The Traveling Dustball

K-Gr 2–In this series, young readers are introduced to a “big” word in each chapter and then are provided with the definition and pronunciation of said word. These stories center around Davey and his dog Abigail who find a magical dustball that transports them to far away lands. In one chapter, Abigail has an upset stomach so Davey travels to China to get some tea to alleviate her collywobbles, which is defined as a sore or upset tummy. In another story, the duo arrives in Switzerland where a new cheese shop has opened up and the locals are enraged at the offensive smell of one of the cheeses. After they all sample it, they realize that while the cheese smells putrid, it tastes divine and the word phenomenon is defined. Other words covered are brouhaha, lollygagging and irksome. McBeth’s cartoon illustrations are engaging but the rhythm of the book is off.