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Dee and Apostrofee
The funniest book about punctuation you’ll ever read.Dee has a problem with Apostrofee. He keeps stealing letters and replacing them with himself! E is the first to go (turning DELISH into D’LISH), then A (I AM into I’M), and a lot of Os (WOULD NOT into WOULDN’T, COULD NOT into COULDN’T … you get the idea). Dee and the other letters have had enough! Though they have to admit Apostrofee is kind of helpful sometimes. And they do miss him when he’s not around. Should they forgive him, so they can live in peace ’n’ harmony?Who knew punctuation could be so hilarious?
- GenresPicture Books
32 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2021
17 people want to read
About the author
Judith Henderson
33 books9 followersJudith Henderson does a lot of stuff. She is an Emmy Award–winning composer, author, illustrator and TV producer. She wrote the Big Words Small Stories series, which was green-lit as an animated TV show. Her other books include Dee and Apostrofee, This Is a Dog Book! and AAAlligator! She lives in Montreal, Quebec.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
May 19, 2021
All the vowels are upset because Apostrofee eats them out of words. So the consonants, led by Dee, decide to take action.
This is a hilarious book where the child can learn how the apostrophe functions as well as have a fun time watching him toot after eating too many O's.
I love the teeny teeth on the Apostrofee illustration. They look so funny! All the illustrations are cute as a matter of fact. The use of the letters with their words is nicely done.
I'm not very convinced about two things in this book:
1. Why couldn't Apostrofee have been called Apostrophe? It's not like his fake name has any relevance to the story. Kids could have learnt the right spelling.
2. The book doesn't clarify the right usage of the punctuation mark. So while some of the uses in the book are right (can't, won't, and so on), many are incorrect (D'lish, D'lightful) Kids might get confused about these. Maybe a simple educative note at the end could help children understand how to use the apostrophe correctly.
Barring these two points, the book was a delightful read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
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This is a hilarious book where the child can learn how the apostrophe functions as well as have a fun time watching him toot after eating too many O's.
I love the teeny teeth on the Apostrofee illustration. They look so funny! All the illustrations are cute as a matter of fact. The use of the letters with their words is nicely done.
I'm not very convinced about two things in this book:
1. Why couldn't Apostrofee have been called Apostrophe? It's not like his fake name has any relevance to the story. Kids could have learnt the right spelling.
2. The book doesn't clarify the right usage of the punctuation mark. So while some of the uses in the book are right (can't, won't, and so on), many are incorrect (D'lish, D'lightful) Kids might get confused about these. Maybe a simple educative note at the end could help children understand how to use the apostrophe correctly.
Barring these two points, the book was a delightful read.
Thank you, NetGalley and Kids Can Press, for the Advanced Review Copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews
June 30, 2021
What a delight for primary students just discovering the apostrophe! Dee (a.k.a. the letter D) is furious with “sneaky” Apostrofee (the punctuation mark) for gobbling up letters in the interest of making words shorter. “He is a thief!” she cries. (“O’s are my favorite — They’re like little air donuts,” Apostrofee opines at one point. And it is O’s that provide the resolution to author Judith Henderson’s clever plot.)
This picture book tackles wouldn’t, couldn’t, shouldn’t, possessives and more. Kids will giggle through this slender book, as they already understand the concept (if not the practice) of the apostrophe and, thus, know more than the perturbed alphabet letters. Adults will adore illustrator Ohara Hale’s colorful cartoon renditions of the alphabet and Apostrofee. Perfect for every first- and second-grade classroom library.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review.
This picture book tackles wouldn’t, couldn’t, shouldn’t, possessives and more. Kids will giggle through this slender book, as they already understand the concept (if not the practice) of the apostrophe and, thus, know more than the perturbed alphabet letters. Adults will adore illustrator Ohara Hale’s colorful cartoon renditions of the alphabet and Apostrofee. Perfect for every first- and second-grade classroom library.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Kids Can Press in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2021
Dee and Apostrofee by Judith Henderson is a fun picture book that endeavours to teach children the use of language and punctuation in an accessible, slightly madcap way. While I applaud the joie de vivre that virtually leaps from the pages, I did find the idea of replacing letters with an apostrophe slightly confusing when words such as 'delight' become 'd'light'. The lesson here for children seems to be that the apostrophe can be used indiscriminantly, and I found this to take away from an otherwise valiant effort to teach punctuation in a fun and engaging way. I did, however, find the personalities of both Dee and Apostrofee very appealing. 3.5 stars
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for an ARC.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Kids Can Press for an ARC.
August 17, 2021
This was a fun way of trying to explain apostrophes to children. I love that Apostrofee eats the missing letters and gets gas. I think kids will have fun and it is a stepping stone to explaining some of the nuances of the English language.
June 11, 2021
My rating would have been a strong 4 or 4.5 if only "apostrophe" had been spelled correctly. I never caught any reason for the alternative spelling and it just seems like so much unnecessary work to introduce the kids to the term and concept and THEN have to get them to recognize and use the correct spelling.
The actual book is fun and adorable and does a good job illustrating the use of the apostrophe in a very fun and clever way. It does possibly go on longer than it needs to--I think the whole part about the dinner invitation could be skipped without missing much--but the illustrations are cute and the kids will giggle at the gas jokes.
I just don't know why the author made that spelling choice. This would have been a really useful, effective book, but I probably wouldn't bring it into my classroom (pre-K) because of the potential for confusion. It might be better for older readers who already recognize the word and need repetition to reinforce the concept.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
The actual book is fun and adorable and does a good job illustrating the use of the apostrophe in a very fun and clever way. It does possibly go on longer than it needs to--I think the whole part about the dinner invitation could be skipped without missing much--but the illustrations are cute and the kids will giggle at the gas jokes.
I just don't know why the author made that spelling choice. This would have been a really useful, effective book, but I probably wouldn't bring it into my classroom (pre-K) because of the potential for confusion. It might be better for older readers who already recognize the word and need repetition to reinforce the concept.
Many thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review!
August 4, 2021
I received an electronic advance reader's copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The letters of the alphabet have banded together under Dee's leadership to stop Apostrofee from eating vowels.
This is a cute book that introduces children to punctuation marks. It features a cute story and examples of the use of the apostrophe, such as contractions and possession. However, I don't think that the story was quite clear on the uses of the apostrophe since it presents both formal and informal uses indiscriminately, which could cause confusion among the target readers of the book. I'm also at a loss as to why Apostrofee's name wasn't Apostrophe, which is the correct spelling of the punctuation mark. It seems like a mistake that could create a fossilized error in students that young.
Nevertheless, I thought the story was cute and could be a good way to open a lesson on punctuation. It could also help adult ESL learners to use apostrophes.
The letters of the alphabet have banded together under Dee's leadership to stop Apostrofee from eating vowels.
This is a cute book that introduces children to punctuation marks. It features a cute story and examples of the use of the apostrophe, such as contractions and possession. However, I don't think that the story was quite clear on the uses of the apostrophe since it presents both formal and informal uses indiscriminately, which could cause confusion among the target readers of the book. I'm also at a loss as to why Apostrofee's name wasn't Apostrophe, which is the correct spelling of the punctuation mark. It seems like a mistake that could create a fossilized error in students that young.
Nevertheless, I thought the story was cute and could be a good way to open a lesson on punctuation. It could also help adult ESL learners to use apostrophes.
July 3, 2021
A humorous book about the apostrophe and its relationships to the letters that make up words? What a fun idea that is the basis of Dee and Apostrofee - thank you, Kids Can Press for the e-galley via NetGalley. Dee and Apostrofee starts as a fun and amusing conversation between the letter D and the apostrofee who likes to eat up other letters and take their place in words. The letter D is not amused by this and tries to convince the apostrofee to give up this nefarious act. But the apostrofee can’t, won’t, and shan’t. In a convincing argument, the apostrofee is about to make its case to D and the other gathered letters.
What a fun and amusing way to introduce the apostrophe to young readers and writers. I can see this story being used as an engaging way for educators and parents to introduce the use of apostrophes to young children. It definitely makes a boring literacy lesson not so boring anymore especially with the sassy and mischievous character of the apostrofee.
What a fun and amusing way to introduce the apostrophe to young readers and writers. I can see this story being used as an engaging way for educators and parents to introduce the use of apostrophes to young children. It definitely makes a boring literacy lesson not so boring anymore especially with the sassy and mischievous character of the apostrofee.
December 27, 2021
The letter D (Dee) thinks she is the most important letter in the alphabet because so many words start with her letter. But, Apostrofee thinks he is very important because he can shorten words. If he eats the 'o' in Do not, he gets Don't. Eventually, with all the demonstrating, he's eaten too many and ends up in the sky with gas.
This is a very silly book, and a cute example for how to use an apostrophe, however, Apostrofee doesn't follow the rules, and eliminates whatever letters he wants (D'lish, Peace 'n' Harmony, d'ssert etc.) While I applaud the effort and the energy - it just goes a bit too far. There are enough exceptions to the rules already. Also, why spell Apostrophe like that?
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
This is a very silly book, and a cute example for how to use an apostrophe, however, Apostrofee doesn't follow the rules, and eliminates whatever letters he wants (D'lish, Peace 'n' Harmony, d'ssert etc.) While I applaud the effort and the energy - it just goes a bit too far. There are enough exceptions to the rules already. Also, why spell Apostrophe like that?
Cross posted to http://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com
May 31, 2021
I read a digital review copy from Edelweiss.
A clever way of introducing punctuation. Characters Dee, Apostrofee, and a cast of other letters help reinforce the concept by providing examples of words with and without apostrophes as Apostrofee devours letters along the pages. Some apostrophes and words are forced (d’lish instead of delish and d’vour instead of devour), which may lead to confusion among learners, but the plot eventually gets into a list of contractions that drives the concept home. A great story for independent readers or a supplementary text for elementary grades learning about punctuation.
A clever way of introducing punctuation. Characters Dee, Apostrofee, and a cast of other letters help reinforce the concept by providing examples of words with and without apostrophes as Apostrofee devours letters along the pages. Some apostrophes and words are forced (d’lish instead of delish and d’vour instead of devour), which may lead to confusion among learners, but the plot eventually gets into a list of contractions that drives the concept home. A great story for independent readers or a supplementary text for elementary grades learning about punctuation.
June 24, 2021
Dee and Apostrofee disagree on how words should be. Dee, along with the other letters, don’t appreciate Apostrofee’s appetite for eating letters. There is some complaining and humor along the way, but after Apostrofee explains how they condense words to make more fit, everyone seems to call a truce.
Judith Henderson’s Dee and Apostrofee is a cute book, though not terribly entertaining. This would be a good introduction in a classroom setting when beginning to introduce how apostrophes are used to show possession and to make contractions.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by Kids Can Press. Originally posted at Novel Obsession.
Judith Henderson’s Dee and Apostrofee is a cute book, though not terribly entertaining. This would be a good introduction in a classroom setting when beginning to introduce how apostrophes are used to show possession and to make contractions.
Disclaimer: An advance copy was provided by Kids Can Press. Originally posted at Novel Obsession.
July 25, 2021
Review to be added to Amazon UK and US on 5th October 2021 - publication day!
I loved the illustrations in this book!
This was a fun way of trying to explain apostrophes to children – the main character in the book is confusingly called Apostrofee (I really think they should have stuck with the actual name as it is a book to help with learning!).
I loved that Apostrofee ate the missing letters and got himself a bit of wind when he did – it was a funny book and plenty to smile about as you read the book!
It is 3.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads and Amazon
I loved the illustrations in this book!
This was a fun way of trying to explain apostrophes to children – the main character in the book is confusingly called Apostrofee (I really think they should have stuck with the actual name as it is a book to help with learning!).
I loved that Apostrofee ate the missing letters and got himself a bit of wind when he did – it was a funny book and plenty to smile about as you read the book!
It is 3.5 stars from me for this one, rounded up to 4 stars for Goodreads and Amazon
October 6, 2021
This book has some good entertaining help for students learning about the apostrophe and how and when to use it. Unfortunately, it has some confusing parts too. There is the spelling in the title--apostrofee. There is no reason to confuse readers with this misspelling. The use for dropping an E in a De word is not a truly grammatical use for the apostrophe. D'lish and D'plorable are not proper. They are ok when writing dialog, but are not officially proper grammar. There is a lot of that in this book--too much.
May 19, 2021
Quite a fun look – certainly a visually lively one – at apostrophes and how they work. We have an errant example of one that Dee (ie the letter D) doesn't like, but there's no "doesn't" without both of them, and there's no "there's" without – oh, you get the gist. Don'tcha?! What I don't do is deem it that entertaining, so it will like as not stick on the shelf until used for a brief reminder of the possessive. P'haps. Three and a half stars, then.
May 31, 2021
Hilarious and informative.
I read this to my daughters, ages 6 and 8. They found it hilarious and had a pretty clear understanding of the job of an apostrophe afterwards.
I adored the personalities of the letters and punctuation and found the whole concept clever. The illustrations were colorful, humorous and clear. I appreciate the bright and clean aesthetic.
Highly enjoyed and recommended.
I read this to my daughters, ages 6 and 8. They found it hilarious and had a pretty clear understanding of the job of an apostrophe afterwards.
I adored the personalities of the letters and punctuation and found the whole concept clever. The illustrations were colorful, humorous and clear. I appreciate the bright and clean aesthetic.
Highly enjoyed and recommended.
June 14, 2021
I liked the concept, but this fell short on execution. For this to be a better learning tool, I would've made sure to use conventional English throughout. Getting slang-y with D'lish vs Delish isn't my way of using an apostrophe. <-- Which leads me wishing the author would've just spelled it Apostrophe and explained it's pronounced Apostrofee so kids know how to recognize the correct word. The cheat methods in this story weren't needed.
June 19, 2021
Dee and Apostrofee by Judith Henderson is so cute!! This book teaches apostrophes and shows how to use them! The pictures were great and I think kids would find this book funny. I liked how this book showed multiple letters and vowels as those are tricky to teach. I would definitely recommend this book to teachers to have in their classrooms!
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2021
A laugh out loud journey into the world of contractions, Dee and Apostrofee provides a grammatical lesson in a colorful, engaging way. It is a great introductory level for lower elementary and a fun review for older kids!
July 12, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for a free digital copy.
Quite a bit funny, a little gassy, and a lot informative, this book will teach kids about the humble apostrophe in the silliest of ways!
Quite a bit funny, a little gassy, and a lot informative, this book will teach kids about the humble apostrophe in the silliest of ways!
August 9, 2021
This is a delightful book with humor and wit!
The illustrations are big and bold while bringing fun to the concept of grammar. My kids like to go around contracting words now for fun!! I definitely recommend this book as a great gift or for people with younger kids!
The illustrations are big and bold while bringing fun to the concept of grammar. My kids like to go around contracting words now for fun!! I definitely recommend this book as a great gift or for people with younger kids!
October 12, 2021
One of the most clever children's picture books I have read in a long time. It's comical and may help kids better understand how an apostrophe is to be used.
March 20, 2022
Book received for free through NetGalley
This is an adorably cute book that teaches how to use an apostrophe in the most adorable manner. I absolutely love this book and could see buying it for my own personal library. That said after reading it once my five and seven year old say they learned nothing so I guess I'll need to read it to them later. ;)
This is an adorably cute book that teaches how to use an apostrophe in the most adorable manner. I absolutely love this book and could see buying it for my own personal library. That said after reading it once my five and seven year old say they learned nothing so I guess I'll need to read it to them later. ;)
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews