Finn and his River of Words: A Children's Picture Book About Stammering and Stuttering for Kids Ages 5-9
Paperback
Series: Built for Big Things
Publisher: Independently Published
Published: Jun 16 2026
Pages: 30
Weight: 0.21
Height: 0.08 Width: 8.50 Depth: 8.50
Language: English
Reviewed by STAMMA, the British Stammering Association - scored 10 out of 10 and added to their recommended booklist for parents.
Stammering isn't portrayed as something to be fixed, but instead is acknowledged as Finn's experience of communicating... a reassuring and supportive resource to share with young children who may stammer or know someone who stammers.
Finn always knows exactly what he wants to say. The words just take the scenic route.
A Built for Big Things book.
Finn knows everything about rivers - where the kingfisher perches, which stones the sticklebacks hide behind, and every mossy crack in the old stone bridge. Inside his head, stories rush and sparkle like water. But Finn's words are a river with stones in it: sometimes they glide, and sometimes they b-b-bump. After one terrible show-and-tell, Finn decides talking simply isn't worth it.
Then, at the water's edge, Mum shows him the truth about rivers: the stones don't stop them. And a kind speech therapist shares her favourite secret - it's called a stammer, it isn't his fault, and the goal was never to make the stones disappear. It's to say every single thing he wants to say - stones and all.
A warm, gentle picture book about stammering and the quiet courage of taking all the time you need - for every child whose words bump, and for everyone who loves them. Finn and his River of Words also gently shows grown-ups the kindest thing a listener can do: wait.
Inside you'll find:
- A warm, affirming story about stammering, confidence, and being heard
- Beautiful, full-page illustrations on every spread
- A My River Map activity, plus a Good Listener Card children can give their friends
- A short note for grown-ups with caring, practical guidance
Perfect for ages 5-9, for classrooms and bedtime, and a thoughtful gift for any child finding their voice.
The stones are part of the song.
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