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CM . . . . Volume XXII Number 28 . . . . March 25, 2016
excerpt:
Using these books to learn about figurative language will be as easy as pie for students. My only caution is that you may be opening a can of worms. After using these books, it may be when pigs fly before you get your students to stop figuratively speaking. But don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Try these books and enjoy the results. In case I haven't made myself clear, I like these books. The mix of cartoon-style illustrations and colourful photographs will appeal to students. The page layouts are attractive and nicely chunked to present the information in ways that are clear and accessible. The content will promote both creativity and critical thinking about the writing process. They are definite winners and worth adding to your library or literacy collection. Each book begins with a double page spread explaining what each figure of speech is. The difference between literal and figurative language is clarified. The books are then divided into four sections: "Figure It Out!", "Talk About It!", "Write About It!" and "Now It's Your Turn!" Also included in each book is an outline of the writing process using five steps: "Pre-writing", "Drafting", "Revising", "Editing", and "Publishing". Demonstrating the author's sense of humour, each description of the writing process is written using the figure of speech that is the focus of the book. For example, in Understanding Metaphors, Step 5 is "Publishing: Share your sweet work with family and friends. It's a piece of cake!" In Understanding Sayings, Step 5 is "Publishing: Share your good work with your family and friends. They will be all ears!" Each book begins with a Table of Contents and ends with sections for "Learning More", which includes print and digital resources, and a Glossary and Index. Understanding Metaphors helps students explain metaphors in poetry, song lyrics, novels, historical documents and speeches. An excerpt of a letter referring to the Underground Railroad clearly demonstrates how metaphors are used in historical documents. Understanding Personification looks at examples of how personification, attributing human qualities to an object or idea, is used in art, poetry, fables, fairy talks and novels. The Three Little Pigs, Goldilocks and the Three Bears, and a demanding peanut butter sandwich help to illustrate personification to readers. Understanding Sayings examines sayings in pictures, stories, fairy tales, fables, and myths. Explanations and examples illustrate idioms, adages, and proverbs. "There are more sayings than you can shake a stick at!" Understanding Similes explains similes in poetry, nursery rhymes, fairy tales, novels and nonfiction. Hockey, ice-cream, Snow White, and pirates help students learn how to use similes in their own writing. Although I would normally be worried that books about writing and language might not get much use, these four books in the "Figuratively Speaking" series hit the right note using humour and colourful illustrations to support a well-organized text. They are definitely worth purchasing and promoting. And if you have a writers club or want to start one, these will be invaluable. Highly Recommended. Dr. Suzanne Pierson is a retired teacher-librarian, currently instructing Librarianship courses at Queen's University in Kingston, ON. Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.
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