Sparkle and Spin: A book about words by Ann and Paul Rand

Through harmony and rhythm, resonance and pitch, Ann Rand inspires readers to listen to the tuneful play of her text as it sings off each page. Illustrated with graphic designer Paul Rand’s colorful, witty artwork, Sparkle and Spin is a children’s classic (now happily available again through Chronicle Books) that reveals to young readers the power and music in the words they use every day. Sparkle and Spin takes readers on a delightful journey through the fascinating world of words. Readers will explore homophones, interjections, adjectives, verbs, and more. Written in rhythmic verse, this book is an enjoyable read-aloud.

 "What are words?  Words are how what you think inside comes out and 

how to remember what you might forget about."

In the US lots of schools are posting videos on social media about the end of year library inventory. This process often includes 'gardening' (I like that term way better than the word 'weeding'). What are some criteria for this: age of the book, condition of the book, frequency of loans, currency of content, overall child appeal.

If age of the book is a criteria, then this book is one I might not have found in a library. Prepare to be shocked! Sparkle and Spin was first published in 1957. Okay do not panic - I am reading the 2006 reprint but wow this sure is an old book. Has it been borrowed from the library - yes nine times between 2007 when it was purchased and now. How did I discover this book? Kids find books in libraries when they can see covers. The library where I volunteer changes their book displays - weekly, fortnightly and twice each term Sparkle and Spin is a picture book but it is one of thousands. The display of 'word play' books gave Sparkle and Spin a couple of weeks 'in the sun'. If you do by chance have the 1957 edition of Sparkle and Spin I have seen copies for sale for over $1000!

Paul Rand (1914-1996) was an American commercial artist who, together with his wife Ann, produced four picture books combining rhythmic verse with illustrations exhibiting Paul's interest in Swiss Style graphic design. Rand is best known for his corporate logo designs. Here is another book by Ann and Paul Rand - Listen Listen!

If you are thinking about words and word play I found this terrific chart on my friend's Pinterest page:

When I saw the date on Sparkle and Spin, I also thought of this treasured book from 1961 which I had in my previous library - sadly I am sure that by now someone will have tossed it away - what a pity - this book contains fabulous retro illustrations and it is such a funny book to share. I now also discover there was a companion volume called Writing!

See inside this book here

Here are some other books about words:

What a wonderful word

Weird and Wonderful world of Words