A Chest Full of Words - by Rebecca Gugger & Simon Röthlisberger (Hardcover)

About the Book

Oscar discovers a treasure chest and is initially disappointed to find only words inside, but when he tosses fluorescent into the bushes, a bright yellow hedgehog runs by and Oscar discovers using new words is fun.

Book Synopsis

In this picture book packed with playful vocabulary, a young boy finds new words and discovers how to use them to change the world around him.

Oscar discovers a magnificent treasure chest. When he opens it, he is disappointed at what's inside: nothing but words. What type of treasure is that?! But when he tosses fluorescent into the bushes, a bright yellow hedgehog runs by! Soon Oscar has created a featherlight backhoe, a docile crocodile, and a monstrous--oops!--adorable beetle. Using new words is fun!

Before long Oscar has emptied the chest and is left wordless. He doesn't know where to find more words, until his neighbor Louise gives him some guidance: you can find words anytime and anywhere. Oscar begins a new hunt for words and learns all sorts of inventive ways to describe the world around him.

An enthralling, phenomenal, adventuresome, imaginative, endearing, ear-catching and joyful book about language that's sure to make kids laugh-and learn!

Review Quotes

"The power of words gets a literal twist in this quirky picture book."-- "Foreword Reviews"

"Oscar's tale highlights the power of words and the magic they bring to our lives, no matter how big or how small... [T]his is an excellent book for both passionate young readers and the more reluctant ones, who may just find just the right word amidst the pages of this book."-- "DC Canada Education Publishing"

"The illustrations for this picture book are whimsical and colorful, but not overpowering. The style is unique and the story will make any reader smile. It's a fun way to learn about adjectives and how to use them."-- "Youth Services Book Review, Starred Review"

"Full of unusual words like bulbous, tender-leafed, and velvety, it leaves readers with pages full of unnamed images ripe for the claiming. The illustrations are whimsical and playful while also making concrete something that is utterly abstract. Oscar's world has an exaggerated, off-kilter feel; with the earthy palette and changing perspectives...Original and absorbing."-- "Kirkus Reviews"

About the Author

Rebecca Gugger and Simon Röthlisberger were both born in Switzerland and live together in Thun near forests, mountains, and fresh air. Rebecca is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who studied at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts) and likes to have her head in the clouds. Simon is a trained graphic designer currently working as an art director and has been known to hoist a sail or two. Every now and then the two work together as a team, wielding pen and pencil side by side.

Simon Röthlisberger and Rebecca Gugger were both born in Switzerland and live together in Thun near forests, mountains, and fresh air. Rebecca is a freelance illustrator and graphic designer who studied at the HKB (Bern University of the Arts) and likes to have her head in the clouds. Simon is a trained graphic designer currently working as an art director and has been known to hoist a sail or two. Every now and then the two work together as a team, wielding pen and pencil side by side.

Tim Mohr is an award-winning translator of German writers such as Sibylle Berg, Alina Bronksy, and Wolfgang Herrndorf, and the author of Burning Down the Haus, a history of East German punk rock and the role dissident musicians played in bringing down the Berlin Wall. Prior to starting his writing career, he earned his living as a DJ in Berlin.