Children's Literature Vocabulary

noun a verse composed of such feet

• The poem is written in anapestic tetrameter, with each line consisting of four anapests.
• I find it easier to remember poems that use anapests because of their rhythmic pattern.
• Anapests are like the fancy footwork of poetry, adding a little bounce to the lines.
• Her words danced across the page like anapests in a lively poem.

noun a Scottish or Northern English dialect word for a child

• The bairn was born healthy and strong.
• I can't wait to meet your new bairn!
• The wee bairn is so cute!
• The project was like a bairn, requiring constant care and attention.

noun a representation of laughter or amusement, often associated with Santa Claus

interjection used to represent the sound of laughter or amusement, often associated with Santa Claus

• The jolly man in the red suit exclaimed 'Ho ho ho!' as he greeted the children at the Christmas party.
• I heard Santa's signature 'Ho ho ho!' as he made his way through the mall.
• The comedian's impersonation of Santa's 'ho ho ho' had the audience in stitches.
• The CEO let out a hearty 'ho ho ho' as he received news of record-breaking profits.

adverb modifies a verb, adjective, or another adverb by indicating manner, time, place, or degree

• The magician waved his wand and magically made the rabbit disappear.
• I magically found my keys in the last place I looked.
• She magically aced the test without studying at all.
• The old bookshop felt magically nostalgic, transporting me back in time.

noun a foolish or stupid person

• The CEO was shocked to discover that one of his top executives was a nincompoop.
• Don't be such a nincompoop and double-check your work before submitting it.
• I can't believe that nincompoop forgot to bring the snacks to the party.
• Her mind was like a nincompoop, unable to grasp even the simplest concepts.

noun the sound made by a series of light, quick taps or beats

verb to make a series of light, quick taps or beats

• The pitter patter of raindrops could be heard on the roof.
• I love falling asleep to the pitter patter of rain outside.
• The pitter patter of little feet running around the house is music to my ears.
• Her heart skipped a beat at the pitter patter of footsteps behind her.

noun a person's face or mouth, often used in a playful or endearing way

• The veterinarian examined the puss on the cat's paw to determine if it was infected.
• I noticed some puss coming out of the wound on my finger, so I cleaned it with antiseptic.
• I can't believe she's dating that puss who never stands up for himself.
• The corrupt politician is nothing but a puss when it comes to standing up to his wealthy donors.

noun a person who is foolish or stupid

• The speaker referred to the heckler in the crowd as a dollophead.
• Don't listen to him, he's just a dollophead who doesn't know what he's talking about.
• That guy is such a dollophead, always causing trouble.
• Her mind was like a dollophead, full of fluffy nonsense.

noun a person who is between the ages of about 10 and 12 years old

adjective referring to or characteristic of a person who is between the ages of about 10 and 12 years old

• The psychologist conducted a study on the cognitive development of tweens.
• I heard that new tween movie is really popular with kids.
• My tween is always on their phone, it's like their lifeline.
• The relationship between childhood and adolescence is often seen as the 'tween' stage.