You rock my world by Judith Barker and Chelsea Young

When you tell me you love me, I'm over the moon. When you like what I do, I can reach for the stars.

The English language is full of idioms, that, when used in context, add to the richness and colour of our speech, but which, to someone unfamiliar with them, can be confusing and bamboozling. Most of us can recall a child reaching for their socks when told to "pull them up" while others delight in discovering the origins of phrases like "daylight robbery" (from the rich Brits who blocked up windows so they wouldn't be taxed more.)

So this book, described as a "a love letter from a child, ... to someone who means the world to them" and written almost entirely in idioms which are literally illustrated is going to be a great source of fun as well as the impetus to do some serious investigation into our language in a fun but meaningful way. Everyone will have a favourite saying to contribute to a word wall, complete with crazy, literal illustration, while delving deep to discover its real meaning, enriching their vocabulary, communication and writing making it one that spans the age groups as well as the curriculum.

With national and state curricula being a bit dry and boring when it comes to learning about parts of speech, figurative language and so on, this is one to have in the toolkit to have a bit of fun.

Teaching notes that not only list those used in the book but offer further suggestions for exploring them as well as suggestions for other sources like Simon and Garfunkel's classic Bridge over Troubled Water, will not only make the job easier but add to the enjoyment.

Themes: Idioms.

Barbara Braxton