Book Details
Written by
Illustrated by
Genre
More details
See more book reviews

Big Words for Little People (by Jamie Lee Curtis)

common sense media says

Empowering words, spectacular artwork, stupendous concepts.

parents & educators say
See 1 review | Review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this is the 8th Book to Grow By created by the Jamie Lee Curtis/Laura Cornell team. All eight deal playfully and respectfully with some aspect of kid behavior. This one considers mostly behavioral kinds of words kids hear every day but may not understand.

Positive messages: The "big words" explored in this book are mainly words having to do with behavior, such as patience, persistence, cooperation, and consequences.The characters are a multicultural group, a family of very individual and expressive siblings.
Violence & scariness: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on Big Words for Little People

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about each "big word," from "stupendous" to "disgusting," what it means, when their kids may have heard it, and when anyone might want to use it. They definitely will want to enjoy, and talk about, the illustrations that go along with each new word. What are the kids doing that explains the word to you? Can you think of other things they might do to show the word in another way? Can you think of times in your life when you wanted "privacy," when things were "impossible," or you had to suffer a "consequence"? What things are "appropriate" for you? How about "inappropriate"? Why?

What's the story?

What's the story?
This creative, energetic group of kids, with their big orange tabby, wiry little dog, and rather patient pet goose, cavort through the pages, demonstrating just how fun, and empowering, it can be to use big words. Verging on the brink of pandemonium, scenes from their life burst with activity as each new word is presented in several lines of rhyming explanation. The final words in the book are not so big in size, but rather in importance -- family, respect, and love -- and they sum up the whole underlying tone of the book.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 
Laura Cornell's illustrations are outstanding, extraordinary, stupendous, and superb! Her amazingly detailed watercolor over pen and ink artwork is fascinating, and brings life to every single page. To say she has created a uniquely expressive family is an understatement. Just take a look at the dinner table scene: dressed in crowns and capes and outfits obviously of their own choosing, each kid is doing something other than sitting and quietly eating supper. Milk has been spilt, words are being spelled out in peas, balloons bounce around here and there. Yet the parents are smiling, and the dad even sports a button saying "Proud Father of BRILLIANCE!!!" This is a "celebration."

While the artwork masterfully sets a tone of acceptance and respect for the individual, the text, which is more an exploration than a story, shows how certain "big words" make expressing yourself more fun. Some of the examples are better than others. The pages about "persistence" and "patience" are much more positive than those that show the pink-faced little sister enduring the embarrassing "consequence" of being left in at recess for expoding her bubble gum in class. The attempt to rhyme the lines is uneven, and detracts at times from what is otherwise a very empowering and enjoyable book.

Book themes & details

Book Details
Author: Jamie Lee Curtis
Illustrator: Laura Cornell
Publisher: Joanna Cotler
Publication date: September 9, 2008
Number of pages: 40
Hardcover price: $16.99
Read Aloud: 4
Read Alone: 6
This review was written by Patricia Tauzer
 
 

Review It

 

Review Big Words for Little People

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

Most useful reviews by all members

pixelshannon
parent of 4 and 6 year old
3
 
Flag as inappropriate 
was this review useful?
helped me decide (9) | had useful details (9) | read my mind (9)

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you read Big Words for Little People?

Won't miss it
On the fence
No way

Already read it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more books
External sites
About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
Our child development rating guidelines