Literary Techniques: Idioms

One rainy morning after breakfast, Sam's Mother said to his Father, "My goodness, George, it is raining cats and dogs outside." "That's strange," thought Sam. When he looked up into the sky outside, he couldn't see any cats and dogs anywhere, no matter where he looked. All he could see were giant raindrops and big puddles... The One and Only Sam is the story of a boy who, like many children, struggles to understand non-literal expressions.

Tedd Arnold's previous books about Chip, Parts and More Parts, are raucous, creative knee-slappers that have become true kid favorites-- perhaps because they so humorously express the worries all kids have as they get to know their bodies: worries about belly button fuzz and earwax and loose teeth. Now here's the funniest Parts book yet--one that reintroduces our ner-vous hero while also depicting more than 100 body-part idioms. I lost my head, my nose is running, I sang my heart out . . . You won't be able to keep a straight face as you enjoy this clever, wacky, boldly illustrated book.

People say the strangest things! Give me a hand, ....Hold your tongue, ...Scream your lungs out....

The English language can be extremely confusing and illogical, especially for people with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who interpret meaning in a very literal way. Why should an announcement that cats and dogs are falling from the sky indicate heavy rain? And what have chickens got to do with being a coward? It's Raining Cats and Dogs is a witty and stylish insight into the mind of someone with an ASD. It beautifully illustrates why people with ASDs have problems understanding common phrases and idioms that others accept unquestioningly as part of everyday speech. The quirky drawings will entertain and inspire those on the spectrum, giving them the confidence to recognise figures of speech, feel less alienated and even use idioms themselves. The drawings will form instantly memorable references for those with ASDs to recall whenever they need to and will be helpful for anyone curious to understand the ASD way of thinking. They will enable people on the spectrum and their friends, families, teachers and colleagues to better understand and communicate with each other.

If you think idioms are a "tough nut to crack," pick up the revised SCHOLASTIC DICTIONARY OF IDIOMS. Fun new design and more than 700 common American phrases, sayings, and expressions. Cat got your tongue? Penny for your thoughts? Come again? Every day, idioms bring color to our speech. Since they don't really mean what they say, idioms can stump even the native English-speaker. Marvin Terban makes understanding idioms "as easy as pie" with the revised SCHOLASTIC DICTIONARY OF IDIOMS. Explanations for, and origins of, more than 700 everyday American idioms, complete with kid-friendly sample sentences. The entries are amusing as well as educational. Alphabetical listing and cross-referencing index makes finding idioms a "piece of cake."

Children are innately curious about words, especially phrases that make them laugh (""Ants in your pants ""), sound silly (""Barking up the wrong tree"" or ""Goosebumps"") or trigger images that tickle a child's sense of the absurd (""Like a bull in a china shop""). Birds of a Feather introduces children to the magic of idioms words that separately have one meaning, but together take on something entirely different. Birds of a Feather introduces idioms with outlandish illustrations of what the words describe literally. The reader then has to guess the ""real"" meaning of the phrases (which is upside down in the corner of each spread). At the end of the book, the reader is invited to learn more about these figures of speech.

Thirty popular expressions such as "straight from the horse's mouth" and "white elephant" are amusingly explained and illustrated.

Learn new idioms with cartoons and simple explanations. Perfect for kids and ESL readers. Each idiom has a fun cartoon and a simple step-by-step explanation. Learning idioms has never been so much fun!

All of Louis thoughts are very important to him. In fact, his thoughts are so important to him that when he has something to say, his words begin to wiggle, and then they do the jiggle, then his tongue pushes all of his important words up against his teeth and he erupts, or interrupts others. His mouth is a volcano My Mouth Is A Volcano takes an empathetic approach to the habit of interrupting and teaches children a witty technique to capture their rambunctious thoughts and words for expression at an appropriate time. Told from Louis perspective, this story is an entertaining way to teach children the value of respecting others by listening and waiting for their turn to speak.

A story celebrating the power of childhood friendships, and the resilience of those friendships when faced with separation.