Krista Legge is a storyteller. As a special education teacher and behavior specialist, she has created many stories to help children with their social skills, behavior management, and social-emotional learning. Krista has always been a writer and recently started publishing her work. Her stories come from her experiences and from observing life around her. When she isn't working or writing, Krista loves spending time with her family. She's the mother of two fun and adorable children, who always give her new picture book ideas. Krista lives in Mount Sinai, New York.

Leila Nabih is a freelance illustrator based in the United Kingdom, with a great passion for visual storytelling. She loves to combine the whimsical beauty of flowers, gardens, and nature with the innocence and wonder of childhood, resulting in soft and timeless illustrations. From an early age, Leila has been fascinated by stories and the magic of bringing them to life through art. Whether working with colored pencils, pastels, or digital tools, she strives to add charm to every page so that the images speak for themselves. When she's not illustrating, Leila enjoys reading, baking, going on walks in nature, or playing video games with her son.

Well-paired prose and illustrations emphasize the power of words.

Camila, pale-skinned with large, red-framed glasses and long brown hair, has a unique gift: "She can see the effect of the words people speak." As she walks through her diverse community, she catches conversations. Joyous words shine and shimmer around friends, creating colorful bubbles of letters, flowers, and fanciful flying creatures. Garlands of positivity wrap around Camila. Although the words fade with time, a single red flower remains, reminding Camila of their positivity. But some words have the opposite effect and create very different images. Negative and hurtful words loom over speakers as large gray abstract monsters. Camila tries to get away from them, but the dark words cling to her like a shadow. In a dramatic full-page spread, the gray gloom of negative comments surrounds a despondent Camila. But, because Camila wants everyone to have beautiful words swirling around them, she becomes the change she wishes to see and starts complimenting those around her. Not only does she brighten the lives of her neighbors, she also revives her own positive energy. Whimsical cameo illustrations highlighted against a white background translate words into emotional images. Together, the text and visuals create a book that fosters quiet contemplation and discussion about both the positive and negative effects of words.

Gently encourages communication, reflection, and action.-- "Kirkus Reviews"

Publisher: Clavis Publishing

Pub date: 2026-05-19

Length: 32 pages