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B is for Botulism
An Alphabet Book of Fun Words to Say.
Don’t let the title scare you off... it is for purely sentimental reasons. Thirty years prior to the development of this book I found myself on diaper changing duty. My daughter was a squirmy little thing, and it took a bit of creativity to entertain her enough to avoid sticking either one of us with a safety pin. Out of desperation, and the knowledge that “B” sounds were the easiest for an infant to learn, I would say “Buh, Buh, Buh... Botulism!” She would giggle, and a pin would successfully be installed. As time passed, additional words were added, and the list grew when her baby brother came along. During many long nights with sleepless babies, I would attempt to make the words rhyme, as much for the mental exercise to stay awake myself, as to sooth the little one asleep.
I never believed in “dumbing down,” or doing “baby talk” with my children, and spoke with them as I would an adult. The exposure to words typically not used with children led to a rather impressive vocabulary by the time they started school. I believe their love of books and reading, even unto today, stem from this. I, of course, have continued this practice with my granddaughter, who as of her fourth birthday will happily tell you that “B is for Botulism.” It is for her that I publish this book.
The illustrations are little more than glorified “doodles,” the type of thing I scribble on post-it notes whilst on the telephone. I must say it was a great deal of fun.
If but one person finds joy in this work, or if but one child giggles with delight at the “funny words,” I will count myself blessed beyond measure, and all the work that went into this will have been well worth the effort.
Don’t let the title scare you off... it is for purely sentimental reasons. Thirty years prior to the development of this book I found myself on diaper changing duty. My daughter was a squirmy little thing, and it took a bit of creativity to entertain her enough to avoid sticking either one of us with a safety pin. Out of desperation, and the knowledge that “B” sounds were the easiest for an infant to learn, I would say “Buh, Buh, Buh... Botulism!” She would giggle, and a pin would successfully be installed. As time passed, additional words were added, and the list grew when her baby brother came along. During many long nights with sleepless babies, I would attempt to make the words rhyme, as much for the mental exercise to stay awake myself, as to sooth the little one asleep.
I never believed in “dumbing down,” or doing “baby talk” with my children, and spoke with them as I would an adult. The exposure to words typically not used with children led to a rather impressive vocabulary by the time they started school. I believe their love of books and reading, even unto today, stem from this. I, of course, have continued this practice with my granddaughter, who as of her fourth birthday will happily tell you that “B is for Botulism.” It is for her that I publish this book.
The illustrations are little more than glorified “doodles,” the type of thing I scribble on post-it notes whilst on the telephone. I must say it was a great deal of fun.
If but one person finds joy in this work, or if but one child giggles with delight at the “funny words,” I will count myself blessed beyond measure, and all the work that went into this will have been well worth the effort.
44 pages, Paperback
First published March 11, 2015
3 people want to read
About the author
J.W. Kent
18 books15 followersJ.W. Kent is a Bluegrass musician and avid homebrewer. He also enjoys fishing, black powder firearms, playing his bagpipes and doting on his granddaughter. He makes his home in the Shenandoah Valley with his wife Robin, and can not imagine a life without dogs in it.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
April 4, 2015
This is such a wonderful book! The words are fun to read, and the little drawings are just enough to catch a child's eye without distracting from the words. It's a refreshingly different way to expand a child's vocabulary. I love that the definitions are all included in the back of the book. You won't find a vocabulary book as interesting as this one in any daycare or school.
I bought this just in case a grandchild comes along eventually, but I think I'll just keep this copy for me. I'm old enough that I don't have to explain my book choices. Much. I can always buy more copies later, after all. Yup, I'm keeping it.
I bought this just in case a grandchild comes along eventually, but I think I'll just keep this copy for me. I'm old enough that I don't have to explain my book choices. Much. I can always buy more copies later, after all. Yup, I'm keeping it.
Displaying 1 of 1 review