Review: The Dictionary Story by Oliver Jeffers and Sam Winston #childrensfiction # dictionaries #animals #funny #words

 Synopsis: 

Dictionary is filled with all the words that ever existed, but can she find a way to bring them to life?

My review:

As a reviewer, I read tons of stories and books.  I grew up with a dictionary at the ready to look up words I did not know. Of course now, we have Google but a dictionary can be just as valuable, which is why I picked up this book. The title intrigued me.

The story is about a dictionary. I suppose that is a no brainier since it is in the title and the synopsis. However, in this case, dictionary wanted more out of her life. Side note: I did not know dictionaries were "hers" but good to know. As her pages begin with "A" you expect to see things in alphabetical order. SPOILER ALERT: You do!

That is where it begins as dictionary is thinking about how to have a story like the other books. Essentially, she is bored, but that is in "B" so I am getting ahead of myself here. Anyway, alligator gets hungry and that is where the story truly begins. His pursuit of food causes all sorts of chaos. What is a dictionary to do?

I chortled (a good "C" word) as everything came to life and the alphabet and dictionary herself became one big mess. Oh, did she really want this? Well, no.

The story did go right on through "Z" but got straightened out in the end. Funny how it all happened but of course, I cannot reveal that. Read her! 

If I was to say anything to the authors that helped the dictionary tell her story, I would say, maybe she should have used the "T" word "tape" and things would have been okay. 

This book gets a big 5 "S" word "STARS" from me!

Disclosure: I picked up a copy of this from my local "L" library. The views expressed here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. ~Michelle, Reading Authors Network

Where to find the authors:

AMAZON

#Review: The Young Activist's Dictionary of Social Justice by Ryse Tottingham #socialjustice #tolerance #Childrensnonfiction #childadvocates #dictionary #anti-racism, #lbtq

About the book:

This essential new resource is packed with easily understandable definitions of timely concepts. Each beautifully designed spread represents a letter and provides concise, age-appropriate definitions, with subject matter spanning issues like racial justice, climate change, gender equality, LGBTQ+ rights, income disparity, voter engagement, and immigration.

My Review:

This has to be one of the most interesting book reviews I have ever done. The reason is, this book is essentially a dictionary, but not just any dictionary. This is a book of terms that are now used in the 21st century. 

Designed in A-Z format, the terms are laid out clear and concise. The terms are great information for any child, and for that matter adult, to understand. The terms are accurate for today.

In addition, there are 15 side page illustrations that feature a prominent person throughout history that has advocated for justice as a young child. I found these to be helpful and great to coincide with different dictionary terms and corrects some history that had been previously altered.

I recommend this book as an addition to all classrooms and homes.

5 stars.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher. The views here are 100% my own and may differ from yours. NOTE:I am aware of others opinions on different subjects presented in this book. I review books based on the work, not on societal opinions. It is horrible that I must put this caveat to my review but if you  leave any kind of hatred or bullying messages, I will remove them promptly and report you.

~Michelle, Reading Authors Network