Jamie Lee Curtis

Author Jamie Lee Curtis offers a celebration of words in this rhyming picture-book, which also functions as a confidence booster for young children. "I know some Big Words. / I'll teach them to you. / Although you are small, / you can use Big Words too." So begins the rollicking text, which introduces concepts ranging from "stupendous" to "inappropriate." In the end, however, the biggest words of all - Family, Respect and Love - aren't necessarily the longest...

Big Words for Little People is show more the second picture-book I have read from celebrity author Jamie Lee Curtis and illustrator Laura Cornell - the first was I'm Gonna Like Me - and of the two, it is definitely the one I prefer. Although there were a few awkward moments, where I felt the word order of specific sentences was juggled, in order to shoehorn in a rhyme, overall I thought the text scanned well. I also appreciated the fact that the message of affirmation here wasn't quite as blatant as in that earlier title. The illustrations are colorful and full of energy, with lots of amusing little details - the little bits of writing on books and other objects in the paintings - that add to the fun. Recommended to anyone looking for picture-books that build vocabulary. Perhaps to be paired with one of the Fancy Nancy books, which also work to introduce children to a wider lexicon...? show less

I loved this book but there were a few things that I disliked. As I began to read, I immediately thought, “Wow! Every child can relate to this book!” But as I flipped the pages, I realized, “No, I can only relate to it.” Now with that said, the text is very cute. For example on page one it says, “The first time I rode a two-wheeler alone, I crashed and my mom filmed it on her iPhone. I crashed and I crashed. Dad ran out of steam.” Now as the story goes on, Frankie talks about all show more of her “firsts.” Now in those “firsts,” IPhones, dogs, two parents, dance class, etc., were mentioned. Now, I was raised in a middle class family so dogs, iPhones, dance, etc., were things that I could relate to but most children are not exposed to such luxuries. I also realized that there was only one character of color and he was only shown on one page. This makes the story extremely not relatable because people tend to only truly enjoy books that they feel are written about them. But, with those considerations aside, I really enjoyed the illustrations and text of the book. The book is very vibrant and humorous. It is a page-turner; as a reader, you are constantly wondering what Frankie is going to get into next. The message of the book is to always try new things, even if they scare you. Life is a one big learning experience! ☺ show less

"I'm gonna like me / when I jump out of bed, / from my giant big toe / to the braids on my head." So begins the sing-songy narrative of this affirmational picture-book from celebrity author Jamie Lee Curtis, which encourages the child reader to like him or herself, even when (inevitably) mistakes are made. The rollicking rhymes, in which a boy and girl alternate sharing how they like themselves, are paired with bright artwork from illustrator Laura Cornell, who has worked on a number of show more other picture-books with Curtis.

I was of two minds, when it came to reacting to I'm Gonna Like Me: Letting Off a Little Self-Esteem. I'm always a little leery of celebrity-authored children's books, as I often feel that their publication owes far more to the fame of the author, than to any merit in the story. I'm also wary of the seemingly inescapable self-esteem narrative that one sees everywhere, in books for the young, as I feel it often prioritizes feeling over reason and ethics. All that said, although I was largely indifferent to both text and artwork here, I can't say there was anything particularly wrong with them. The rhyming text reads well enough, and the colorful artwork is energetic and attention-grabbing - both factors that contribute to the making of a good story-time selection. The message is anodyne - not quite as narcissistic feeling as some others (I'm looking at you, I Like Myself!), but not particularly powerful or inspiring either. A happy book - which is perfectly fine, even if it didn't make me especially happy.

In short: tastes vary (as do views on the matter of inculcating self esteem!), so if you're in the market for upbeat self affirmation, this might be the one for you... show less

Today I Feel Silly & Other Moods That Make My Day by Jamie Lee Curtis is a fun book to read. The story sends out a message that it is normal to experience good moods and bad moods. The last page of the story says it all. It states “I’d rather feel silly, excited, or glad than cranky or grumpy, discouraged or sad. But moods are just something that happen each day. Whatever I’m feeling inside is okay.”

My favorite part of the book was the fact that the text rhymed and flowed; it was show more almost as if I was singing the words in my head. I think children would love reading this book out loud.

The pictures are very comical. On the page where the young girl is angry at her friends, her red face takes up two pages and it looks like she is going to explode. We all feel crazy like this sometimes, and it is funny to see how dramatic we can be about it.

I also appreciated that this book included an array of moods and reasons why the narrator felt them. Young readers could learn why some days they feel different than other days. Emotions are a huge part of life and I like that there is a children’s book about them. show less