Review by Booklist Review
Gr. 3-5. In a picture book in verse for the language arts curriculum, Heller explores types of nouns: common, proper, abstract, concrete, compound, collective, singular, plural, and possessive. About half of the book deals with forming plurals. Although the rhyme sometimes seems to dictate the sense and the rhythm occasionally staggers, Heller's text offers many examples of various types of nouns. Its lush, exuberant full-color artwork will grab kids' attention, even if they're sitting at the back of the classroom. While not a primary source for teaching the subject, the book can be used as a pleasant review at the end of the unit. ~--Carolyn Phelan
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
To say that Heller has a way with words is to understate a multifaceted talent. In her previous books on language, her spirited verse and vibrantly hued pictures have provided lively lessons on the meaning of collective nouns, verbs and adjectives. Here, she examines nouns of all kinds: common and proper, abstract and concrete, compound, collective, singular and plural. The rhymed text of this book is as witty and smooth as its predecessors. Heller's vivid illustrations include a scaly, purple-tongued dragon; armored knights on horseback; a quartet of carousel animals; and a spectrum of fish, fruits and flowers. Intricate background patterns and designs further enrich many of the pages. Rarely does a book offer children so much to look at, listen to and learn. Ages 6-up. (Nov.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 6-- Nouns of all kinds are the subject of Heller's latest in her series of books on parts of speech. Common, proper, abstract, concrete, compound, and collective nouns are all defined and shown by example in usually lilting verse. Singular, plural, and possessive forms of nouns are also thoroughly covered, and determiners are explained and demonstrated. The rhyme form is used with amazing skill but now and then seems forced as in, ``Nouns are highly effective./ The last kind of NOUN is . . . COLLECTIVE.'' How and why they work are not explained. Striking graphic design with large clear objects in bold colors overflowing each double-page spread make the book a visual treat. The use of bold type for all the nouns is particularly pleasing and will make for easy reading aloud. Heller's language books challenge users' creativity since the concepts are difficult for the picture-book format. Conversely, the verse and illustrations can delight very young children while older readers are sure to find the concise definitions clearer and certainly more entertaining than any grammar text. Those who have found the others in the series successful will want this one. --Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Trying to decipher the complexities of various types of nouns, with their sometimes illogical plural forms, can be frustrating, but Heller treats the process with elaborate playfulness. While the text will be helpful to children struggling with noun usage, the large, bountiful illustrations will appeal to everyone. From HORN BOOK 1990, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
Earlier, Heller has applied her unique flamboyant approach to verbs and adjectives; here, nouns are the subject of her deft, witty verse. With humor, style and succinct, admirable precision, she summarizes everything most people will ever need to know about this particular area of grammar. Gloriously colorful illustrations, as usual--though a final, unadorned page hints at editorial economy in the face of an unexpectedly long text. Still, a treasure. Copyright ©Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
