December 1, 2008
Grades 2-4 As in Clearys Pitch and Throw, Grasp and Know (2005), his latest title in the Words Are Categorical series shows the fun of words with light nonsense rhymes and color cartoons of animal characters that brag and boast, lie and deceive. Kids will chuckle as they read at home and in writing classes, however difficult or demanding the scenarios. With all the slapstick fun, the pages show and tell about shades of meaning and the importance of choosing just the right word. There are real differences between warm, hot, and steaming, and the choices make the story. The message is that the best words matter, and that paying careful attention to exactly what you say lets you speak and write with power.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2009
Cleary provides another introduction to synonyms ([cf2]Pitch and Throw, Grasp and Know[cf1]), supplying a range of examples paired with humorous illustrations of cartoony cats. The brief rhyming text offers plenty of "alternatives, substitutes, choices" to create a starting point for discussions, though the frantic presentation is a lot to take.
(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)