Big Words for Little People

Reviewed by Christina Wantz Fixemer
on 09/21/2008

Jamie Lee Curtis and Laura Cornell continue to offer darling books with deep meaning. Their latest, BIG WORDS FOR LITTLE PEOPLE, is yet another enjoyable installment. Although the phrasing is a little strained at times--to fit in some rhymes--the choice and explanation of each "big" word is nicely done. Cornell's trademark style once again illustrates the pages with sweet cacophony. In her drawings, she somehow manages to have a lot happening without overwhelming the senses.

I highly recommend this book for children with burgeoning vocabularies.

4.5 Books

In order to ILLUSTRATE my point about this book.
I've decided to write in a SIMILAR manner. Look:
My daughter and I read a lot TOGETHER.
Perhaps this one RUSHED by the author to get her
quota of titles by the PUBULISHER required,
and so the writing is backwards and UNINSPIRED.
The art is not bad and the ILLUSTRATOR I commend,
but my big word for this book is not RECOMMEND.

This book is great for little kids. Vocabulary building is very important with little children and this book introduced some we might not think to teach. But little kids are far more capable than most of us think. Great educational book for a kid. Fun pictures too.

There are lots of bad children's books out there, but the fact that this one got published actually made me mad. As others have noted, the grammar and cadence are very sloppy, and the "big" words are not new words for any 4-8 year old (e.g., "understand"? really?). We have been given several of Jamie Lee Curtis' books but have been disappointed by all of them. They feature characters who are simultaneously dealing with learning to tie shoes and crushes on teachers. So, is it for a first grader or a sixth grader? Anyway, save your money. If you want a book that stretches vocabulary, try the Fancy Nancy series.

Books for this age group have to entertain and look good or they will not get opened more the once. I need books my older children won't mind reading with the littlest one. This fits the bill. Clever, catching rhymes explaining the meaning of words, wonderful illustrations.

I saw recommendations for this book in a couple of places before reviewing the book for myself. It is well written and illustrated and would be appealing to young kids in early elementary school. It is written in a humorous way that introduces children to important words and concepts that they need to know to get along with others.

This book not only teaches our little ones some big words, but also some BIG values. We were very impressed by the book and the colorful illustrations kept my kids interested throughout the story!Mommy's High Heel Shoes

I bought this for my 21 month old granddaughter and it has become a DAILY favorite. What is interesting, is that I also bought a copy for my daughter's Pre-Kindergarten classroom (mixed 3 and 4 year olds) and although they enjoy the book, it has yet to become a favorite. However, my daughter enjoys it!

Very cute book. Bought for my 2-year old grandson. Think it would be better for a 3 or 4 year old. But feel he will grow into it. I love using good words with young children and this book is a good start.

Is Jaimie Lee Curtis published because she's good or because she's a celebrity? Half her books wouldn't have made it past the slush pile. Ms. Curtis, try submitting an unsolicited manuscript with a pseudonym. Take a look at what happens. It will be good for you to feel like the rest of the struggling writers who don't make it past the first reader because the author's name is not recognizable. Up for the challenge?

Despite all the good reviews, this book was the least favorite of my grandkids. There's just something that's not right, like a square peg in a round hole. Hard to describe its shortcomings but I think this book is destined to find its way into the donation pile.