THEREADINGCHAIR
Our Big Book of Words: A Collection of 100 + Foundational Words for Language Development
By Tabitha Paige. 2024. Paige Tate & Co. 32 pp. Ages 1 to 5.
Speech pathologist and illustrator Tabitha Paige has created a mini-encyclopedia of over 100“ foundational words for language development.” Each of the 13 spreads features a theme such as“ around the house,”“ in the kitchen,”“ our pets,”“ in the garden,” and“ things that go.” Eight to 10 words are included and illustrated on each thematic spread. For example, the“ food” spread contains a bowl bursting with salad, a slice of pepperoni pizza, a slice of layer cake, and a plate of swirls of spaghetti. Paige’ s tidy, detailed illustrations balance old-fashioned charm with touches of real-life movement and messiness( the crinkle of the toothpaste tube, the body language of the animals, the creases in the T-shirt). The book is published on large board book pages, making it excellent for browsing. The final spread contains a note to adults with suggestions for extending the book, such as guiding children to look for specific colors, shapes, or rhyming words throughout it. Educators can also connect with families to gather text and images of important words in their contexts. These can be assembled into a class or program book, which children can also come back to often.
One Small Spark: A Tikkun Olam Story
By Ruth Spiro. Illus. by Victoria Tentler-Krylov. 2024. Dial Books for Young Readers. 40 pp. Ages 4 to 8.
Sparse text and a sophisticated subject— what it means to improve the world through everyday actions— invite readers to think about their roles in their communities. The text invites readers to ponder:“ When something is broken, or someone needs help, you have a choice. An opportunity to repair the world.” This is true even for young children! We all need ongoing reminders or reinforcement to take action. Richly detailed illustrations show community members joining together to fix a broken swing, pick up trash, and fill a free“ give and take” library with books. The author’ s note at the end of the book describes the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, which is often translated as“ repair the world,” and explains that many faiths and cultures share the same philosophy. Educators can use this book as part of individual or group projects revolving around the idea of service, including how children can help in their own learning communities or neighborhoods.
Summer 2025 Young Children 95