I'm going to be brief today, folks. I have a whopping stack of students' papers to grade. I've been correcting grammar and style all morning.
Which brings me to today's Perfect Picture Book selection:
Title: BUT and FOR, YET and NOR: What is a Conjunction? (part of the "Words are CATegorical series)
Author: By Brian P. Cleary
Publisher: Lerner/Millbrook Press
(which just happens to be the fantastic publisher that's putting out my PB in 2015!)
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| Think he'll still be dancing when my book comes out in 2015?! |
Year: 2010
Ages: 4-9
Genre: Nonfiction, Rhyme
Subjects: Conjunctions, Grammar, Humor, Rhyme, Educational
Opening Line(s):
Conjunctions are connecting words
like but and and or or,
yet, until, unless, and as,
along with for and nor.
Why I chose this book: Well, I'm a bit of a grammarian. As an English teacher, I'd have to say that grammar usage among each year's incoming students seems to be on the decline. I'm also planning to teach an upcoming Grammar Groove course with Mira Reisberg at the Picture Book Academy, launching sometime in April or so. Good grammar is essential for children as they grow, because effectively communicating is so important—whether you're writing a story or writing up a birthday party invitation. And this book makes grammar GROOVY! It's hilarious!
Resources:
Brian P. Cleary has made my job easy. There are tons of resources and games for his Words are CATegorical series at his website, here: http://www.brianpcleary.com/words/index.html. Kids could probably poke around this site for hours.
Of course, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK! is a great grammar resource for additional lessons. You can find some of them at this site: http://www.sqooltools.com/edvideos/shr/master.html. These were childhood favorites of mine. I hope your children enjoy them, too!
Now, go have a great Friday. And don't forget to check out these other Perfect Picture Books at Susanna Leonard Hill's blog!
15 comments:
I agree with you, Miranda. The usage of correct grammar has declined, along with the use of beautiful, expressive language, thanks to the slang and texting craze. Sigh!
Thanks for sharing this book. I'd like to read it...and learn, too.
That's a great idea to teach in a fun way. I'm having enough trouble getting my son to write neatly and focus in class, he is always bringing work home. I wonder if there is a picture book on focusing hmm...
I'm intrigued to see the whole book. Does it have a story arc or is it a concept book? On a hunt now...
Reminds me of the old kids TV interlude...Conjunction Junction. But from your pic, you're probably to young to know it. *sigh* Thanks for the review!
Laura Anne - of COURSE I remember CONJUNCTION JUNCTION (and all of the Schoolhouse Rock songs). I mention them in the Resources part of this post.
Apparently, I look younger than I am. Hooray!
Jarm - Thanks for stopping by. And you're right about the expressive language. I think that could be why we're suddenly seeing an uptick of poetic picture books being bought by editors. What do you think?
Catherine - Great idea, a book about how to focus! If I had the answer...I'd write it. But I don't, so it's up to you!
Wendy - It does have funny, quirky characters and a little bit of a story arc. Not the same as most PBs, but it at least does tell somewhat of a story.
Sometimes I'm horrified at my daughter's use of grammar -- she was taught proper grammar as a child, but picked up some slang from friends as an adult. I cringe. Need to check out this book!
I just discovered this series and LOVE them.
I have always enjoyed learning grammar, in all languages. I know I'd enjoy this!
I've been interested in this book for some time, so thanks for the review. I love, LOVE grammar, but it's hard to get others to love it as much. I can't wait to start sharing this book with everyone.
Sounds like a great book, I am putting that on my list of PB to read. Congrats on your upcoming book with Milbrook. Can't wait to hear all the details!
I read the "Adjectives" one. They're GREAT helpers! :D
I'm all for a book that helps with grammar in a fun way! Thanks, Miranda
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