EATS, SHOOTS, & LEAVES

(Picture Book Format)

review by

Mike Nappa

EATS, SHOOTS, & LEAVES: Why Commas Really Do Make a Difference (Picture Book)

by Lynne Truss

illustrated by Bonnie Timmons

(GP Putnam's Sons)

Reader Appeal: School Aged Children

Genre: Picture Book / Humor / Grammar

Who knew that grammar lessons could be so much fun - and so funny? Well, Lynne Truss, of course, and she took her knowledge to international bestseller lists when she wrote the adult grammar guide, Eats, Shoots, & Leaves. With that kind of track record, it's no surprise that the enterprising folk over at GP Putnam's Sons decided to adapt Truss' work for children. The result is a delightful little picture book that visually demonstrates the confusion that misplaced commas can create. Aided by Bonnie Timmons clever illustrations, this is one that parents and kids alike will enjoy - and learn from.

The book begins with the classic panda joke that launched the whole phenomenon, and no I won't repeat that joke here. Suffice it to say that it involves a panda, a librarian, and a few poorly placed commas in a reference book. From there, each two-page spread delivers a sentence whose meaning is radically changed by the placement of the commas within it. The left side of the spread shows the correct meaning, the right page shows the mixed-up meaning, often with grin-inducing style.

For instance, the sentence "Eat here, and get gas" shows a line of people filling up their cars with gasoline at a combination gas station and fast-food restaurant...but "Eat here ad get gas" shows patrons at a restaurant with, umm, shall we say intestinal stress.

Or, the sentence "Becky walked on, her head a little higher than usual," shows a young girl walking proudly away from a fine sand castle on the beach. However, the sentence, "Becky walked on her head, a little higher than usual," shows well, Becky walking on her head.

You can imagine the fun and silly moments the rest of this book includes in its demonstrations of comma usage for children! The last few pages review all the sentences in the book and give short, insightful explanations of the grammar rules that govern commas.

In all, Truss and Timmons have created a delightful resource and entertaining picture book suited for any inquisitive mind in your household. In fact, you may want to hide a copy of this book at your office...just in case!

FAMILYFANS RATING: A

--MN