Education

Heidi Solomon-Orlick’s ‘I Have a Voice: A Book of Listening’ Inspires Confidence, Communication, and Courage

June 8, 2025

By: Donna A. Harper

Finding Power in Every Child’s Voice

As the world celebrates National Children’s Day—a day dedicated to recognizing the potential, creativity, and emotional depth of young minds—one debut picture book is gaining attention: I Have a Voice: A Book of Listening by business trailblazer turned children’s author Heidi Solomon-Orlick.

More than just a bedtime story, I Have a Voice is a beautifully illustrated, emotionally rich journey designed to help children connect with their feelings, trust their instincts, and explore the power of self-expression. It promotes the belief that every child’s voice matters—and with support, it can help shape the world.

A Magical Tale with a Transformational Message

At the center of the book is Victoria, a young girl who embarks on a thoughtful journey of self-awareness and emotional discovery, guided by her whimsical companion, Viktor the Voice Monster. As Victoria navigates the colorful world around her, she begins to honor her inner thoughts and gradually learns to speak her truth.

In a world where children can sometimes feel pressure to conform or remain silent, I Have a Voice offers a timely and meaningful message: it’s okay to speak up, it’s okay to feel, and it’s okay to be yourself.

“I wrote this book because I believe every child has a voice that deserves to be heard,” says Heidi Solomon-Orlick. “Sometimes it’s loud, sometimes it’s quiet—but it’s always there. Helping children trust their inner voice is a key step in becoming who they truly are.”

A Lifelong Advocate for Empowerment

Heidi Solomon-Orlick brings decades of leadership, advocacy, and communication experience to this project. With over 40 years in advertising, marketing, and sales, she is the Founder and CEO of GirlzWhoSell, a global organization dedicated to closing the gender gap in professional sales and supporting young women to lead boldly.

Her transition to children’s literature reflects a deep commitment to instilling courage, emotional intelligence, and authenticity from an early age.

A Tool for Parents, Teachers, and Counselors

I Have a Voice isn’t just a story—it’s also an interactive emotional development resource. The book includes five engaging worksheets that help children explore their feelings, identify their strengths, and practice mindful listening. These exercises make it an especially useful tool for:

Parents seeking deeper conversations with their children
Educators and school counselors promoting SEL (Social and Emotional Learning)
Caregivers who want to help children build confidence in a fun, relatable way

Whether read during circle time in classrooms or at bedtime at home, this story encourages important discussions about kindness, inclusion, bravery, and self-expression.

A Must-Read This National Children’s Day

As we celebrate this year’s theme, “Little Footsteps, Big Future,” Heidi’s debut reminds us that today’s children have the potential to become tomorrow’s changemakers. I Have a Voice is a heartfelt reminder to listen to, support, and uplift young voices in a world that could benefit from their contributions.

Consider giving the gift of self-belief and courage this Children’s Day. Let I Have a Voice be the inspiration that helps the child in your life realize: “My voice matters—and the world is better when I use it.”