THE RIGHT WORD: ROGET AND HIS THESAURUS written by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet

Review by Christi De Leon

1.    BIBLIOGRAPHY

Bryant, Jen. The Right Word: Roget and his Thesaurus. Ill. by Melissa Sweet. Eerdmans Books, 2014. ISBN 0802853854

2.    PLOT SUMMARY

Peter Mark Roget was a shy young boy who enjoyed reading books. He even began writing his very own book when he was eight-years-old. In his book, he wrote lists of words. He frequently contemplated whether he used the right word when he spoke to others and created more lists. Deriving from the many lists he had written, Roget’s Thesaurus was eventually published.

3.    CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The information in this biography, presented with clarity and integrity, captures the power of Roget’s words in a spectacular way. School Library Journal specifically uses the terms, “Expertly researched…” in a review. A page is dedicated to the multiple sources that were fundamentally used, verifying how the information accurately aligns with the knowledge of experts. The talented and accredited author, Jen Bryant, expresses in the "Author's Note" what inspired her to create this biography, some her findings during the research process, and her gratitude to others who shared their expertise. In addition, Melissa Sweet delivers meaning and purpose to her illustrations in the “Illustrator’s Note.”

This book is framed in a story-like way, telling the true story of Peter Mark Roget. Although there are no defined reference aids throughout the book, the main events are clearly sequential in portraying the reality of his life. For instance, information about his struggles throughout childhood, alone time with his word lists, educational success, and marriage are all elaborated. His shy personality and ongoing determination are traits that remain constant.  Following the end of the story, a “List of Principal Events” outlines Peter Mark Roget’s life and concurrent World events in an organized way.

By viewing the cover’s objects overflowing out of a book, the reader is already captivated with curiosity and wonder. Typically placed after the readable text, the detailed artwork in this story brilliantly keeps the reader’s eyes busy and engaged. Dialog bubbles are added to many of the illustrations, allowing the reader to further comprehend Roget’s life. Much of the art also comprises of words and pictures from Roget’s lists. The illustrations have a vintage design consisting of watercolor, collages, and mixed media. The overall design of the story effectively brings Roget’s story to life.

The writing in this biography maintains the reader’s interest in a concise, dynamic way. The author expresses a sense of fascination through the writing, and vocabulary is used appropriately. After reading this book, learners will be even more intrigued by the Thesaurus.

4.    REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

2015 Caldecott Honor Book

2015 Sibert Medal Winner

2015 Orbis Pictus Honor Book

From Booklist: "In brilliant pages teeming with enthusiasm for language and learning, Bryant and Sweet joyfully celebrate curiosity, the love of knowledge, and the power of words."

From School Library Journal: “Those who have relied upon a thesaurus… will gain a greater appreciation for the reference tool in this beautifully designed picture book biography of its creator, Peter Roget… Busy and exuberant, Sweet’s charming watercolor illustrations, layered over collages of vintage images and fonts, capture Roget’s passion for classification while also providing readers new opportunities for discovery… Expertly researched and well written, Bryant’s narrative not only details the creation of the thesaurus; it also conveys a sense of Roget the man… An excellent illustrated biography.”

From The Horn Book:  "Apt language and ingenious imagery… both decorous and warm."

5.    CONNECTIONS

Gather other books by Jen Bryant and illustrated by Melissa Sweet such as:

A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams. ISBN 0802853021

A Splash of Red: The Life and Art of Horace Pippin. ISBN 0375867120

Gather other books written by Jen Bryant such as:

Georgia’s Bones. ISBN 0802853676

Abe’s Fish: A Boyhood Tale of Abraham Lincoln. ISBN 1402762526

Possible activities:

Read A River of Words: The Story of William Carlos Williams, then do a compare and contrast activity.

Collaboratively view a selection of several pictures and describe each one by creating a list of synonyms. For each picture, choose the word that seems “just right.”