When the Stammer Came to Stay

This story follows two sisters with two very different personalities and a bond like no other. Bea is not much of a talker, likes to keep to herself and is a very tidy individual. Min on the other hand, loves to chat, to everyone about everything, and is a little messy. But one night when the sisters are playing a game with the rest of their household, Min finds she cannot quite get her words out. Readers follow Min as she navigates life with her new stammer, addressing themes of self-acceptance and resilience.

Terrazzini’s use of colour and texture in her illustrations captures the emotional journey of the characters, particularly the visualisation of Min’s stammer. Portraying the stammer by incorporating words into her illustrations, Terrazzini presents the stammer as a visible object that Min must confront. In doing so, readers see the importance pf understanding and supporting one another during hard times. The visual storytelling adds depth to the sisters’ experiences, making the struggles and triumphs of Min’s stammer tangible and relatable for young readers. These illustrations not only enhance the story but also provide a comforting visual landscape for exploring the themes of empathy, resilience and the power of understanding.

Exploring the theme of self-acceptance in the face of adversity, this book is suitable for all ages., particularly those age 8–10.