Aunt Ruth: The Queen of English and Her Reign of Error
Forty-five more chapters of Aunt Ruth stories with delicious chapter titles such as:
- Aunt Ruth Loves Chocolate More Than Me
- Aunt Ruth, QE-II
- Aunt Ruth and Lou Gerund’s Practicing
- Aunt Ruth’s Go-Cart Has Gone
- Aunt Ruth Loves Her Transitive Radio
- Aunt Ruth and the Solar … Ellipses and thirty-nine more stories, including perhaps my favorite, Aunt Ruth and the Peach Cobbler’s Kitten.
Each Aunt Ruth story is intended to teach a particular grammar point.
Sample from the book:
“My child hated grammar … until now. Now she loves it and can’t get enough!” — One grateful mom
Following the forty-five stories is a chapter, Common Rough Spots in English, with fifty pages of examples and scary things of which to be wary.
Aunt Ruth: The Queen of English and Her Reign of Error is published by Gennesaret Press in Apex, NC, USA and lists for $22.95 (US).
I Laid an Egg on Aunt Ruth’s Head
This is where it all began. Once upon a time, someone in an online writing forum asked the question, “How does the lie / lay conundrum work? Do I lie down or do I lay down?” I knew the answer, sort of, but I always had trouble remembering it. I decided I would teach myself how to use lie (and its pieces) and lay (and its pieces). I wrote a story that was so well received by the other writers that many of them suggested I publish it. Then requests came in from all over regarding various other problem areas folks were finding … things like “good and well,” “its and it’s,” etc., etc., ad nauseum.The thing about these grammar books (at home we call them “Egg,” or “Queen,” for clarity of conversation) is that they are FUN. A teen-ager reading these books will forget that she or he is learning grammar. You may also have trouble getting the book back from your avid reader.
A testing workbook is also available, both to reinforce the chapters and to provide a way for the instructor to measure progress and/or identify the grammar areas that may merit more attention. The workbook answer book is also available.
Each workbook or answer book lists for $12.95 (US).
Aunt Ruth grammar books are being used both domestically and internationally, by public schools and homeschools and private schools alike.
Come and experience
Aunt Ruth’s way of learning grammar. You’ll love it.
I Laid an Egg on Aunt Ruth’s Head lists for $20.95 (US) from Gennesaret Press.
A testing workbook is also available, both to reinforce the chapters and to provide a way for the instructor to measure progress and/or identify the grammar areas that may merit more attention. The workbook answer book is also available.
Each workbook or answer book lists for $12.95 (US).
Reviews of Joel Schnoor’s Books
I am not a fan of cute grammar books that seem designed to put down those who make common mistakes. Schnoor’s book is definitely not that. He is a kind, considerate, funny teacher who wants only for his audience to improve, not to feel bad because of all they don’t know.
Pam Nelson, Raleigh News and Observer
Clever, witty, and surprisingly edifying, I Laid an Egg on Aunt Ruth’s Head is a can’t-miss literary treat for true lovers of the English language. Impressively crafted by author JoelSchnoor, Aunt Ruth is less an instructive manual and more a practical guide to correcting the everyday grammatical mistakes we often unwittingly make. Without coming off as preachy or pedantic, Schnoor actually manages to make the learning process fun, which will bolster the appeal of his collection to readers of all ages. A younger audience, though, is sure to find the stories particularly engaging, mainly due to the ease with which they will connect with Aunt Ruth’s brassy, yet patient nephew. All in all, Schnoor’s insightful, amusing approach successfully breathes new life into what is typically viewed as a rather mundane subject.”
Apex Reviews (www.apexreviews.net)
“Today, I went to a presentation by author Joel Schnoor. It was a great experience! Mr. Schnoor explains the intricacies of grammar in an easy to understand and entertaining way. I heartily encourage you to contact him and ask him to come speak.” – Homeschool Parent
“He is personable and talented. The children were all ethralled! I have never had so much success getting them to pay attention to grammar. In addition, Mr. Schnoor answered a lot of questions for our group on writing, editing, publishing, and the like. He is extremely generous and helpful.” – Another Homeschool Parent
“I have met Joel and he is a HOOT! His book, I Laid an Egg on Aunt Ruth’s Head, is the FUNNIEST book of any kind I have read in a long time; meanwhile it addresses all those pesky grammatical ‘challenges’ that follow us everywhere (either in our own writings or in the form of the corrections given to us in love by those who already KNOW).”