OnlineBookClub.org

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Word Collector" by Evelyn Dunbar Webb.]

What happens when you have too many words, but you’re too shy to share them? Priscilla the ostrich faces this exact dilemma in Evelyn Dunbar Webb’s The Word Collector. This educational picture book is intended to teach kids aged six to nine about different types of words (nouns, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives) through Priscilla’s story. Priscilla writes down every new word she comes across, but she won’t use them – not even to speak! Will she ever learn to share the words she loves?

The pictures in this book were the first things to jump out at me. Matt Tyree’s illustrations are nothing short of adorable. All the characters in this book are birds, from penguins to quail to ibises, and they’re all drawn in a sweet cartoony style that’s sure to delight little kids.

The attention to detail is wonderful. In particular, I got a huge kick out of a portrait in the background of one scene that featured George Washington reimagined as a bald eagle! In addition, the lists of words Priscilla finds are not typed, but handwritten in a neat but natural script – a cute detail that adds a lot of visual interest to the pages.

The writing is simple and age-appropriate, though Priscilla’s handwritten words will definitely stretch the vocabulary of young readers. Words like ‘leprechaun’ and ‘legendary’ may lead to some trips to the dictionary. However, this higher-level vocabulary doesn’t impede understanding of the story at all, and I think confident readers could easily tackle this book on their own.

The best thing about this book, in my opinion, is the educational value. Not only will kids learn new vocabulary, but they’ll get a feel for different parts of speech through examples and repetition. Priscilla’s word lists are not random, but thematically related to what she’s doing at different points in the story. When she’s at the grocery store, she finds words like ‘bread,’ ‘bake,’ ‘carefully,’ and ‘sweet.’ It would be easy to encourage kids to join these related words together into sentences – a great classroom or homeschool activity.

There’s also a nice lesson about friendship and creativity towards the end of the book, when Priscilla receives encouragement to share the words she’s been holding in. She may inspire young readers to start collecting and sharing words of their own!

Overall, I was very pleased with this book. The illustrations are beautiful, the writing is age-appropriate, the educational value is huge, and the lessons are lovely. I can’t see any room for improvement here, so I’m happy to rate it 4 out of 4 stars. I highly recommend The Word Collector to parents, teachers, homeschoolers, and anyone who wants to inspire a love of words in their children.

******
The Word Collector
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

Like BookishCreature's review? Post a comment saying so!

It is obvious that you enjoyed reading and reviewing this book. The cover is awesome and I must admit I am tempted to read this book too! You have written a very thoughtful and insightful review. I learned the word 'leprechaun' from my daughter! Children pick some of these words from cartoons and easily relate to them. I had to go check the meaning of the word! Awesome review. Well done!

Neat. I don't ever remember a book teaching about the different types of words when I wss growing up. I love the thought. Thanks for another good review.

This sounds like a great book. Just based on the cover, I have to agree with you that the style of illustration seems really nice.

Thank you guys! I really enjoyed reviewing this one after a string of not-so-pleasant reviews.

Thanks for the review. You're right. The illustrations are adorable. What a great way to help young kids learn new words. Your review encouraged me to pick one up for my cousin's young daughter. Great review!

Awesome idea for a book. This book will be awesome in teaching kids about the vast world of words. Thanks for your review.

That is such a cute concept! I'm glad the illustrations hold up, too. I definitely hope my kids love words as much as I do; I'll have to keep this one in mind.

I can feel you! Sounds very interesting and enjoyable with learning. I think the kids will love it. The book is well illustrated and the story is eye catching. Neat review! Thank you.

Ooooh! I think my little daughter would love this one! She is almost seven, and c'mon, an ostrich!? How cute and original is that!?

Right?? I'm totally down for a world of bird people.

Great review! This is such an adorable book. I definitely see myself reading this to my son. It has a very good storyline and such an eye-catching cover.Thanks again for your review!

I love this book!

I loved your review, I guess I will get this book for my little niecey! I think its a great idea to widen childrens' vocabulary especially if they have fun while learning.

Great review! I love the concept of this book and I agree it is a good way for children to expand their vocabulary. Based on the cover, the illustrations are gorgeous.