The Word Collector
About the Story
Some people collect stamps. Some people collect coins. Some people collect art.
And Jerome? Jerome collected words . . .
Jerome discovers the magic of the words all around him — short and sweet words, two-syllable treats, and multi-syllable words that sound like little songs. Words that connect, transform, and empower.
Through The Word Collector comes a celebration of finding your own words — and the impact you can have when you share them with the world.
Great Reads from Great Places 2020
Discussion Questions
What words would you collect? Why?
How would you start your word collection? Would you write them down on pieces of paper? Remember the words in your head? Draw doodles that remind you of the words?
Jerome likes to collect words. Do you have something you like to collect? What is it?
Jerome discovers words that he does not know the meaning of at first, but are fun to say. What words do you find fun to say?
Want to hear from Peter H. Reynolds about The Word Collector, his inspiration for the book, his favorite words to collect, and whether or not Massachusetts has an official state donut?
Check out the video to learn the answers and more about the 2020 Mass Great Read!
Check out The Word Collectors for more learning resources to get you started on your word collecting journey!
Activity
Create a word collage that describes you. You will need two pieces of paper or carstock (or more, if you want to use different colors in your word collage).
On one sheet of paper, in the center write your name and the date. Next, take the second piece of paper and cut it into strips, as Jerome did in The Word Collector. Write down the words you have chosen on the strips. When you have written all your words, arrange the strips on the other piece of paper, gluing them around your name and today’s date. Now you have a word collage that describes the ‘you’ of right now!
Maybe your word collage is a mix of languages. Maybe it is a collection of your favorite things. It’s up to you!
If you need some help brainstorming, here are some questions to get you started with picking your words for the collage:
How would you describe yourself in one word?
How are you feeling right now?
What’s your favorite season? Favorite day of the week?
What’s your favorite animal?
Do you have a favorite story? What’s a word you would use to describe one of the characters?
What’s your favorite activity?
What’s your favorite word of all time?
This activity can be found under ‘Resources from Scholastic’ on The Word Collector’s Resources page.
What’s your word?
Do you have a favorite word? What does it mean? Why is it your favorite?
Meet the Author & Illustrator
Peter H. Reynolds is an accomplished writer, storyteller and illustrator who has been acclaimed around the globe for his best-selling “stories for all ages” about protecting and nurturing the creative spirit, including the three books in his “Creatrilogy” - The Dot, Ish, and Sky Color. Throughout all of his endeavors, Peter’s mission shines through: to use media to tell stories that matter and challenge us to reach our full potential.
Much of his spare time is spent giving back to the community: revitalizing the businesses in his beloved downtown, Dedham Square, supporting schools, and serving on the board of several non-profit organizations. Peter has also founded his own indie book shop outside of Boston called The Blue Bunny Books & Toys.
Peter enjoys in-person and virtual speaking engagements all over the world, championing “off the path” learning, everyday creativity, and inspiring children and “grown up” children to lead successful and meaningful lives.