Children's Literature Terms

adjective in a disordered or jumbled state

adverb in a disordered or jumbled manner

• The books on the shelf were arranged higgledy piggledy, making it difficult to find a specific title.
• After the party, the living room was left higgledy piggledy with empty cups and plates scattered everywhere.
• I tried to organize my closet but it's still higgledy piggledy with clothes all over the place.
• Her thoughts were all higgledy piggledy, making it hard for her to focus on one thing at a time.

noun a mean or unkind person

• The teacher scolded the student for calling his classmate a meanie.
• I can't believe she was such a meanie to you at the party.
• Why are you being such a meanie today?
• The storm clouds gathered ominously, as if nature itself was preparing to unleash its inner meanie.

noun A person or company that prepares and issues books, journals, or other works for sale or distribution.

• The publisher of the academic journal rejected the research paper.
• The publisher decided not to publish the book.
• The publisher passed on the manuscript.
• The publisher held the power to distribute the author's work.

noun a domestic cat, especially a small or playful one

• The children sang a song about a little pussycat in their school play.
• I saw a cute little pussycat wandering around the neighborhood.
• My friend's new kitten is the most adorable little pussycat ever!
• She may seem sweet like a pussycat, but she's actually quite cunning.

noun a word agreeing with another in terminal sound

verb to compose or treat in verse

• The poet used a perfect rhyme scheme in his sonnet.
• I love it when songs have a catchy rhyme to sing along to.
• That rap battle had some sick rhymes!
• The colors of the sunset seemed to rhyme with the hues of the ocean.

noun an honorary title given to a distinguished children's author or illustrator

• The children’s laureate is an author or illustrator appointed to promote a love of reading among young people.
• Have you heard about the new children’s laureate? They're going to visit schools and libraries to inspire kids to read.
• The children’s laureate is like the cool storyteller for all the little ones.
• Being named the children’s laureate is like being crowned the champion of young readers everywhere.