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.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed this book. It take everyday character words that are generally above our children's heads like celebrate, consequence, cooperate, persevere, and explains them in a very basic, easy-to-grasp way using rhyme.
This will be one that we read over and over and over again for a very long time.
The only thing I can say negative about this book, and it is SO teeeeeny and just a matter of preference, is that I wish they didn't use the word pee. They could have show more substituted "potty" or go "tee-tee" instead. Then again, I'm sure there are plenty out there who find pee less offensive than the options I suggested, which is why I say it is a matter of preference and definitely doesn't make or break for me :) show less

This is a super fun book that introduces kids to big words in a very approachable and relatable way! The story, along with the illustrations, are very thought provoking and can be used to teach a number of concepts (i.e. moral lesson, vocabulary building, spelling, etc.) The rhythmic pace is inviting and upbeat.