The Word Collector - Peter H. Reynolds - ★★★★

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AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR: Peter H. Reynolds
GENRE: Children's Picture Book
PUBLICATION DATE: January 30, 2018
RATING: 4 stars.


In a Nutshell: A beautiful picture book about a boy who loves words. Cute story and illustrations, and loads of wonderful words. Recommended.


Plot Preview:
Jerome is fascinated by words and collects favourites from wherever he can. He is meticulous about organising his collection based on themes. But one day, after a little stumble, he learns that words don't necessarily belong to fixed categories, and that words from across categories can come together to create a whole new meaning. Should he keep this knowledge to himself, or share it with others?


Recently, I read a picture book named 'The Gift of Words', focussing on some beautiful words Jerome shares with others during the Advent season. When I learnt that it was a follow-up to this book, I knew I'd read this one as well. This is almost as cute!

Jerome is a lovely boy in every way, as I already knew from the sequel. But this book shows how committed he is to finding words and organising them meticulously like a true collector. This story also shows us how he meets Ekko his rescue dog.

The cover art gives you an idea of what kind of words are included in the book. Jerome has no preferences about what words he collects. It's not like he's on the lookout for fancy or lengthy words. He takes any words that jump out at him, whether big or small, whether he heard them or saw them or read them. Anything he likes, he jots down in his little notebook.

It is good to see that Jerome doesn't stay away from the big words that he doesn't know the meanings of. The text subtly hints at how unknown words can still sound good and how we can find their meanings later. Because of this approach, little readers get treated to words of various lengths in the illustrations.

While the message is subtler in this book as compared to its sequel, it's still a relevant one, highlighting how words can be used to make a change. Aren't we already seeing the destruction resulting from spiteful words, where a few politicians with no sensible words have bamboozled so many and spread chaos throughout the world? High time we appreciate the beauty of positive words and use them the way they deserve. Words and actions always go in sync, and this book further proves it.

Just as seen in the sequel, the illustrations have an equally important role to play in the story. All the words that Jerome discovers and notes and shares are only in the graphics. The text and art thus work in perfect conjugation with each other. The vibrance of the art only serves to enhance its impact.

Overall, this is a beautiful book that highlights how the right words can make a difference. I hope it stokes a love for words in the hearts of its little readers.

Definitely recommended. This ought to be a good option for readers aged 5-8 years, and will also work well in classroom sessions on vocabulary and word usage.

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