Book review: Glen the Galloway Goat

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Sarah Moriarty from our volunteer team reviews a new children's book about a goat who builds confidence with his stammer. 

Glen the Galloway Goat is a new book for younger children by author Michael Howe. It's part of a wider series called 'Have You Seen?' that brings to life animals from different locations across Scotland. 

In this story, Glen is a goat who lives alone on top of the high hills of Galloway Park. Glen finds it difficult to be around other animals because he's worried about his stammer. Instead, he tries lots of different ways to "fix" his stammer in case the other animals think he is "weird".

Despite these initial negative references to his stammer, I was happy to see much more positive language about stammering used throughout the rest of the book. 

The snail lets Glen know that he will wait patiently for him to talk because what he says is important. A wonderful and important message.

Glen is able to overcome his fear of talking with the help of a friendly snail who lets Glen know that his voice is wonderful and describes his stammer as beautiful. The snail lets Glen know that he will wait patiently for him to talk because what he says is important. A wonderful and important message that is conveyed throughout the rest of the story. 

Aimed at younger children, I'd suggest 3 to 7 years, this book is a useful resource that raises awareness of the variety of ways in which we can talk. The story is supported by bright, colourful illustrations that would be especially appealing for a younger audience. 

It would also be a great tool for sharing with siblings or classmates of children who stammer and showing them ways they can support all children with speech, language and communication needs. For example, Snail demonstrates this by complementing Glen's communication, showing acceptance of his stammer and highlighting the importance of what Glen says, not how he says it. 

The book also includes fun facts about Galloway Park as well as interesting snippets about goats and snails that live there. I also recommend watching an accompanying YouTube video where the story is read by author Michael Howe.

Glen the Galloway Goat by Michael Howe is out now. Visit the Have You Seen? website, where you can buy a hard copy or e-book and see other books in the series. 

Thank you to Sarah Moriarty for reviewing the book. Sarah is the founder of SLCN Stories, a website sharing inclusive stories aimed at raising awareness and supporting children with speech, language and communication needs.