Breezier, Cheesier, Newest, and Bluest

February 15, 2013
Cleary and Gable, those relatively cool cats, continue their Words are CATegorical series with this entry about comparatives and superlatives. Taking comparatives and superlatives in turn, Cleary walks readers through the basic rule of adding -er/-est, then branches out to state that sometimes "more" or "most" is added at the front instead, and there are some words that have no set rules (good, bad, far). "Try taking a / describing word, / like bright. / Now add e-r. / You've made it a comparative / to name the brighter star." Gable's illustrations are the true stars here, his feline characters brimming with personality. The "brighter" spread features a sunglasses-clad, red-carpet star preening for a camera. The facing page shows the spotlights and cameras trained on a flashier diva, the original looking on in consternation. Bright backgrounds provide contrast for the cats' hues, while the comparatives and superlatives are printed in color, contrasting with the black text. While Cleary nails his rhythms and rhymes for the most part, the sheer implausibility and craziness of some of his choices (the "longest curl" on a cat?) may give readers pause and interrupt the flow. Too, readers will want to savor the zaniness introduced by Gable's pictures: "quietest" and "queasiest" sit side by side on a ride, the one a mime with a finger to his lips, the other a shocking shade of green. Perhaps not the best, but better than many grammar books--definitely one to check out. (grammar rules) (Informational picture book. 7-9)

COPYRIGHT(2013) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

March 15, 2013
Grades 2-4 Breezy is a good word for the newest book in the Words Are CATegorical series. Like its predecessors, it presents a quick grammar lesson through a fast-paced, rhyming text and witty, cartoon-style illustrations. The introductory page defines (in prose) the terms comparatives and superlatives. An appended page tells (in prose) how to form comparative and superlative adjectives. And in between come the rhyming verses, briefly explaining these parts of speech and providing the many examples that make the book relatively fun for students. Cleary's verse sets the tone, which seems intended to offer entertainment as well as instruction. A political cartoonist for The Globe and Mail, Gable creates energetic, comical scenes based on a few words; a cast of madcap, dressed-animal characters; and some unusual color combinations. A useful, amusing introduction.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)