When I was little, my grandma often dropped idioms into the conversation. I spent half the time having no understanding of what she was talking about and the other half thinking that I had never actually seen anyone “bury their head in the sand”, even when we were at the beach.
The World is Your Oyster by Tamara James presents common sayings (with a mostly animal theme) in a child-friendly way. All the big ones are there from ‘it’s raining cats and dogs’ and ‘fish out of water’ to ‘a bull in a china shop’ and ‘the cat’s got your tongue’.
This book is lovely in so many ways. Firstly, it is a great way to explain sayings that are so commonly used but sound like nonsense when taken literally, as children tend to do. Secondly, James has very cleverly ordered the idioms to tell a story. Lastly, special mention must be made of Emma SanCartier’s superb watercolour illustrations – they’re sensitive, funny and very astutely show exactly what is written – the pouting child shown with “Someone’s got your goat” and the little boy fleeing a group of hens for “Chicken out” are classics.
I really like the positive sentiment in this book – “Because in the end, it’s as plain as the hump on a camel’s back: If you grin and bear it, always go the whole hog, and reach for the stars, the world is your oyster!”
The World is Your Oyster is $16 from Book Depository, with free shipping to Australia.
One Comment
I am so thrilled with the positive feedback I have had about the book! I wrote it for parents as much as I wrote it for children – and really it is for anyone who needs an uplifting message. I hope it brings warmth and sunshine into your household wherever you are! Keep reaching for the stars in your sky! With love, Tamara James