Rated 4.85 · 391 reviews
New York Times Bestseller
What Can I Say? — A Kid's Guide to Real Social Skills
Written by beloved author Catherine Newman, this warm and witty guide gives kids actual words for the moments that leave everyone speechless.
- The exact words — not just “be kind”
- Ages 6–12, loved by the whole family
- Recommended by school counselors & therapists
- Funny enough to read, useful enough to keep
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Not just “use your words” — the actual words
Most books tell kids to “use your words” — without ever saying which ones. What Can I Say? gives kids the exact phrases for the moments that leave them — and their parents — completely stumped. From standing up to a bully to comforting a friend who’s hurting, the words are right there on the page.
The counselor’s secret, at home
School counselors have been quietly recommending this book since it launched — because it works. Now you can bring those same tools home. Real situations, the exact scripts for them, and the gentle confidence that comes from knowing what to say.
Made for today’s kids
Honest, funny, and genuinely useful — this book speaks to kids the way they actually think. No lectures. No platitudes. Just warm, practical guidance wrapped in Catherine Newman’s signature humor, for the moments kids face every single day.
The book kids actually read
Short chapters, illustrated pages, and scenarios kids recognize make What Can I Say? the rare book your child will pick up on their own — and quote back to you at dinner.
What parents are saying
4.85
Based on 391 reviews
Real families, real words.
391 parents have told us what they think. Here’s a few of them.
Sarah M.,
34
Verified Buyer
We bought this for our 6-year-old who was struggling with a friend situation at school. She read the whole thing in one afternoon and has quoted it back to us three times since. Genuinely the most useful thing we’ve bought for her this year.
Grace L.,
37
Verified Buyer
My daughter and I read a few pages together most nights now. The difference is real — last week she told me “I need a minute to calm down” instead of slamming her door. I didn’t teach her that. The book did.
Jenna T.,
41
Verified Buyer
Catherine Newman just gets kids. This book is funny, real, and actually helpful — not preachy at all. My daughter asked if she could bring it to school to show her friends. We ended up buying two more copies as birthday gifts.
Hannah B.,
39
Verified Buyer
My son shuts down the second anything “feelings” comes up. But he actually points out the situations in this book and asks me what he’s supposed to say. He even coached his little sister at dinner. Did not expect that from him.
Marcus & Kids,
38
Verified Buyer
Bought one for each of my boys after our oldest had a rough week. The scripts for handling mean comments alone are worth the price. I’ve already recommended it to three other parents at pickup.
Renee K.,
42
Verified Buyer
Our girl had a rough run with friendships this year and didn’t have the words for any of it. This gave them to her — and honestly to me too. She actually asks to read it.
Priya R.,
45
Verified Buyer
As a school counselor I’ve been recommending this book to families for two years. I finally ordered copies for our school library. The kids who need it most are always the ones who connect with it fastest.
What their kids are saying now
The messages parents share with us after their kids find the words.
Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about our products, shipping, returns, and more.
What ages is this book for?
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What Can I Say? is written for kids ages 6–12, though many parents tell us younger children love it with a grown-up, and teens find it surprisingly useful too. Catherine Newman’s writing is warm and funny enough for the whole family.
Who is Catherine Newman?
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Catherine Newman is a bestselling author and longtime writer on family and growing up, known for her warm, funny, refreshingly honest voice. What Can I Say? distills years of answering kids' and parents' real questions into one genuinely useful book.
How long does shipping take?
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We offer worldwide shipping. Orders ship within 1–3 business days. Standard delivery arrives in 7–10 business days. Free standard shipping applies automatically to all orders. Expedited options are available at checkout.
What’s your return policy?
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We offer a full 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied for any reason, reach out to us at readbloomly@mail.com and we’ll process a full refund — no return shipping required.