The Word Collector
What’s inside...
The book tells the delightful story of Jerome, a boy who loves words. He collects words that he hears, sees, and reads and writes them in his scrapbook. As he gets older, his collection grows and he starts to see the amazing power of words. He discovers that even a simple word can change the world, and he begins sharing his words with others. In this extraordinary new tale from Peter H. Reynolds, Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him—short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multisyllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower. From the creator of The Dot and Happy Dreamer comes a celebration of finding your own words—and the impact you can have when you share them with the world.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Jerome
Discussion points
What are some of your favorite words that you would like to collect, and why do they stand out to you?
How do you think Jerome feels when he shares his words with others?
Can you think of a time when finding the right words made a difference in understanding something better?
Why do you think words are powerful? Can you share an example from your own experiences?
How did Jerome's collection of words change throughout the book, and what does that teach us about learning?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about their favorite words before reading the book, creating a personal connection.
Discuss the feelings associated with words, relating them to emotions that your child has experienced.
Post-reading, create a fun activity such as crafting your own 'word collection jar' where you both can add new words you learn every day.
Use examples from the book to illustrate the impact of words, perhaps re-enacting scenes where Jerome uses his words to connect with others.
Link the story to everyday situations where your child had to use words to express themselves or to learn something new.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Value of Words
Explanation: The book showcases the protagonist, Jerome, discovering the joy of collecting and cherishing words, emphasizing their power and beauty.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore new vocabulary actively and appreciate the nuances in language, enhancing their communication skills.
Example Lesson: Expression and Creativity
Explanation: Jerome's journey illustrates how words can be arranged in creative ways to express thoughts and emotions effectively.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to express themselves more clearly and creatively in both written and spoken forms, fostering better interpersonal communication.
Example Lesson: Sharing Knowledge
Explanation: Towards the end of the story, Jerome shares all his words with others, spreading the joy and utility of his collection.
Real-World Application: This promotes the importance of sharing knowledge and communal learning among peers, encouraging children to help each other grow intellectually.
Example Lesson: Confidence in Learning
Explanation: Jerome’s excitement and proactive approach towards collecting words show how engaging learning can be.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to take ownership of their learning process and find joy in educational pursuits, building their confidence and curiosity.
Example Lesson: Impact of Words
Explanation: The narrative also subtly teaches that words have the power to influence and affect change, seen when Jerome's words connect with various people.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of choosing words carefully and using them to positively influence their surroundings.