Punctuation can be a tricky thing for grown adults to get their head around, let alone primary-school-aged children. Punctuation Mark, by Belinda Ellis takes all of the mystery out of it by explaining exactly what punctuation does what, in a fun rhyme suitable for ages 5-10 years, but well worth reading by anyone at any age if they struggle with the difference between a comma and a semicolon.
The book follows Mark, a young boy who loves punctuation. His teacher shows him how punctuation can save someone’s life (“Let’s eat, Grandma!” vs “Let’s eat Grandma!”), and explains the differences between different punctuation marks in a clear and simple manner that is still entertaining.
Ellis does the illustrations too, and the simple, hand-drawn, and mostly blue drawings are reminiscent of a child doodling in class with a blue Biro. The images work well with the text (particularly the image of Grandma trussed up on a plate).
If your child is struggling with learning punctuation via traditional teaching methods, then this might be the book for them. Either way, it is a fun read, and if it helps them understand exactly what a comma does, then it is win win!
REVIEWER: JJ McConnachie
TITLE: Punctuation Mark
AUTHOR(S): Belinda Ellis
PUBLISHER: Scholastic
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