It Figures!: Fun Figures of Speech [Paperback]

Marvin Terban (Author), Giulio Maestro (Illustrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 18, 1993 | Age Level: 8 and up | Grade Level: 4 and up

An introduction to six common figures of speech -- metaphors, similes, onomatopoeia, personification, alliteration, and hyperbole -- with guidelines for their use and numerous illustrative examples.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 4-6-An enjoyable and informative title. Terban introduces metaphors, similies, onomatopeia, alliteration, hyperbole, and personification. Maestro's cartoons reinforce the material and help readers to understand the concepts fully. Like the pair's other collaborative efforts on the English language, such as Superdupers! (1989), Mad as a Wet Hen (1987), I Think I Thought (1984, all Clarion), this one makes working with words play. Upon using this humorously presented book, children will truly improve their styles of writing.
Molly Godley, Seagate Elementary School, Naples, FL
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Gr. 4-6. Emphasizing ways in which readers can improve their writing, a master of children's wordplay tackles six of the most frequently used figures of speech--similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, alliteration, hyperbole, and personification. In each of the well-organized chapters, Terban includes a clear definition of the figure of speech, familiar and lesser-known examples from folklore and literature, writing exercises, and ways to avoid pitfalls such as clich{‚}es and mixed metaphors. As in the author and illustrator's other lively books about language, Maestro's small, comic-style drawings are interspersed throughout the lucid text. A good choice for whole-language classrooms. Julie Corsaro --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  
• Paperback: 64 pages
• Publisher: Sandpiper (October 18, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0395665914
• ISBN-13: 978-0395665916
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6.8 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #16,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Marvin Terban's popular wordplay books for Clarion include IN A PICKLE AND OTHER FUNNY IDIOMS and TOO HOT TO HOOT: FUNNY PALINDROME RIDDLES. He lives in New York City.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the use of examples from quality literature!, October 10, 2001

By A Customer

This review is from: It Figures!: Fun Figures of Speech (Paperback)

This is a fun book. The chapters aren't too long are loaded with examples, many from classic literature. He gives exercises in each chapter so you can create some fun figures of speech for yourself. The illustrations are great!

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I love it, August 8, 2009

By 

ransomme (Texas) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: It Figures!: Fun Figures of Speech (Paperback)

Awesome fun read, I loved every word in it. Helpful and a must have. Great addition to reference library.

5.0 out of 5 stars Terrific intro to simile, metaphor, hyperbole, etc, January 14, 2012

By 

kalanamak (Pacific NW) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: It Figures!: Fun Figures of Speech (Paperback)

We are using this for homeschool language arts, and I was afraid it would be over kiddo's head, but the writer has a real knack for communicating with children. The art didn't distract and the examples were interesting and ample. My son was all ears and caught on to more than I thought he would on the first read. Go for it!