Simon and Schuster

The Great Dictionary Caper by Judy Sierra, illustrated by Eric Comstock

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Published by Simon and Schuster

Image result for great dictionary caper sierra amazon

Image result for great dictionary caper sierra amazon

Summary:  When the words in a dictionary get bored, they decide to have a parade.  There’s the onomatopoeia marching band (“Clang”, “Crash”, “Boom”), the showy action verbs who jump and spin, and the palindrome family reunion, featuring Mom, Dad, and Bob.  When non-rhyming words angry and orange feel left out, and unruly interjections keep interrupting, Noah Webster has no choice but to herd all the words back into his dictionary.  Words can spin out of control, Mr. Webster says, and Mr. Roget has no choice but to agree (“Yes. True. Verily”).  Includes a glossary that defines all the different categories of words.  40 pages; grades 1-4.

Pros:  Teachers will find a wealth of information about words presented in a fun way that will have kids thinking up their own examples.

Cons:  Without some adult assistance, this book may not be too engaging to kids.

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The Idea Jar by Adam Lehrhaupt, illustrated by Deb Pilutti

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Published by Simon and Schuster

Image result for idea jar lehrhaupt amazon

Image result for idea jar lehrhaupt amazon

Summary:  “This is my teacher’s Idea Jar.  We keep our story ideas in it.”  The narrator explains how ideas can be about anything.  They can be used to create stories that are told, drawn, or written down.  There’s no such thing as a bad story idea.  But if the ideas stay in the jar, they can get bored and rowdy.  So it’s important to keep them under control by using them in stories, where they want to be.  On the last few pages, the class works together, starting with one idea, then weaving in others to create one big story.  40 pages; ages 4-8.

Pros:  The story jar is sure to find a home in many classrooms.  This would be a good read-aloud to encourage young writers.

Cons:  It looks so easy…just pick an idea, and you will be able to create a story.

If you would like to buy this book on Amazon, click here.

The Big Umbrella by Amy June Bates and Juniper Bates

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Published by Simon and Schuster

Image result for big umbrella bates amazon

Image result for big umbrella bates amazon

Summary:  A child in a yellow slicker takes a big, friendly red umbrella out on a rainy day.  This umbrella helps everyone stay dry, no matter if they are tall, hairy, plaid, or have four legs.  It likes to gather people (and other creatures) in and give them shelter.  “Some people worry that there won’t be enough room under the big umbrella.  But the amazing thing is, there is always room.”  On the final page, the sun has come out, and the umbrella has expanded to cover an entire park.  40 pages; ages 4 to those old enough to serve in the United States Congress.

Pros:  The illustrations are charming and show a wide diversity of humans and other living things; the message could lead to some interesting discussions for all ages.

Cons:  Maybe back matter would take away the opportunity for discussion, but I couldn’t help thinking there could be some good resources after the story.  Also, it was written by a mother and her 7th-grader daughter; I would like to know how they got the idea and carried it out.

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Every Color Soup by Jorey Hurley

~ Janet Dawson ~ Leave a comment

Published by Simon and Schuster

Summary:  Each two-page spread has the name of a color and an ingredient for soup that is that color.  Most are vegetables, but there is also white salt, black pepper, and clear water (or broth).  The last few pages are action words: chop, drop, and bubble; the final page shows a bowl of soup and the word “yum”.  Includes a page identifying all the ingredients and a recipe.  40 pages; ages 3-7.

Pros:  Like a good soup, this book is simple yet satisfying, with large colorful illustrations that would look nice hanging on my kitchen wall.  The vivid designs with plenty of white space make this a good introduction to colors and vegetables for the youngest readers.

Cons:  Is clear a color?

If you would like to buy this book on Amazon, click here.