Books written by Marvin Terban

Guppies in Tuxedos: Funny Eponyms

Ten decibels make one "bel." "Bel" is named for Alexander Graham Bell, a Scot who came to America in 1870. Besides inventing the telephone, Bell developed many electronic devices for people who are deaf.
The Scholastic Dictionary of Spelling

In addition to the more than 15,000 words provided, this illustrated reference tool for middle readers offers helpful spelling tricks and tips, rules for spelling, a list of commonly misspelled words, and more. Reprint.
Too Hot to Hoot: Funny Palindrome Riddles

A collection of progressively harder to guess palindrome riddles.
Checking Your Grammar

A practical guide to grammar and usage, covering such topics as parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and idioms.
Superdupers!: Really Funny Real Words

Explains the meaning and origins of over 100 nonsense words that make the English language more colorful including such examples as "flip-flop," "fuzzy-wuzzy," "cancan," and "tutti frutti."
Superdupers!: Really Funny Real Words

Outlines the practical application of a range of recent econometric techniques
Scholastic Dictionary of Idioms

An updated introduction to American slang and phrase origins identifies and defines more than six hundred commonly used idioms, complementing the entries with kid-friendly sample sentences and entertaining illustrations. Original.
In A Pickle: And Other Funny Idioms

Thirty popular expressions such as "straight from the horse's mouth" and "white elephant" are amusingly explained and illustrated.
In a Pickle

Thirty common English phrases, such as "a chip off the old block" and "cry over spilled milk" are illustrated and explained.
It Figures!: Fun Figures of Speech

“Enjoyable and informative . . . Using this humorously presented book, children will truly improve their styles of writing” (School Library Journal).
Building Your Vocabulary

This fun book can help kids develop their own vast, vital, and vivid vocabulary with line art and a kid-friendly tone. Illustrations. Copyright © Libri GmbH. All rights reserved.
Building Your Vocabulary

Presents information on building vocabulary, including meanings of common prefixes and suffixes, synonyms, antonyms, how to use a dictionary and thesaurus, and how to use context clues to figure out meanings of words.
Funny You Should Ask: How to Make Up Jokes and Riddles with Wordplay

Offers an abundant cache of ideas about using words and wordplay to create engaging riddles and jokes.
Grammar, Usage and Mechanics: 150+ Engaging Practice Pages That Target Key Grammar Skills

An easy way to give students the repeated practice they need to hone essential skills.
It Figures!: Fun Figures of Speech

Introduces and explains common figures of speech such as metaphors, similes, personification, and hyperbole with guidelines for their use and illustrative examples.
Mad as a Wet Hen!: And Other Funny Idioms

Illustrates and explains over 100 common English idioms, in categories including animals, body parts, and colors.
Scholastic Dictionary of Spelling

Provides a source for proper spelling, spelling rules, and a "misspeller's dictionary," in a volume that includes more than sixteen thousand words and that offers frequently used proper nouns for school reports.
The Scholastic Dictionary of Spelling

Provides a source for proper spelling, spelling rules, and a "misspeller's dictionary," in a volume that includes more than fifteen thousand words and that offers frequently used proper nouns for school reports.
Scholastic Dictionary of Spelling

How can you look up the proper spelling of a word if you don't know how to spell it?
Scholastic Guide to Grammar

A practical guide to grammar and usage, covering such topics as parts of speech, punctuation, capitalization, spelling, and idioms.