The Little Grammar People

by Nuri Mass

Other authorsCeleste Mass (Illustrator)

Hardcover, 1947

Status

Available

Call number

823.914

Collection

Children's Lit & Picture Books

Publication

Angus & Robertson, Sydney, 1947. Reprint. Large 8vo, 104pp, colour and black and white illustrations.

Description

Join in the adventures of Linda and Barry as they journey to the Kingdom of Grammar and meet the quaint little people who lie at the roots of our language.Some of the fascinating characters met in this book include: Sir Pronoun - the obliging stand in for little Miss Noun. Madam Adjective - with her infinitely changing moods. Master Verb - who is always being hauled into the Grammar court on the charge of irregularity. Small Boy Preposition - who with Miss Noun fills in when Lady Adverb and Madam Adjective are too busy (or too lazy) to appear in person. Wee Baby Conjunction - King Speech's favourite little handmaiden who guides him smoothly over all the rocky places. And many more...The delicacy and imagination that distinguish The Little Grammar People make it a book for all children who have a dream in their hearts; and teachers will find it invaluable in helping young pupils to understand and respect their own language. Celeste Mass's illustrations, individual and finely drawn, are the perfect accompaniment to the book's text.… (more)

User reviews

LibraryThing member 1Avidfan

A storybook set in the magical “Land of Grammar” to illustrate elementary basics of grammar. Two children follow a tiny fairy man named Desire to meet with Miss Noun, Sir Pronoun, Master Verb, etc. The story was written circa 1942 (first copyright). In the first chapter there is a reference to

cannibals with an accompanying cartoon-like illustration (pg.3) of 2 dark skinned, curly haired people wearing grass skirts and carrying a spear next to the children. The children are also circled by hobgoblins. In the entire 104 page book that is the ONLY reference and illustration that could be considered offensive by today’s standards. Unless you consider the child calling herself a “dunce” to her teacher, which is immediately refuted by that teacher. But hey, 1942 guys! I found the story a little heavy going when reading aloud to my kids, however it is meant to be an instructional story to teach parts of speech and other facts of basic English grammar.

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Language

English

Original language

English

Local notes

The adventures of Linda and Barry as they journey to the Kingdom of Grammar and meet the quaint little people who lie at the roots of our language.

Very cute.