saying what he wants. Oliver will be a hero to children for overcoming his tongue-tied state and asserting his independence and status as a fully-fledged family member! The hilarious illustrations and playful refrain of “opening” and “closing” will lead to fun story times for all.

Here’s what educators are saying about Oliver Has Something to Say!:

“Wonderful … would be an easy way to teach quiet children that they have a right to share their thoughts and feelings … a meaningful story for not only kids, but their families too.” – Kathy Clarke, Principal, Park and Joseph Gibbons Public Schools (Ontario)

“The book is a delight … gives the reader or listener many opportunities to predict the outcome of each episode.” – Joan Thomas, Elementary School Teacher (Ontario)

Available this spring at kid-friendly bookstores, including Borders and Chapters locations,
and online at Amazon.

Oliver Has Something to Say!
Written by Pamela Edwards, Illustrated by Louis Pilon
Lobster Press • March • Ages 4 - 6 • 24 pages
978-1-897073-52-0 / hardcover with dust jacket / $16.95 US / $18.95 CAN

Also available in French: Les mots d’Oscar
978-2-922435-13-9 / paperback / $8.95 US / $10.95 CAN

If you would like to interview the author or receive a review copy of the book, contact Stephanie Hindley: marketing@lobsterpress.com • 514-904-1100, ext. 103.

About Lobster Press:
Lobster Press™ is a Montreal-based award-winning publisher for children, tweens, and teens. Lobster Press is distributed in Canada by University of Toronto Press and distributed in the U.S. by Perseus Distribution Services/CDS.

Lobster Press
1620 Sherbrooke Street West, Suites C & D
Montreal, Quebec H3H 1C9
www.lobsterpress.com

Contact: Stephanie Hindley
marketing@lobsterpress.com
T: 514-904-1100 ▪ F: 514-904-1101