SILENT LETTERS LOUD AND CLEAR

Pulver and Reed have once again managed to craft a book so clever and fun that both teachers and students alike will be enthralled (Nouns and Verbs Have a Field Day, 2006, etc.). Even though the silent letters never make a fuss or complain, Mr. Wright’s class still does not appreciate them. In fact, the students have had it with silent letters and the difficulty they cause in spelling lessons. They express their opinion in a perfectly typed letter to the editor, but just before they hit send, the dumbfounded silent letters sneak out and hide. Chaos ensues, but then the silent letters parade out of the closet, finally to get the credit they deserve. Within the text itself, silent letters are highlighted whenever they appear. Reed combines acrylic paint with collage to maximum effect: Each of the silent letters has a personality all its own, while her cartoon stick figures convey all the emotion and energy needed to carry the story. Knuckle down and purchase this book or teachers will make your lives wretched. (Picture book. 4-10)