Synopses & Reviews
Michael loves interesting words (hard words like ELASTIC, little words like VAST, and big words like SMITHEREENS) and is always on the lookout for words to collect. Then one day, he picks up a new word. A bad word. An inappropriate word. At least, thats what his friend says. But Michael kind of likes the word. He thinks he might try it out.
At school.
Bad idea.
Review
A New York Times Editor's Choice
"Tobin's story celebrates language, whether the words are good, bad or just plain fun." --The New York Times
"Exaggerated cartoony fun on a mostly untouched topic—its pretty @#*! good." -- BCCB
"The only problem with this book will be in trying to keep children from sharing their own inappropriate words." -- School Library Journal
"[Tobin and Coverly] prove once again that a low-key reportorial style and perpetually surprised-looking characters are a great combination."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
Praise for Sue MacDonald Had a Book:
“The ink-and-watercolor pictures will hook kids with the adventure scenarios, the warm feelings, and the simple, chanting text, which includes a question-answer refrain. An obvious choice for classroom sharing, this will make an energetic read-aloud in any setting.” —Booklist
“The cartoony illustrations and smart verse make for an engaging read-aloud—or sing-along.” —Publishers Weekly
“This lively grammar-related adventure is a sing-along. . . . Done in vivid colors, the ink-and-watercolor illustrations feature high-energy cartoon figures. . . . This educational romp . . . is a strong choice for classroom and library collections.” —School Library Journal
“A fun-filled way to introduce and emphasize vowel sounds, this is particularly well-suited for use in the classroom or for a parent/child sing-along.” —Kirkus Reviews
Review
"[Tobin and Coverly] prove once again that a low-key reportorial style and perpetually surprised-looking characters are a great combination."--Publishers Weekly, starred review
Praise for Sue MacDonald Had a Book:
“The ink-and-watercolor pictures will hook kids with the adventure scenarios, the warm feelings, and the simple, chanting text, which includes a question-answer refrain. An obvious choice for classroom sharing, this will make an energetic read-aloud in any setting.” —Booklist
“The cartoony illustrations and smart verse make for an engaging read-aloud—or sing-along.” —Publishers Weekly
“This lively grammar-related adventure is a sing-along. . . . Done in vivid colors, the ink-and-watercolor illustrations feature high-energy cartoon figures. . . . This educational romp . . . is a strong choice for classroom and library collections.” —School Library Journal
“A fun-filled way to introduce and emphasize vowel sounds, this is particularly well-suited for use in the classroom or for a parent/child sing-along.” —Kirkus Reviews
About the Author
JIM TOBIN is an award-winning biographer and the author of Ernie Pyles War and To Conquer the Air. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
DAVE COVERLY is a nationally syndicated cartoonist whose Speed Bump cartoons appear in more than 200 newspapers, including The Washington Post, the Chicago Tribune, and Parade magazine. He lives in Ann Arbor, Michigan.