TARO GOMI'S BIG BOOK OF WORDS

Words are for learning, sharing, greeting, naming, and so much more.

Words abound in this homage to the complexities of language and communication. Accompanied by Gomi’s strikingly vibrant and cartoonish art, characters, animals, and objects are named and described, using intriguing, often humorous classifications. On a page titled “Here are some things you can’t see,” a series of square panels appear, including “gas.” A page labeled “Words for Storytelling” includes “I mean…” and “However…” A section devoted to names includes dozens of distinctive and expressive faces, spread across seven pages, each with its own moniker. Though at times section headings like “Words and Phrases To Use in Conversation” might make readers think they’re reading an English-as-a-second language textbook, overall, this is clearly lighthearted, whimsical fun—Gomi even devotes entire pages to an elephant and a cow. The author/illustrator imbues the book with complex and rich concepts, explaining at one point that we name things “in order to feel safe.” The inclusion of social-emotional terms, such as “thank you,” “you are a big help,” and “you’re doing great,” provide jumping-off points for discussions. The final page, which features “Words for Saying Goodbye,” features Japanese-language characters and an English-language key, offering bilingual opportunities for those who know both languages. Characters are mostly brown-skinned.

An unusual and illuminating introduction to language.