I think the idea behind this book is fantastic. The author showed so many fun examples of why comma placement matters. What I didn't understand about the book flow is why put all of the explanations of why comma placement matters at the back of the book? The teachable moment has passed. By putting the explanations at the back of the book, it is asking readers to read the book twice.

Do students have the patience for that? It's an opportunity missed to really teach them at the point where they are considering the example. I fear most will skip the explanations.

Another reviewer suggested having students create their own example sentences inspired by the book and illustrate these examples. That is a brilliant idea and sure to make correct comma usage a habit.

Hilarious stuff.

This story uses fictional pictures to demonstrate why comma placement is so important.

Good concept. Not sure how well-received this will be with the younger set. WIs it understandable to them? The first half-dozen comics, yes, but the rest? I appreciated the index in the back explaining the grammatical reasons for the sentence meanings.

Charming illustrations that help the reader understand how commas function. This would be a really helpful book for classrooms.

This was highly entertaining with funny illustrations of common comma grammar errors. While the idea and the humour was great, the book does have some problems. I dislike that you don't find the explanation of the error until you reach the appendix in the back. I think it would have been much more appropriate to include each explanation on the page it refers to in smaller type than the main sentence. While the colours on the cover are bright and appealing, the quality of the illustrations inside is a little more average cartoony, if that makes any sense. The scheme takes a step toward pastel and is a little looser. While they're funny, stylized, and fun, they don't seem to be of an especially high caliber. What annoys me the msot about the book, is the different coloured borders to the page which attempt to enliven the story but change colour without rhyme or reason. However, highlighting the comas with red isntead of black type was a good move. Overall, it's a great book for talking about grammar in a fun way or even just enjoying the humour, but doesn't succeed as a quality picture book in its own right.

Cute book, I love the one with "Eat here and get gas". There apparently is an adult version, need to check that out too.

I won’t read the real (longer) version of this book because I’m no longer a prescriptivist (and like I’m going to trust a British person’s take on grammar???) but this one was cute. Let’s eat, grandma!!!

Summary: Eats, Shoots and Leaves: Why, Commas Really Do Make a Difference, by Lynne Truss, is a book that shows the reason behind a comma, and the difference it makes in our language. This book is such a fun way for learning, and shows the difference a comma can make in our understanding. It gives the reader a few giggles and has the cutest and funniest little illustrations that dictate the meaning with/without a comma.
tAnalysis: This book is so fun! This book has such a great lesson behind it, but portrays it in a fun and light-hearted way. I definitely recommend this book to any student, especially ones who struggle with this aspect. I would love to see English teachers with this book in their classroom!
tHow I can use this: This is a great book to use during a grammar lesson, specifically commas, of course. Honestly, it is a great book for all ages. Even I enjoyed it! It is a great way for readers to understand the reason behind commas and how to read it, especially when they are working on their writing as well.

Date I completed reading the book: 10-29-20

My star rating (1 to 5): ***

The date: 11-25-20

Genre: Fiction

Grade range: K-2

Book review: This book would be a great book to use during reading or to encourage writing.

L

Fiction (Conventions)
Middle Grades (4-6)
This book made me laugh and is a good way to teach conventions and provides a new way rather than traditional worksheets for kids to understand what exactly a comma means and how it can change the meaning of a sentence.