The Dictionary and Mim — Sue Butler

THE Dictionary can only speak in big long words -- has swallowed the dictionary, so to speak. But there is a solution. The Prime Minister is in need of big long words. Can THE Dictionary help out and find it easier to speak.The letter q is miserable because it feels left out. Every other letter has more words than q does. THE Dictionary comments that words don't grow on trees but this gives q the idea to be planted in THE Dictionary garden and see what q words pop up in the spring.THE Dictionary gets out on the wrong side of bed and can only say his words backwards. Meanwhile his old friend Mr ABC is upset because he thinks all the letters in all the words should be in alphabetical order. This is sorted out but then Mr ABC can help THE Dictionary but doing a quick sort of all his words. Sure enough, in z he finds a word that is out of place. He puts it back in alphabetical order and THE Dictionary is cured.THE Dictionary is asked by the Bunyip Bugle to judge the Sportsletter of the Year. The Committee goes through the claims of various letters with the Editor offering cynical commentary. They invent a new sport with umbrellas so that the letter u wins the competition.These stories are designed for children who are using dictionaries and who enjoy word play. They cover some basic concepts that young readers need to grasp when they are using the dictionary but in a way that will amuse and entertain them. They can be used as a teaching resource for lessons on the dictionary.