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The Keeper of Wild Words



Last updated Friday, September 29, 2023

Author: Brooke Smith
Illustrator: Madeline Kloepper
Date of Publication: 2020
ISBN: 1452170738
Grade Level: 2nd    (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Nov. 2022

Synopsis: When Mimi finds out her favorite words - simple words, like apricot, blackberry, buttercup - are disappearing from the English language, she elects her granddaughter Brook as their Keeper. And did you know? The only way to save words is to know them.

A touching tale of a grandmother and her granddaughter exploring and cherishing the natural world. Words, the woods, and the world illuminate this quest to save the most important pieces of our language - by saving the very things they stand for.

Discussion topics for before reading:
•  What are your favorite things about nature?
•  What words would you use to describe nature?
•  Where would you like to go on your next nature trip?

Vocabulary:

•  brook: a small stream (of water)
•  keeper: a person who manages or looks after something or someone.
•  beaver: an animal with smooth fur, sharp teeth, and a large, flat tail.
•  acorn: the fruit of the oak tree, a smooth oval nut in a rough cup-shaped base.
•  disappear: be lost or go missing; become impossible to find.

Discussion topics for during/after reading:
•  Do you have a special name for your grandparent? What is it?
•  What did Mimi and Brooke observe in the wild?
•  What did Mimi and Brooke have your lunch? What is your favorite lunch?
•  What are some of Mimi words not on the list? What words would you like to include?

Craft ideas:
•  1) Easy: Imagine you are visiting the forest with your family? What do you see? Create a collage of your forest scene.

Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons, glue, old magazines, stencil, and scissors.
•  2) Easy: The Thanksgiving Holiday is just a few weeks away. A wonderful day to spend with your loved ones. Using your craft supplies create a thanksgiving greeting card for one of your family members.

Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons
•  3) Moderate: Create your personal dictionary booklet of some of your treasured words. Please be sure to include an image of the word, correct spelling, and definition of the word.

Materials needed: Construction paper, slim markers, crayons
•  Check our craft ideas on Pinterest! https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/november-2022-seasons-the-natural-world/

*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions. You can use them, but you don't have to use them. You can expand upon them, or add your own twist. Remember, though, that the focus of your time should not be on the development and execution of a craft; the focus should be on the read-aloud and the enjoyment of the book!