Ten-Word Tiny Tales of Love

Ages 7 to 10, Grades 2 to 5

From former UK Children's Laureate Joseph Coelho comes an extraordinary collection of tales—each one illustrated by a different artist, and each just ten words long.

Is it possible to tell a tale of love using just ten words? The answer is an enthusiastic yes. And when those words are joined by illustrations from twenty top creators, the results can be stunning. In this unique compendium designed to spark the imagination, Joseph Coelho brings us cherished moments between siblings, worlds where nature blooms and heals, touching tales of beloved pets, and more. Each ten-word tale has been paired with one of the finest illustrators working today, among them Jon Klassen, Jarvis, Bob Graham, Myo Yim, Victoria Turnbull, and Ken Wilson-Max. Together the words and pictures set up a space for creativity as young readers imagine how the story might unravel—and are inspired to pen a ten-word tiny tale of their own. Prefaced by a note from the author, and with two creative writing challenges at the back, this is the perfect gift for all those ready to unleash their imaginations.

With artwork from:

Katherine Child * Fruzsina Czech * Diane Ewen * Jim Field * Bob Graham * Katie May Green * Mini Grey * Mark Janssen * Jarvis * Baljinder Kaur * Heather Kilgour * Jon Klassen * Fiona Lumbers * Steve McCarthy * Rikin Parekh * Natalia Shaloshvili * Sydney Smith * Beth Suzanna * Victoria Turnbull * Ken Wilson-Max * Myo Yim

About the Author

Joseph Coelho, former UK Children’s Laureate, is an award-winning poet, playwright, and children’s book author who wrote this book’s companion title, Ten-Word Tiny Tales: To Inspire and Unsettle. His first poetry collection, Werewolf Club Rules, won the CLPE Poetry Award in 2015. His picture books include If All the World Were . . . , illustrated by Allison Colpoys, and Luna Loves Library Day, illustrated by Fiona Lumbers. He is also the author of the Fairy Tales Gone Bad trilogy, illustrated by Freya Hartas, and The Boy Lost in the Maze, illustrated by Kate Milner. Originally from London, Joseph Coelho now lives in Folkestone, England. Follow him on X @PoetryJoe and on Instagram @josephcoelhoauthor.