Loved it!! As a teacher I can't say enought about how cute this book is! It should be on the required reading list for 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders!. The illustrations is wonderful. The storyline and setting are both good. With lots of adventures happening you do not even notice the correct method of when and how to use punctuation is being taught to you. Especially love how the punctuatios have to become the heroes to get the word chaos in order and bring peace to the island.

This was super cute! As a punctuation lover, I loved it. This would be great for introducing punctuation in an elementary classroom! I think kids would love to read this after learning about and practicing punctuation.

Punctuation to the Rescue is one of the most quirky yet educational books I've read this year. Believe it or not, I am so thrilled to read a book about grammar, but specifically underappreciated punctuation. In the society we currently live in, punctuation seems to disappear with the advent of texting, emojis, and slang. So many writers in everyday communication act as if punctuation isn't important, but this picture book sure tells us that is not the case. As an English and Composition professor, I am happy to see an author discuss the importance and value of punctuation.

The author Cheryl Olsten really takes us on an adventure where we meet Comma, Period, Exclamation, and Question as book characters. What makes them come to life even more are the beautiful and colorful illustrations by Sara Not. I really enjoyed the sailing adventure they take to the Island of Chaos.

My only complaint is that the book was a bit longer than I expected so depending on the age range of the students/kids reading it is possible they may lose interest. However, them getting to the end gives them the best message and lesson of why we need and use punctuation.

I would definitely recommend this to 3rd-6th graders because they can understand punctuation in a better, fun way instead of doing exercises or busy work. It's always great when grammar is learned and used for premium effect.

4.5 stars

⭐ Rating: 4.5/5
📖 Genre: Children’s Educational Fiction
📅 Publication Date: October 30, 2024

📚 Summary:

In Punctuation to the Rescue, Cheryl Olsten brings punctuation marks to life in a delightful adventure that educates young readers about the importance of proper punctuation. The story begins in a lighthouse library where Exclamation Point, weary of being overused, convinces fellow punctuation marks — Comma, Period, and Question Mark — to embark on a much-needed vacation. Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they land on the Island of Chaos, a place where words run amok without proper punctuation. Realizing the disorder their absence has caused, the punctuation pals set out to restore order, teaching the island’s inhabitants the significance of their roles in structuring language.

🖋️ My Thoughts:

Cheryl Olsten masterfully combines education with entertainment in this charming tale.

✔ Engaging Characters: Each punctuation mark is personified with distinct traits — Exclamation Point’s exuberance, Comma’s thoughtful pauses, Period’s decisiveness, and Question Mark’s curiosity — making them relatable and memorable for young readers.

✔ Educational Value: The narrative cleverly introduces fundamental punctuation concepts, demonstrating how each mark contributes to clear communication. Children learn the roles of different punctuation marks through the characters’ adventures, reinforcing the importance of proper punctuation in a fun and accessible way.

✔ Vibrant Illustrations: Sara Not’s illustrations are lively and expressive, enhancing the story’s appeal. The visuals complement the text beautifully, capturing the personalities of the punctuation marks and the chaos of an unpunctuated world.

🔸 Minor Drawbacks:

▫ Complex Vocabulary: Some terms may be advanced for the youngest readers, but they provide opportunities for vocabulary expansion with adult guidance.

✨ Final Verdict:

Punctuation to the Rescue is a delightful blend of storytelling and education, making it an excellent resource for teaching children about punctuation. Cheryl Olsten’s creative approach, combined with Sara Not’s engaging illustrations, results in a book that is both informative and entertaining. It’s a valuable addition to any child’s library, especially for those beginning to explore the rules of writing.

📌 Recommended For:

✔ Children aged 3–6 who are starting to learn about punctuation.

✔ Parents and educators seeking an engaging tool to teach writing mechanics.

✔ Anyone who enjoys imaginative stories that personify everyday elements.

Embark on this whimsical journey with Period, Comma, Exclamation Point, and Question Mark, and discover how punctuation truly brings order to our words.

I would use this story in ny classroom when talking about punctuation marks. It is a fun adventure story! It teaches students how to correctly use the marks and not to overuse them.

When a book falls off a shelf it stirs the punctuation off the page (well, some of it – there were clearly no brackets or m-dashes present), and they go on strike, taking themselves off for a holiday together to get over their feeling of being under-appreciated. The quirk of them all is they use themselves in their speech, so Exclamation is always Shouting! Things!! and Question is forever using its own format, too. There's a major blip when you think Period is in peril, and someone still gets to use him, but they escape that problem and move on – to an island full of rampaging words. Have they found a place they'll be appreciated and used properly and heavily at last?

The feeling for me was that this could have been better. It's not without cleverness – the @ symbol is here as a monkey's tail, which is the name used for it in The Netherlands. But as I say the thing goofs in using Period when Period is thought gone for a Burton. It's also definitely US only – the British English doesn't call them exclamation points or periods. And the point of the story seems to be to use them well and well enough for them to be proud – but surely things might have been more pointed and more inventive when we saw the effect of not having them around? Here the book itself is an example of them being used in strong amounts and cleverly, but perhaps we should actually see them disappear, forcing us to appreciate them more due to their temporary absence?

Still, what we have is perfectly reasonable, even if without the clearest purpose. It's colourful and brisk enough to appeal. But it felt like a set of type that has been blunted with age – it didn't have the sharpest point to it.

I like this story. The writing is very clever. I hated the way the text was inserted - felt very DIY. The illustrations weren't great in the first half, but I really enjoyed the second half when they went on the adventure.

I'm not sure how effectively this teaches punctuation, but it could be a fun supplement.

Thank you for the ARC. I will purchase for my library.

This books is brilliant! It's such a clever way to introduce punctuation or to reinforce for those who are struggling.
Books which are factual with a story aren't usually executed properly but this one hit the nail on the head. I feel like this will become a staple in classrooms too. My only niggle is the white background behind the text, I feel like this let's down the book as the illustrations are amazing, perhaps in the final copy it might not have this in but as it is I feel like it makes it lack the professional look.

My daughter absolutely adored this book while I read it to her. It was such a fun book to read and explore, it's so colorful and well written.
What a journey this book takes you on and makes them realize how important they really are which is a good lesson for children to learn.

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and author for sending me this book to be able to review.

Olsten’s bio at the end of this riveting books has a line which speaks about her wanting to infuse her stories with fortitude, never giving up, and happy endings. I think she should add in something about her imagination.

To incorporate basic punctuation rules of Exclamation, Comma, Period, and Question Mark into an adventurous tale of self-discovery and acceptance of oneself requires leaps of connections only an individual with an envious imagination can write up.

The light narrative unfolds as the punctuations find themselves bringing order to the chaos of words found on an island. Through its structured prose, Olsten teaches the rules of punctuation to her young readers in a playful manner. Not’s skilful illustrations mimicking the early cartoons of the noughts, are delightful…adding to the thematic of the book.

Educative and entertaining, Punctuation to the Rescue! is a complete resource guide for parents, teachers, and young readers who want to combine learning with fun.

This is an excellent introduction to punctuation. A must have for all teachers. It makes learning fun!! I will recommend it to all my fellow educators!!

Punctuation to the rescue is an amazing funny story while explain the use of punctuation. Love the story. This will help Children learning English in a fun way. The illustrations are bright clear tell th story. Great read.

this was so awesome. personification is such a fan way to learn, and as a lover of grammar i'm sure i would have been obsessed with this cute little book. this would be a wonderful at-home add-on to a child's curriculum, complimenting what they're learning in school (in a very fun manner!). there's some very clever use of punctuation IN the sentences spoken by each punctuation type, and shaping different words to look like animals was equally engaging. one thing: this a a very small gripe, but i do wish the shark wasn't portrayed as so scary :(

other than that, this was great fun!

I loved this book! It was charming and I would easily gift it to all my friend's kids. The illustrations are very fun, colorful, and visually stimulating. The content was educational, silly, and touched on themes of putting aside your own agenda to help others, along with gratitude. There is also enough going on it the story that a parent can reread it and it won't feel too repetitive the first few times. Overall, it a solid children's book and there is great balance between the illustrations, writing, and story quality.

Will post a review to GoodReads, StoryGraph, and Fable on Oct.30, 2025

This was a lovely picture book! Comma, Period, Exclamation, and Question were all such fun, expressive characters, and the illustrations were full of imagination. I love the concept of a library lighthouse, and an island in chaos without punctuation to add clarity to sentences. I think this would be a great teaching tool. Each character utilizes their own punctuation when they speak, giving instructors plenty of example sentences to show children. My only issue with the book is the text boxes sometimes look a little off, with the text being at times too close to the edge of the text box.

This book is a fantastic read and wonderful for those learning the English language. I enjoyed the author’s ability to teach something critical while also creating a plot that had high stakes, a destination, new characters, and a delightful end. I am thoroughly impressed with this one, and the art is wonderful.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this eARC! I am leaving this honest feedback voluntarily.

This book contained everything I would have loved as a child - the illustrations are beautiful, brightly colored and the DETAILS. I cannot say enough good things about them - from the look on the punctuations' faces, to the things that were funny to me as an adult (like the Bay of Flamingos on the map) - this is a book that is sure to delight children and the adults reading to them.

The book is also thoughtfully written - although it may escape very young readers, each form of punctuation is used when that particular character is speaking or spoken about. I thought this was quite clever.

I love a children's book like this, that has educational value without feeling heavy handed. Cheryl Olsten strikes the perfect balance - you'll get so wrapped up in the punctuations' adventure that you won't even realize you're learning. I can't wait to buy a physical copy of this book and read it to my niece!

Thank you to NetGalley and Fleecydale Press for this eARC!

Netgalley ARC - 4.5 stars. This was a fun adventure! I like how the different punctuation marks were used for emphasis throughout, and I especially love the idea of incorporating outdated or unused punctuation marks ❣️❣️❣️

An adorable way to learn punctuation. Beautiful illustrations as well. I can see this being used in classrooms, although the story is cute enough for any child learning to write. Justice for Pilcrow!

Making punctuation fun and appreciated.

The punctuation in the library is feeling unloved, and they decide to take a holiday... to the Island of Fun. After a dangerous voyage, they find their destination... oh no, it's the Island of Chaos!

Everything is... well, in chaos! Words are mixed up, there are no proper sentences, can our plucky punctuation crew restore order and even make some new friends in the process?

There's lots here to enjoy, and lots of examples carefully woven in of each sort of punctuation. I even learned what a love point and a pilcrow are (I'd see a pilcrow but never heard the name! And a love point is adorable - these need a comeback immediately).

I found the story a little conventional as an adult reader, but my son enjoyed the adventure and reading it. The illustrations are bright, colourful and the anthropomorphising of the punctuation is well done.

Helpful aid to teaching basic grammar and helping children learn why it's important. Though for me, apostrophes are the one we need to push!

For ages 5-9.

With thanks to Netgalley for providing a sample reading copy.