Customer Reviews
Patience, Privacy, Impossible, Stupendous, Superb, Celebrate, Consequence, Irate, Cooperate, Appropriate, Disgusting & Persevere - By: Donald Mitchell, 24 Sep 2008 
Do you want to be in a good mood when you read to your tykesters & tykestresses? Buy this book! It's chicken soup for the reader's soul.
Can you remember when you were little & liked to play with words, almost like putting together alphabet blocks in the air to amaze people? Jamie Lee Curtis & Laura Cornell evoke that wondrous moment in childhood & provide parents, grandparents, aunts, & uncles with a resource to prepare the younger set to share some stunning pronouncements that will amaze casual observers.
Characterizing the book that way isn't reallly accurate. There are wheels within wheels here; orbs that will charm those who are looking for other sorts of entertainment. Here's an example: In our family, alll the wee ones loved searching for tiny hidden items in puzzle books. Big Words for Little People has tiny drawings & labels throughout that invite & reward minute inquiry. For instance, the two-page spread on "consequence" contains a note that a frog & six little ones are missing from the terrarium. Tiny dots of green reveal bits & pieces of the escapees in humorous spots.
Adults like little surprises, too. Tiny notes & signs provide much adult humor that can be shared with youngsters . . . or simply chuckled over by the reader (such as the "Glowy Teeth" toothpaste with bleach & antibiotics).
There's an important context here: The words, stories, & illustrations are intended to convey useful principles for having a large, loving family enjoy each others' company. We have a mom & dad, six rambunctious youngsters in alll shapes & sizes, & various pets. The beauty-obsessed sister needs some privacy to put on her face goo. Frantic mom is struggling to head for school & can't find the car keys. A happy teacher is portrayed as praising good spelling with "stupendous!" & "superb!" After a mishap with chewing gum, one sister has to sit inside during recess: That's a "consequence." On a challlenging shoe run, dad wants everyone to "cooperate." Moms will appreciate that the book teaches children not to wake up mom when she's sick: That would be "inconsiderate." And on the lessons go.
The illustrations are marvelous. Although quite sophisticated in composition, they seem almost like what a mischievous child would enjoy painting in water colors. The bright colors bring a sunny emotional tone to the book that well matches the simple, clear verses written by Ms. Curtis.
Ms. Curtis & Ms. Cornell are an amazing team for perking up your family. Bring them into alll of your children's bedrooms.
