The Little Book of Words That Matter: 100 Words for Every Child to Understand

by Joanne Ruelos Diaz, Annelies Draws (Illustrator)

Overview

Joanne Ruelos Diaz’s The Little Book of Words That Matter is an inclusive collection of 100 words that introduces young children to complex concepts—from managing big feelings to celebrating our differences.
 
Adopting the same format and approach as the popular The Little Book of Joy, this pocket-size book features a collection of words to teach children about the world we live in and how to navigate their way through it.
 
Each page offers a word and age-appropriate definition, along with a related activity, resource, or mindful prompt, beautifully illustrated by Instagram star Annelies Draws. The book is split into four chapters that each includes relevant words: Feelings Matter (Afraid, Frustrated, Proud); You Matter (Authentic, Consent, Resilience); Differences Matter (Disability, Equity, Race); and Changemakers Matter (Conservation, Feminism, Teamwork).
 
Featuring a how-to guide for adults at the back of the book, this inclusive resource is the perfect conversation starter for families and will empower children of all ages.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9798887070131
Publisher:	Abrams
Publication date:	11/07/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	208
File size:	37 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	3 - 8 Years

About the Author

Joanne Ruelos Diaz is a mission-driven writer and editor dedicated to nurturing a love for reading and learning. In recent years she has specialized in preschool nonfiction and mindfulness educational resources for Scholastic. She lives and writes from her home in South Orange, New Jersey.

Editorial Reviews

"A rich glossary to help deepen children’s perspectives on themselves and the world. A positive, age-appropriate, and engaging view of complicated concepts."—Kirkus

From the Publisher

2023-09-23
A rich glossary to help deepen children’s perspectives on themselves and the world.

The author/illustrator duo behind The Little Book of Joy (2021) present words about feelings (bored, overwhelmed, appreciative), character (accomplish, resilience), the ways we differ from one another (identity, ethnicity), and changemaking (patience, teamwork); the terms are listed alphabetically within each section. One page concisely introduces and explains a concept, like frustrated: What is it, what does it feel like, and what might we do or say when frustrated? The following page offers four steps to take when frustrated, then asks, “What could you say or do if you saw a friend feeling frustrated?” Sometimes, the author suggests that children look for examples of the concept, say an affirmation, engage in moving and breathing exercises, ask questions, or take care of themselves and loved ones. Commendably, both positive (grateful, loved) and negative words (failure, anger) are included. Of the abundant adjectives, numerous nouns, and scattered verbs, the ones most likely to draw attention are those like anti-racism, diversity, and race. Sensitivity and openness characterize the handling of these terms, though the entry on gender doesn’t acknowledge those with nonbinary identities. In flat, pastel vignettes, racially diverse, rosy-cheeked kids (mostly) and adults give concrete form to abstractions.

A positive, age-appropriate, and engaging view of complicated concepts. (note to adults) (Informational picture book. 5-8)

Kirkus Reviews