Take Away the A
wordplay Series
What’s inside...
Take Away the A is an imaginative exploration of the alphabet, where letters are removed from words to create new ones, revealing surprising transformations. Authored by Michaël Escoffier and illustrated by Kris Di Giacomo, the book encourages readers to engage with language in a playful way. Born in France, Escoffier has a background in storytelling, while Di Giacomo, also based in France, brings her experience as a children's book illustrator to the vibrant visuals in this book.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-7
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think would happen if we took away another letter from a different word?
Can you think of a word that would change in a funny way if we removed a letter?
How did the illustrations help you understand the changes to the words?
Which word change was your favorite and why?
How do you think the characters felt when their words lost a letter?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to play with words and letters, thinking creatively about how removing letters affects the meaning. This builds vocabulary and phonetic skills.
Discuss the illustrations and how they add context to the wordplay, which helps in visual learning.
Help your child relate the changes in the words to real-life scenarios to enhance their understanding of consequences.
Praise their creative answers to boost their confidence and enjoyment in exploring language.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity in Language
Explanation: Take Away the A' explores the alteration of meaning in words by removing the letter ‘A’. This playful manipulation of language showcases creativity and encourages thinking outside the box.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by engaging in word games that stimulate creative thinking and enhance problem-solving skills in everyday conversations and academic tasks.
Example Lesson: Understanding Language Structure
Explanation: By focusing on the removal of a single letter and observing how it changes words, the book provides a fundamental understanding of how language is structured, which is crucial for developing literacy skills.
Real-World Application: This understanding helps children in recognizing patterns in words and spelling, aiding in their reading and writing abilities both in school and in daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of Word Play
Explanation: The book uses humor and cleverness in altering words, which can help children develop an appreciation for word play and the nuances of language.
Real-World Application: Children can incorporate playful language in their creative writing projects or enjoy language-based jokes and riddles, enhancing their social interactions and learning enjoyment.
Example Lesson: Adaptability to Change
Explanation: As children see how words can transform by removing a letter, it teaches them adaptability and openness to different perspectives and changes.
Real-World Application: This adaptability can be applied in adjusting to new environments or changes in routines, promoting resilience and flexibility in everyday life.