Full disclosure: In my book, and in my house, this best-selling team has never struck out. Whether they take on adoption, self-esteem or less (more?) lofty themes — like Where Do Balloons Go? — their books soar with originality and fun. In Big Words, Curtis and Cornell take situations common to kids and explain, by way of rhyme, a big word to use in that situation. Often the big words teach (but never preach) a lesson at the same time: "To UNDERSTAND means you know when we say, 'A street is for cars! It's not safe to play!'" The cheery illustrations of children in the book show kids of all colors and races — that is to say, just kids.