Big Words for Little Geniuses



Last updated Tuesday, December 29, 2020

Author: Susan Patterson and James Patterson
Illustrator: Hsinping Pan
Date of Publication: 2017
ISBN: 0316502936
Grade Level: Kindergarten    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Sep. 2020

Synopsis: Filled with amazing A-to-Z art, this clever New York Times bestselling picture book by James and Susan Patterson includes sophisticated words and definitions for clever children to learn. This is the perfect gift for the little ones in your life with "bibliomania," who will appreciate the "juxtaposition" of impressive words and bright, beautiful illustrations. Includes a list of extra words in the back for further learning.

Note to readers:
•  An alphabet book with a focus on big fun and unusual words. Each page focuses on letter in the alphabet and features a longer than usual word with an accompanying description. Some words provide a fun challenge in pronunciation.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  This is the kids' first year in school. What do they like best about school? What do the kids see on the first page? Ask the kids to recite their ABCs.

Vocabulary

•  Crooked - bent or twisted out of shape; not straight
•  Delightful - very pleasant, happy, and/or lovely
•  Enchanting - charming or attractive
•  Goofy - silly
•  Goose bumps - when you feel cold, fear or excitement in your skin that it causes the hairs to raise

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Identify what kids see in the illustrations. What animals do they see? What colors do they see? what are the animals doing? What are the people doing?
•  Which is the most fun word to say?

Craft ideas:
•  Choose a letter. Draw pictures of all the words that start with that letter. Example: select the letter H, draw a Heart, Hat, Hammer, House, Horse, etc. Help the kids think of more words that start with an H.
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/september-2020-back-to-school-fun/

Special activities:
•  Choose a letter. Draw pictures of all the words that start with that letter. Example: select the letter H, draw a Heart, Hat, Hammer, House, Horse, etc. Help the kids think of more words that start with an H.

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!