Children's Book Specials

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

"Elbert's Bad Word" Review

Author: Audrey Woods
Illustrator: Audrey & Don Woods
The illustrations in this book were first drawn in pencil 
by Audrey Wood and then rendered in color by Don wood in 
watercolor, gouache and colored pencils on coquille board.
 Publisher: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich
Copyright: 1988
 ISBN:0-15-225320-3
Summary: After shocking the elegant garden party by 
using a bad word, Elbert learns some acceptable substitutes 
from a helpful wizard. 
Accelerated Reader Book, reading level 3.6


Elbert was at a fancy dinner party with his parents when he heard an adult say a bad word.  In this book you can actually "see" the naughty word.   

"With a swift flick of his wrist, Elbert snatched the word from the air and stuffed it in his pocket ."  Later, the word became so small it "flew" into Elbert's mouth.  After a series of crazy events a croquet mallet lands with a "thud" on Elbert's toe!  When Elbert opened his mouth to scream a bad word came out instead!  The bad word continued to g r o w, it even perched upon Elbert's shoulder. 
 
Elbert goes to visit a wizard gardener who bakes him a special cake.  Elbert learns about "strong" words and the need to sometimes use them. Later through another series of mishaps, Elbert is again in a position of pain.  Everyone stops to observe him to see what he will say.  Will he say the bad word again???

My children enjoyed this book, it was easy for them to understand how Elbert learned the bad word and they were a little surprised when he used it.  After reading the book we were able to discuss other things to say instead of bad words.   I love books that you can use to teach something. 

The book is fun to read, and has interesting illustrations.  The expressions on Elbert's face are great.  And I love that you can "see" the bad word.  You can't go wrong with an Audrey or Don Woods book.  I don't think I've read one yet that I don't like.

Review by Christy F. @ PrincessPinkk's Ponderings.

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