Pocket Word Teasers

Kelly L. Green is editor of the Canadian Book Review Annual’s
Children’s Literature edition.

Have you ever tried to create longer and longer palindromes (words and
phrases that are the same backwards and forwards, like “Anna” and
“Egad, a base tone denotes a bad age”)? Do you appreciate the beauty
of a good pun? Do you know what a “Tom Swifty” is? Do you like to
toss Latin phrases into your conversation? If you answer yes to any of
the above you will love this book. Even if none of the above applies to
you, try the book and you may find the activities and puzzles addictive.
The book has great appeal for adults and children, good and not-so-great
readers alike. It may, in fact, encourage reluctant readers to indulge
in the joy of words. It is a book that can be enjoyed as a solo or group
experience (wonderful for long car trips). And yes, I am honored that in
the “What’s in a Name” chapter, they noted that if Gene Kelly’s
daughter kept her maiden name, and married Dallas Green, she could be
known as “Mrs. Kelly Green.” Highly recommended.