Idioms in children’s books to Make You Laugh, Wonder & Think
Let’s not beat around the bush, idioms can confuse. If the thought of explaining or teaching idioms makes you feel like you’re walking on a river without a paddle, don’t despair. Here are great idioms in children’s books that can help you understand it.
The modern English language has many idioms. We use common idioms every day without thinking twice. Consider these common phrases; “Don’t spill the beans”, “You’re barking up the wrong tree”, “Every cloud has a silver lining” or “That’s not my cup of tea”.
However, for young children, multilingual learners, and neurodiverse learners, idioms can be very challenging. So let’s find ways to make idioms more accessible and interesting.
Idioms are a form of figurative language. Merriam-Webster Student Dictionary defines idioms as “the choice of words and their combination that characterizes a language.”
Even the definition sounds confusing. But idioms can be a lot of fun! To help children understand and enjoy idioms, refer to some of the books below. These books are fun to read and can make you laugh, think, and wonder about the peculiarities of the English language.
Idioms in Children’s Books
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In a Pickle written by Marvin Terban
Raining Cats & Dogs written and illustrated by Will Moses
This is another good introduction to idioms. It includes many commonly used idioms, like “spill the beans” and “sour grapes.” Each idiom is accompanied by a simple definition and used in a sentence.
Quiet As a Mouse and Other Animal Idioms written and illustrated by Chieu Anh Urban
This cute and clever board book is for the littlest readers. Before each idiom, there is a rhyming clue leading to the idiom, such as “Fast and bold, clever and sneaky. I’m as sly as a…” Turn the page to complete the idiom and solve the puzzle.
The Food Group Series written by Jory John
This entire series is filled with teaching points, amusing moments, and idioms! Each title is an idiom that can lead to meaningful discussion. Imagine explaining the true meaning behind these titles, The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Cool Bean, The Couch Potato, The Smart Cookie, The Sour Grape, and The Big Cheese. Each book stands alone, but the humorous illustrations, subtle messages, and puns make it well worth reading.
The World is Your Oyster written by Tamara James
This cute and simple story is told in idioms. The illustrations provide detailed descriptions of each idiom. Each page can lead to discussion and explanation of the true meanings behind the words.
7 Ate 9, The Untold Story written by Tara Lazar
This clever, witty book features puns and idioms throughout the text. It begins as a mathematical mystery as “Something scares me” number six. The humorous wordplay is enhanced by adorable artwork.
Parts Trilogy written and illustrated by Tedd Arnold
While this is a fun trilogy, if you’re looking for specific idioms, read the second book of the three, More Parts. The illustrations provide a concrete visual companion that explains the meaning of common phrases like “crack you up.”
I’ll Believe You When: Unbelievable Idioms from Around the World
Every language uses idioms that are specific to their own language and culture. This book presents idioms from many countries. What seems like a common phrase in one country may be quite unusual in another. Would you think it would be odd if a friend said, “I will believe you when a cactus grows out of my hand!” It won’t be strange if you are Polish! Idioms in English can seem quite strange to multilingual learners.
Amelia Bedelia books written by Peggy Parish and Herman Parish, multiple illustrators
If you’ve read the classic Amelia Bedelia books, you’ll know they’re filled with idioms that are vividly portrayed by Amelia’s crazy antics. If you’re looking for something newer, check out the updated Amelia books, such as the Young Amelia Bedelia Chapter Set.
The Case of the Missing Carrot Cake trilogy written by Robin Newman
This beginner chapter book series is a great read-aloud program to introduce elements of mystical and figurative language, especially idioms! All three books in the series: The Case of the Lost Carrot Cake, The Case of the Boiled Egg, and The Case of the Bad Apples are filled with culinary idioms. Despite appearances, the protagonist’s mice are not on a wild goose chase because they always solve crimes!
So once in a blue moon, pause and reflect while you’re speaking. Idioms certainly bring richness to speech and writing. Just for fun, create a visual image of your words in your head. You may find that the words you just said made you laugh, think, and wonder.
