If You Were an Adjective

September 1, 2006
Gr 1-3 -These concept books define the parts of speech and give examples of their usage. The examples are in capital letters and in a color different from the surrounding text. Bright acrylic illustrations will help younger children visualize each part of speech. They are full of movement and color and make the books inviting. These titles are excellent resources to use along with Ruth Heller -s books on the parts of speech. -"Lucinda Snyder Whitehurst, St. Christopher -s School, Richmond, VA"

Copyright 2006 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2006
Gr. 1-3. In this volume in the If You Were series, a picture-book format; vibrantly colored, full-page illustrations; and a whimsical layout combine to offer children an accessible introduction to grammar. Simple phrases, accompanied by striking, highly textured pictures of animals--from howler monkeys to Arctic foxes--demonstrate the use of adjectives. For example, following a brief definition of " noun," the text goes on to read, "An elephant is a noun. If you were an adjective, you would tell us about the elephant. The GRAY elephant is GIGANTICand WET." Comparative, proper, and superlative adjectives, printed in large, colorful display type, stand out from the main handprinted-style text. Though some additional explanation from an adult may be needed, the art is a delight, and the peppy prose and familiar examples will help the lesson slide down easily. An activity (find an adjective for each letter of child's name), a brief glossary, and a few additional resources, conclude.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)