Calvin Gets the Last Word by Margo Sorenson, Mike Deas
Published by Tilbury House Publishers on October 6, 2020
ISBN: 0884488225
Pages: 32
Genres: Humor, Realistic Fiction
Format: Picture Book Fiction
Goodreads

“I’m Calvin’s dictionary, and I’m tired.”  Why is Calvin’s dictionary telling this story? Why is it tired? Who is Calvin? This humorous vocabulary-building story introduces the reader to big words, such as mayhem, subterfuge and retaliation. Even though young readers might not remember these words, they will remember and possibly relate to the irritations of siblings.

Full-color illustrations mirror the text as well as give a deeper understanding of the big words used. Green and gray hues are dominant, but the brothers are in bolder colors, and the yellow-with-red-stripe dictionary is easy to locate on each page.

Great to use an introduction to dictionaries, or vocabulary-building, or what’s most important in “family”.  Fun pairings could include “Tony Baloney” (Pam Munox Ryan, 2011), or “Word Collector” (Peter Reynolds, 2018).

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary School, Old Town