by Mara Rockliff
illustrated by Eliza Wheeler
Peachtree Publishers
Big words:
toupee
ramshackle
accusations

Really big words:
umbrage–offense or annoyance
imbroglio–extremely confused or embarrassing situation
dudgeon–a feeling of offense or deep resentment
pique– feeling of irritation or resentment resulting from a slight, esp. to one’s pride.

This book is a vocabulary-builder, moral-teacher, and smile-generator in one! Several examples of figurative language are thrown in, too: left-handed compliment, took offense, flung accusations, high dudgeon, pet peeve, bone to pick, get my goat, mad about you. College-level words fill the text, accompanied by recasting for several different terms.  The illustrations are complex and engaging and add depth to the text. The Grudge Keeper is one to add to your home library, as it will provide vocabulary layering options from preschool to college.

Teach your kids the value of releasing grudges in favor of kindness as you fill their ears and your own with exciting new words to help solve your next disagreement!