Feet and Puppies, Thieves and Guppies: What Are Irregular Plurals? (Words Are Categorical)
The latest entry in the Words Are CATegorical series tackles nouns with irregular plurals. Beginning with regular plural forms, Cleary points out that “adding s or es to most nouns will make them plural. But you won’t find two ‘foots’ on any yardstick, boy, or girl.” The rhythmic, rhyming verse shows students how to make plurals from words ending in y, f, fe, and o and points out examples of plurals formed by changing vowels (tooth/teeth, mouse/mice), as well as nouns that remain the same whether plural or singular (deer, sheep). The final page includes a chart showing words’ endings, their irregular plurals, and examples. While consistently centered on communicating grammar with wit and precision, Cleary juggles meter and rhyme with seemingly effortless skill. Meanwhile, Gable’s colorful and frequently zany illustrations support the text with humor and intriguing details. A surprisingly enjoyable introduction to plurals. Grades 2-4. --Carolyn Phelan