One Little Word - Joseph Coelho - ★★★★.¼

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AUTHOR: Joseph Coelho
ILLUSTRATOR: Allison Colpoys
GENRE: Children's Picture Book
RATING: 4.25 stars.

In a Nutshell: A cute and meaningful picture book focussing on the power of one of the most important words in the English language: ‘Sorry.’


Written from the point of view of a little girl, the story tells us how, when her best friend and she yelled at each other on the playground, a huge ‘Argument’ (who looks like a giant purple monster) came and sat in between them. As they continued making faces and calling each other bad words (no bad word explicitly mentioned in the book – don’t worry!), the Argument grows and grows until it is gargantuan and they can’t even play properly because it has enveloped the whole playground and even stretched onto their other friends. However, when the emotions of the first two kids overwhelm them, a little ‘Sorry’ pops out, and all the friends realise that only a ‘Sorry‘ has the power to turn the giant Argument smaller.

The premise is absolutely simple and absolutely beautiful. Children don’t understand how arguments can escalate and spoil the day not just for them but even for those who weren’t directly involved in the fight. Picturing the argument as the purple Argument monster of this book will help them visualise the effect of arguments, and also see how the Argument monster relishes growing larger as the kids’ fights grow louder.

What I also enjoyed is how the message isn’t shoved into the kids’ minds. The importance of a ‘Sorry’ comes naturally in the flow of the story, and it isn’t forcibly reiterated. Also, the apologies are mutual, and we are never told who began the fight. This was the best part. After all, the one who continues the argument is as much at fault as the one who initiates it.

Joseph Coelho (UK’s Children's Laureate of 2022) is a poet, and though the book is written in simple prose, his lyrical phrasing is clearly visible in the text. I love his way of using adjectives to enhance the impact of the lines almost in a visual way. The font is also used to emphasise the words that create imagery.

The artwork is quirky and fun, and inclusive as well. The expressions of the kids and the Argument monster are fun to watch.

Overall, a funny story with a lovely message. Definitely recommended. The book will work well for readers aged 3-6.

My thanks to Quarto Publishing Group and NetGalley for the DRC of “One Little Word”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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