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Friday, March 28, 2025

Punctuation to the Rescue, by Cheryl Olsten

 

What punctuation mark would you be?

Perhaps you'd be direct like the period.

Or, maybe you'd prefer to weave longer, more complex sentences together like the comma.

Tell us!

Okay, that's it for my burst of "cleverness". Seriously, I admire the author for how well she was not only able to create distinct characters for the four basic punctuation marks but have each of them stick to their characteristic chatter. The illustrations were colorful and lively, with each character showing a unique personality and various reactions. Feeling unappreciated, they set out from their lighthouse library for a vacation on a fun island. Only one problem. Well, more than one. They run into a few sailing problems, including a nasty shark and wind up on the Island of Chaos instead. Why Chaos? There punctuation is ignored and words and creatures run amuck. Check out the various characters they meet, all shown running about creating mayhem. Seeing the chaos their absence can create, the four punctuation marks decide to stay long enough to restore order and, in the process, realize their own importance. 

I enjoyed the story and have to admit to laughing aloud when Question Mark asked the age old question of "Are we there yet?" Definitely a unique way of introducing children to the importance of using correct punctuation. Although aimed at young readers, I can actually see where it might be a hit with young adult readers or, heck, adults, too. It's whimsical and full of quirky characters while sharing a teaching moment (or a few). A delightful combo of words and pictures. Thanks author #CherylOlsten and #FleecydalePress for sharing this with me. I thoroughly enjoyed it and will be sharing with teacher friends and others who might enjoy it.

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