The Dictionary of Difficult Words: questions to ask and activities to try
Bumbershoot, moonbow, absquatulate! The Dictionary of Difficult Words is a beautifully illustrated collection of over 400 perplexing words.
What age is it for? The Dictionary of Difficult Words is best for ages 7–11. Good for: More than 400 perplexing words.
The Dictionary of Difficult Words (Jane Solomon and Louise Lockhart)
- Age
- 7-11
- Best for
- More than 400 perplexing words
Pick a word a day and try to use it in conversation.
What it helps with
- Vocabulary
- Spelling and pronunciation
- Curiosity about language
- Wordplay
Comprehension and discussion questions
Pick two or three, not all of them. “I don’t know” is a fine answer, and you can always come back to it another day.
- “What’s today’s word?”
- “What does it mean?”
- “How do you say it?”
- “Can you use it in a sentence?”
- “Which word is your favourite?”
- “Which is hardest to spell?”
5-minute activities to try together
Word of the day
Pick a word each day and use it three times.
Invent a word
Make up a difficult word and its definition.
Free printables: The Dictionary of Difficult Words worksheet and activity pack
This book’s one-page worksheet with the questions and activities above, plus our activity pack: printable scenario cards, three 5-minute activities and a “What could I try?” page for practising everyday skills together. Enter your email and download them straight away.
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If your child liked this, try
You're Called What?! (Kes Gray and Nikki Dyson)
- Best for
- Real animals with very silly names
- Age
- 3-7
Everything Under the Sun (Molly Oldfield)
- Best for
- A curious question for every day of the year
- Age
- 5-8
The Book With No Pictures (B. J. Novak)
- Best for
- Making the grown-up say silly things
- Age
- 4-8
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By the Growing Wise team · Last reviewed: 10 October 2026
Growing Wise offers educational ideas for parents and carers. It is not a substitute for professional medical, developmental or mental-health advice. As an Amazon Associate, Growing Wise earns from qualifying purchases.