Pitch and Throw, Grasp and Know

March 1, 2005
Gr 2-4 -With their comical cartoon characters and Seussian rhymes, Cleary and Gable have already claimed their niche for providing grammar instruction in a clear, lighthearted manner. Useful for introductory lessons on the topic, this book will help teachers to model better writing and to demonstrate the value of an expanded vocabulary. "Synonyms help us be less repetitious," chants Cleary, "by letting us choose between blue plates or dishes." Each page presents Gable's zany creatures immersed in a new adventure; synonyms are indicated in a common color that contrasts with the black text. While students may still struggle to come up with more original word choices of their own, this excellent text goes a long way toward establishing the importance of synonyms." -Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT"

Copyright 2005 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2005
Gr. 2-4. With a simple, silly rhyme and wild cartoon scenarios of animal characters in action, this picture book in the Words Are Categorical series shows and tells the meaning of synonyms. The lessons ("Synonyms help us to be more exact"), with synonyms highlighted in color, are illustrated with bright, farcical pictures: "Our fridge was raided or stormed or attacked" is accompanied by a cartoon showing three disappointed critters peering into an empty refrigerator. With the slapstick art enlivening things even more, this will be a fun read-aloud, and kids will certainly get the message that words are not boring.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2005, American Library Association.)

July 1, 2005
Grinning cartoon cats pose in silly scenes to illustrate the concept of synonyms. The jaunty text uses rhythmic verse to demonstrate similarities in word meanings. In the end readers may not be able to answer "What is a synonym? Do you know?" but will enjoy the lesson anyway.

(Copyright 2005 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)