Under Over, By the Clover What is a Preposition?

Under, Over, by the Clover: What Is a Preposition? (Words Are Categorical)is another great book in Brian Cleary's Words are Categorical series. This series is great for teaching children parts of speech.

In this book, Cleary starts with a definition of a preposition. From there he breaks down the types of prepositions children might encounter into sections, where, time and place, and direction. In each category, he provides examples with illustrations that will appeal to both young and older students.

Cleary addresses the myth of ending sentences with prepositions, which I was surprised to find in a child's picture book. Here his explanation is a bit vague and since he calls it a myth, I would think clarifying the rules regarding appropriate use at the end of a sentence would be wise. His rhyme does give an example, but many children will miss it and not understand what he means beyond saying that it is a myth.

He ends with a reminder to children that prepositions tell us when, where, and how.

This book is an entertaining way to introduce prepositions to younger children and review it with older elementary students. For children struggling with dry textbook definitions, this provides some light humor and may provide a connection to the material not available in traditional English language sources. I encourage teachers, homeschooling families, and parents to check out Brian Cleary's series. It is a great way to introduce young children to the parts of speech and to engage older children in remembering or relearning what they might not remember.