Exclamation Mark

Rosenthal, Amy Krouse, and Tom Lichtenheld. 2013. EXCLAMATION MARK. Ill. By Tom Lichtenheld. New York: Scholastic Press. ISBN 9780545436793 [Suggested Grade Levels PreK-3]

REVIEW

A lonely and confused exclamation mark lives in a world of periods and does not understand his place or purpose. Upon meeting an inquisitive question mark, the exclamation mark finds his voice: to emphasize and enhance words, phrases, and sentences unlike his period and question mark counterparts.  

Rosenthal and Lichtenheld introduce exclamation marks with excitement far beyond any textbook or worksheet ever could. The pages resemble handwriting paper from decades ago. The text varies, depending on the speaker. Declarative sentences, ending with periods, are written in a basic sans serif font with consistent text size; questions in italicized serif font with a consistent text size; and exclamatory statements in a serif font with varied colors and sizes. Illustrations are primarily limited to the characters (periods, the question mark, and the exclamation mark), but the emotion each face conveys moves the story forward.

  

CONNECTIONS

The book is well-suited to introduce or review three basic punctuation types: periods, question marks, and exclamation marks. Additionally, it could be used to supplement more complex stories about finding one’s voice and identity.   

RELATED BOOKS

Other books for children about punctuation:

Bruno, Elsa Knight. PUNCUATION CELEBRATION. ISBN 9781250003355

Pulver, Robin. PUNCTUATION TAKES A VACATION. ISBN 9780823418206

Other books for children about finding one’s voice:

Daywalt, Drew. THE DAY THE CRAYONS QUIT. ISBN 9780399255373

Saltzberg, Barney. BEAUTIFUL OOPS. ISBN 9780761157281

By Jennifer E. Richey