Reviews

By Professional Reviewers and Writers

“A valuable book that you will fall in love with. Funny, silly, creative … Teaches important life lessons … ingeniously. The illustrations are fantastic … A superb book that you will want in your home.”  —National Parenting Center

“The story is charming, the characters amusing, and the illustrations polished and a perfect match for the tone … Overall, the book’s takeaway is likely more applicable to adults than children … Still, young readers will delight in the fun drawings, captivating characters, and silly situations.” BlueInk

Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson by Joseph Kimble is a funny book … Cute illustrations lend a lot of personality to Mr. Mouthful and his pet monkey, as well as all the people they interact with.” —Foreword Clarion

Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson will have kids giggling [over] his unusual choice of words. Parents, don’t be surprised if some of these funny sayings creep into your youngster’s conversations. This is a fun story that kids will enjoy reading over and over again.” —Alice Berger, Bergers Book Reviews

“Let’s face it, the English language can be weird. Only in English would the words pony & bologna rhyme. The more you learn about the English language, the weirder it gets. That is what makes expanding your English vocabulary so much fun. Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson is a lot of fun. After you read it, get out your dictionary and let your love of words begin.” —Michael Hale, author and illustrator, Phoenix, Arizona

By Teachers and Students

“Students really enjoyed hearing Mr. Kimble share the process for writing his book, Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson, and working with the illustrator to design the pages. Our children laughed with Mr. Kimble as he read the book and pointed out its mood changes. At the end, he showed them important lessons about word meaning. His message to students: ‘Learn to love words.’ Perfect for students in grade 1-4. They will have fun and learn at the same time.” —Dianna Rubey, IB/PYP Coordinator, Testing Coordinator, Quail Run Elementary, Phoenix, AZ
“It was a delight and an honor to spend the day with Mr. Kimble. The children gained so much from the experience. The presentations were engaging (as evidenced by the students’ participation) and were relevant to their learning. They were fascinated to see the process of writing and making a book. Mr. Kimble’s use of visuals was fabulous. And I love the way he spoke respectfully and intelligently to the students. The book is beautiful and truly unique.”  —Dana Silva, instructional coach, Yavapai Elementary, Scottsdale Arizona
“The children are still talking about Mr. Kimble and Mr. Mouthful! His presentation was engaging and tailored for our various grade levels. Not only were kids entertained with the book, but they also gained valuable information and ideas for writing.  The teaching staff was impressed with the way Mr. Kimble could share his love for writing.  We’re eager to read more about Mr. Mouthful’s life with words!” —Angie Boles, reading specialist, Grayhawk Elementary, Scottsdale Arizona
“Best book ever.” “The most fun presentation I have ever seen.” “I loved how you showed us how you put together a book.” “I learned a lot of vocabulary.” “The book is very funny.” “I loved when the monkey thought he was hot.”  Students at Grayhawk Elementary, Scottsdale, Arizona.

“Mr. Kimble read his book to our fourth-graders at Bennett Woods Elementary in Okemos, Michigan. They were smiling and laughing at the storyline and illustrations. A wonderful story about the beauty of words with a surprise ending. The kids really loved the presentation!” —Trish Finnerty, fourth-grade teacher

“Five stars!” “Sooo funny.” “Hilarious and original.” “I thought it was divine.” “I loved the silliness.” “Amazing.” “I loved the pictures.” “Unique” “Outstanding words.” “I really liked how it sorta rhymed.” “So funny when Axel fell in the poop.” “I could read that book a million times.” —Fourth-grade students, Bennett Woods Elementary, Okemos, Michigan

“Joe Kimble planted seeds of imagination in so many young minds while he was here, showing our students how they can write and illustrate their own books. It was an unforgettable, educational, fun presentation.” —Nancy Clarke, librarian, Desert Cove Elementary, Phoenix, Arizona

“I am a teacher, and I was lucky enough to have Mr. Kimble come to read his book to my class. The kids loved the story and were engaged the whole time. I would definitely recommend this book.” —Noelle Welte, first-grade teacher, Cactus Wren Elementary, Phoenix, Arizona

“It was a pleasure hosting Mr. Kimble at Abbot Elementary [in Ann Arbor, Michigan]. The children giggled at the antics in his book and enjoyed his mannerisms. He was able to share with our students his process of writing a book. My colleagues and I found this very helpful and have asked ‘what did Mr. Kimble do?’ several times during lessons in the days after his visit. Our students are excited to expand their vocabularies and apply some of the things he shared with us.” —Gina Maksimchuck, second-grade teacher

“We thoroughly enjoyed hosting Joe Kimble at our middle school as he inspired and honored the thinking of our young people. His writing process engaged our aspiring writers, who were invited to share their wonderings aloud! This sometimes-tough-to-entertain age bracket was taken by Joe and even erupted in several bouts of reluctant laughter.”  —Katie Bielecki, sixth-grade teacher, Hope Middle School, Holt Michigan

“From beginning to end, this book will be appealing to readers of all ages! Joseph Kimble’s delightfully inventive story is one that I want to read to my students and grandchildren. Many teachable moments inside.” —Susie Brody, elementary-school teacher (ret.), Linden, Michigan

“What a creative way to expand a child’s vocabulary. Mr. Mouthful Learns His Lesson is rich in text that will open up classroom discussions on the use and meaning of words. Mr. Mouthful could also be a teaching tool to illustrate how authors use WOW words to make their stories more interesting. The illustrations are adorable and truly represent the characters.” —Kym Farkas, elementary-school teacher, San Diego, California

“A lighthearted cautionary tale about how words can help or hinder communication. Delightfully illustrated for children of grade-school age. Adults will enjoy the vocabulary spins, and children will learn some new words too! Perfect for introducing children to the concept of plain language.” —Lezlee Worthington, children’s librarian (ret.), Lansing, Michigan

High Five

What the Kids Say:

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