When the Stammer Came to Stay

“[A] hopeful and powerful new book.” – The Bookseller

“Bears the lyrical and storytelling hallmark of O’Farrell’s best writing.” – Irish Independent

“Will bring comfort to anyone who has struggled to find their voice.” - The Accrington Observer

“This heartwarming book – with gorgeous illustrations by Daniela JaglenkaTerrazzini that bring to mind the classic drawings by Shirley Hughes – ends on a positive message for young children: about looking for the good that happens in your life without you noticing.” – The Independent, Books of the Month

“A poignant tale of two sisters striving to live alongside their demons, and the transformative power of acceptance, of your loved ones, and of yourself.” – Juno

“An uplifting story drawn from Maggie O’Farrell’s own experience of stammering.” – Sainsbury’s Magazine

“A touching, beautifully written story which will resonate with readers well beyond its target age group of five-plus.” – The Telegraph

“Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini’s superlative illustrations combine watercolour delicacy with saturated colour, evoking the richness of a safe, loving home.” – The Guardian

“When the Stammer Came to Stay is a book about stammering, but it is also a book about love, kindness and sensitivity. […] It is one of those rare books that leaves a warm feeling, and for some it might just go a little further and leave a better understanding of stammering, and an idea of how to achieve a positive outlook in life.” – STAMMA British Stammering Association

“O’Farrell’s narrative provides comfort and understanding to children who stammer, encouraging empathy and support from those around them.” – Children's Books Ireland

“A lovely book that thoughtfully examines what it’s like to have a stammer, and the ways other people might misunderstand it.” – Inclusive Books for Children
Magazine

Bank Street College Best Children’s Book of the Year 2025

Min’s face turned hot as she tried to take charge of her voice. She was horribly aware of everyone staring at her, waiting for her to finish what she was saying… She couldn’t let them know that she could no longer speak.

From Maggie O'Farrell, the multi award-winning author of Hamnet, and the stunning imagination of Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini, comes a hopeful and powerful new book, based on Maggie's own experience on living with a stammer.

Sisters Bea and Min couldn't be any more different – Bea is neat and tidy; Min is messy and mucky. Together, they are a perfect pair because Min loves to chat and Bea loves to listen. And in their happy differences, they share the attic room at the top of their very tall, narrow house. Then, one day, as Min is chatting, her tongue feels suddenly locked. The words forming in her mouth never make it out. Some days later, still struggling to speak, she sees the most extraordinary thing at her shoulder in a mirror ... a creature, a thing, seizing the words as they rise to her lips, and cramming them into its mouth…

Min continues to struggle with her stammer – how can she truly be herself, when she cannot do what she loves most: chat! Bea is the only one who truly sees, and understands, her. Together, they go on a journey of discovery – what IS this creature? – and they find not quite a solution, but a way to make peace with themselves and to love and embrace what makes each of them different.

- The third book in a trilogy of modern fairy tales by Maggie O'Farrell and Daniela Jaglenka Terrazzini featuring children with real life problems and the mythical creatures that attend to them.
- Look out for Where Snow Angels Go and The Boy who Lost His Spark.
- An ideal Christmas gift and a truly enchanting read.
- Perfect for children aged 5-8 with themes of self-confidence, anxiety, stammering, sisterhood, myth and folklore.