(3) K-3 Illustrated by Elizabeth Baddeley. Before he became a lexicographer, Webster wanted individual letters to have specific correlations to unique sounds. Along with Franklin, he proposed a new alphabet with additional letters. Here readers see the development--and ultimate failure--of the plan that is the foundation for compiling his American Dictionary of the English Language. Colorful digital illustrations show a lightheartedness that belies Webster's sacrifices but complements the text's tone. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Mircea Catusanu. In this lighthearted introduction to the lexicographer, readers see Webster first as a willful child and later a determined adult who helped promote and record American English as a unique language. The standout here is the collage art, which incorporates historical artifacts and includes humorous edits of the text (presumably from Webster himself). Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Boris Kulikov. This breezy picture-book biography introduces readers to Webster. A smart and serious student, he could also be a bit highfalutin ("Noah called goofing around 'playing roguish tricks.' This is an example of Noah talking big"), which Fern emphasizes using a lighthearted repeated rhetorical pattern. Kulikov's energetic illustrations put Webster at the center of every spread by making him larger or brighter than his surroundings. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: November, 2015

(2) YA Noah Webster (1758–1843) has a passion for words but cannot seem to find a vocation. He tries teaching, lawyering, lecturing, publishing, and writing. Late in life he finally settles down to complete his dictionary, drawing on his passion for language as well as his belief that a common American language will unite the country. Historical background gives context to this cradle-to-grave biography. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2015

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Vincent X. Kirsch. In this unique biography of the patriot and dictionary writer, Ferris seamlessly incorporates words with their definitions--"He wanted to write a DIC-TION-AR-Y (noun: a book listing words in ABC order, telling what they mean and how to spell them)"--creating opportunities for vocabulary development, but also showing what Webster's work was all about. Kirsch's humorous illustrations highlight important moments. Timeline, websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2012

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Monica Vachula. As much a history of American language as it is a biography, this picture book shows how Noah Webster "believed that Americans could and should use their own language to break free totally from England." Though Webster is best known for his lexicography, the engaging text and detailed illustrations present a complete portrait of a driven patriot who helped form a nation. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Chelsey Philpot