Taro Gomi’s Big Book of Words is an interactive and engaging picture dictionary that inspires curiosity and offers rich opportunities for literacy practices. Through playful and whimsical illustrations, English words and phrases are introduced in two sections: 1) Words and Phrases That Name Things and 2) Words and Phrases to Use in Conversation. Vocabulary is organized by familiar topics such as home, school, animals, transportation and the natural world. These are presented with creative and imaginative perspectives that invite children to see and use language in various ways. The text also supports concept building by encouraging children to make meaningful connections between words and the real-life contexts in which they are used.
The first section encourages curiosity and creative thinking by presenting objects from fresh and unique viewpoints. One example illustrates how a box, a ball, or even stuffed dog can become a “chair” if we sit on them. This playful linguistic approach helps children recognize that words do not simply label objects but can reflect their function and use. Such exploration promotes cognitive flexibility, conceptual understanding, and deeper language awareness by showing how meaning shifts depending on context.
Particularly thought-provoking is the way the book highlights that not only concrete objects but also abstract or invisible elements such as air, gas, dreams, ideas or feelings have names. This perspective invites children to recognize the power of language in helping us label, understand and communicate about both the visible and unseen aspects of the world. It also encourages young readers to expand their concept of “naming” beyond what they can physically observe, broadening their awareness of how language shapes understanding.
The second section introduces words and phrases of appreciation, kindness and apology within a Japanese cultural context. Just as in English, Japanese provides multiple ways to express gratitude depending on the situation. Visual cues, such as a bow when saying “thank you,” offer readers insight into Japanese expressions of politeness and respect. For example, a child greeting an adult with a polite bow illustrates a culturally specific way of showing courtesy, helping readers understand not only the language but also the social customs that shape its use.
Expressions of “goodbye” are presented in both Japanese and English through a scene set on a train station platform. As a native Japanese speaker, I found this particularly intriguing. It thoughtfully shows that, as in English, there are multiple ways to say goodbye in Japanese, and these expressions vary depending on the relationship and level of closeness between speakers, for instance, among family members, friends, couples, parents and grandparents, acquaintances, adults and children or between children themselves. This scene beautifully illustrates how language reflects social relationships and cultural nuances in communication.
Taro Gomi is a highly acclaimed Japanese author and illustrator of children’s books, known for his playful, creative, and visually engaging storytelling style. Born in Tokyo in 1945, he has written and illustrated more than 400 books for children, ranging from picture books and concept books to activity and doodle books. His work has been translated into many languages and enjoyed by children around the world. Taro Gomi has received numerous awards both in Japan and internationally, including recognition as the Bologna Children’s Book Fair Award. Many of his books published in English, such as Run, Run, Run! (2024) and are available through Chronicle Books. –Recommended by Junko Sakoi, Tucson Unified School District
Title: Taro Gomi’s Big Book of Words
Author/Illustrator: Taro Gomi
Translator: Kaisei-Sha Publishing Co, and Naomi Kirsten
ISBN: 9781797217109
PubDate: March 12, 2024
Publisher: Chronicle Books
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- Themes: Junko Sakoi, Taro Gomi, Taro Gomi's Big Book of Words
- Descriptors: WOW Recommends