Kirkus Reviews QR Code
STROLL AND WALK, BABBLE AND TALK by Brian P. Cleary

STROLL AND WALK, BABBLE AND TALK

More about Synonyms

by Brian P. Cleary & illustrated by Brian Gable

Pub Date: Oct. 1st, 2008
ISBN: 978-0-8225-7850-5
Publisher: Millbrook

The latest in the popular Words are Categorical series expands upon the previous Pitch and Throw, Grasp and Know: What Is a Synonym? (2005). While the first explained that synonyms help writers to be more exact and less repetitious, this title emphasizes the larger number of words writers can choose from if they use synonyms: “So pick among difficult, hard, or demanding. / It needn’t be frightening or scary. / Synonyms can help you to get or procure / a mighty big vocabulary.” The multicolored synonyms easily stand out from the black text, while the illustrations provide the context clues readers need to discern their meanings. Gable’s cast of cats will capture readers’ attention as they zanily exemplify the synonyms. When combined with Cleary’s verse (which rollicks and lumbers in equal measure), this makes an amusing read-aloud for school audiences. It’s no wonder that teachers turn to this series—it’s learning disguised as entertainment. (Informational picture book. 7-11)