Cleary's and Gable's zany, big-nosed cats are back, this time to energetically introduce the concept of adverbs. A punning rhyming text explains what adverbs are and do; throughout, sentences containing adverbs (which are set in color for easy identification) are illustrated by brightly tinted cartoon creatures. The lesson may be too frenetic for many readers to understand, but they'll sure enjoy the rush of fresh air.

Continuing with their successful Words Are Categorical series, Cleary and Gable ( Under, Over, by the Clover: What Is a Preposition? , 2002, etc.) use humorous cats to illuminate another part of speech in this fifth entry in the series. Cleary has clearly got the formula down for effectively explaining a potentially boring subject through a bouncy rhyming text filled with puns and jokes that will appeal to kids. He manages to define adverbs and their multiple uses, provide a wide variety of examples in context, and even contrast the use of the adjective "good" versus the adverb "well" (with the obligatory pun about well being a deep subject). Gable's cartoon-style cats are shown cavorting in sunglasses and hats, riding bikes and skateboards, or flying through the air in superhero style. Each page uses a different shade of background color in appealing hues that contrast with the colorful cats. The typeface is a jazzy style that suits the format well, with the many adverbs printed in a contrasting bright shade. Though targeting students in upper-elementary classrooms, this series will also be used by clever English teachers in junior high or high school or by ESL teachers. Ruth Heller's stellar series on the parts of speech remains the gold standard on the subject, but more kids will connect with Cleary and Gable's cool cats. (Nonfiction. 8+)

Gr 2-4-Another of the author's rhyming romps through parts of speech, this book offers a nearly nonsensical look at the role of adverbs. Illustrated with colorful and daft felines and other creatures that have a suspicion of the manic energy of the Cat in the Hat, plus a befuddled walrus that is "Brilliantly burgundy, shockingly old," the text informs readers about adverbs of manner, frequency, description, place, time, and number. The words themselves are highlighted in colored print, with companion explanations: "Adverbs tell us when and how,/Like, quickly do your homework, now." The energy and sheer razzmatazz of the text and graphics will have young grammarians entranced. Pair Cleary's titles with Ruth Heller's titles, including Up, Up and Away: A Book about Adverbs (Grosset & Dunlap, 1991), for solid and engaging instruction in the basics of language.-Dona Ratterree, New York City Public Schools Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.