Merry-Go-Round (Hardcover)

~ (Author) "NOUNS name a person, place or thing....." (more)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

To say that Heller has a way with words is to understate a multifaceted talent. In her previous books on language, her spirited verse and vibrantly hued pictures have provided lively lessons on the meaning of collective nouns, verbs and adjectives. Here, she examines nouns of all kinds: common and proper, abstract and concrete, compound, collective, singular and plural. The rhymed text of this book is as witty and smooth as its predecessors. Heller's vivid illustrations include a scaly, purple-tongued dragon; armored knights on horseback; a quartet of carousel animals; and a spectrum of fish, fruits and flowers. Intricate background patterns and designs further enrich many of the pages. Rarely does a book offer children so much to look at, listen to and learn. Ages 6-up.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From School Library Journal

Kindergarten-Grade 6-- Nouns of all kinds are the subject of Heller's latest in her series of books on parts of speech. Common, proper, abstract, concrete, compound, and collective nouns are all defined and shown by example in usually lilting verse. Singular, plural, and possessive forms of nouns are also thoroughly covered, and determiners are explained and demonstrated. The rhyme form is used with amazing skill but now and then seems forced as in, "Nouns are highly effective./ The last kind of NOUN is . . . COLLECTIVE." How and why they work are not explained. Striking graphic design with large clear objects in bold colors overflowing each double-page spread make the book a visual treat. The use of bold type for all the nouns is particularly pleasing and will make for easy reading aloud. Heller's language books challenge users' creativity since the concepts are difficult for the picture-book format. Conversely, the verse and illustrations can delight very young children while older readers are sure to find the concise definitions clearer and certainly more entertaining than any grammar text. Those who have found the others in the series successful will want this one. --Louise L. Sherman, Anna C. Scott School, Leonia, NJ
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
  
• Hardcover: 1 pages
• Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (November 1, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0448400855
• ISBN-13: 978-0448400853
• Product Dimensions: 10 x 9.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #955,539 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Information, but a Tad Tedious, January 15, 2004

By	Occasional Reviewer (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Merry-Go-Round (World of Language) (Paperback)

I ordered this book along with Brian Cleary's "A Mink, a Fink, a Skating Rink" and found the two to be quite different in both content and style. I thought a review might help someone else choosing between the two.

I don't know who assigned the reading level as is currently is shown, but to say this book is for ages 4 through 8 is misleading. This may be accurate if only reading ability is being considered, but where content is concerned I think it is more than the average four or five year-old needs or wants to know. As I pre-read this book, even my eyes started to glaze over. It is a LOT of information for a short book. Including abstract nouns and concrete nouns in addition to the common, proper, and compound nouns is probably okay for the younger kids and great for the older ones. But how to make different types of nouns plural giving examples of when to add "es", how to handle a "y", changing an "f" or "fe" to "v", and words that end in "o" (which gave three examples, one for adding "s", one for "es", and then one for doing it either way) seemed like more of a spelling lesson to me, and could quickly turn to information overload.

If you are looking for something to add the learning of nouns at a more in-depth level and for the higher end of this age bracket, this could be a nice compliment. But for the younger kids of four, five, and six, I would recommend opting for "A Mink, a Fink, a Skating Rink". It keeps it much simpler, and the illustration and text are funner, even a little silly.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars WOW !!! What a way to learn , I Love it!, May 11, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Merry-Go-Round (World of Language) (Paperback)

I just happened to find these and so happy they are Great! Beautiful illustrations that the kids love, and learn from as well, in a format that keeps them interested. Even helped me remember things that I'd forgotten over time.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Homeschool mom in Michigan, March 2, 2000

By	Tamie (SW Michigan) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Merry-Go-Round (World of Language) (Paperback)

I truly enjoyed reading this book to my kids. The rhythm and rhyming was enjoyable as was the silliness added to the pages.

I learned from the book and feel that having the series as part of our school room would be to our advantage.