Laura Cornell

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

As someone working to get our three-year-old to say simple things like nipper and demon or dogs names, I look forward to the time of teaching big words. This does a fantastic job of showing big words and how they move into small words and how language allows one to share love and emotions. I love Jamie Lee Curtis, and almost everything she does and this is no exception.

Big Words for Little People is a fun and educating picture book that invites children to use big words in their everyday lives. Curtis uses rhyming verse to explain the meanings of big words, not only in size but also in meaning. Cornell’s illustrations and brightly colored letters help the reader understand not only new vocabulary words such as appropriate, considerate, and persevere, but also when readers may encounter them. This book would be a perfect edition in a classroom library, show more and very appropriate to begin a conversation on the use of vocabulary in writing. This would also be a great lead into a discussion about the lessons of love, respect, and family that are included in the book. show less

I love how it encourages children to not be afraid to learn new words and bolster their vocabulary at an early age.