A stunning non-fiction picture book about the origins of the English Language. You’ll be surprised at the global and cultural diversity hidden in the words we use every day!
Did you know that English words come from all over the world? And often their meanings have changed over time? Find out about the journeys of a selection of words from the English Language in this amazing visual resource. Each word is paired with a two-page spread illustration, which takes inspiration from the origins of the word itself.
Author Patrick Skipworth has carefully selected words with a diversity of origins from all around the globe: some are derived from phrases (“companion” – the Latin for “with bread”), some from actions or behaviours (“caribou” – meaning “snow shoveler” in Mi’kmaq, an indigenous language of eastern Canada), and some from sounds or onomatopoeia (“Kookaburra” – Australian Aboriginal languages)
With simple descriptions and dazzling, evocative and witty illustrations, this is a fascinating introduction to the rich history and cultural diversity of our language. The perfect book for budding linguists aged 7 - 11 to learn about the origins and meanings of the English language.
- Books
- Kids Nonfiction
- Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From
Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From
Author(s)
Publisher
Genre(s)
Age Range
6+
Release Date
May 05, 2020
ISBN
978-1912920181
Buy This Book
Editor reviews
1 reviews
Unique Definitions
Overall rating
5.0
Writing Style
5.0
Illustrations/Photos (if applicable)
5.0
Learning Value
5.0
'Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From' by Patrick Skipworth, illustrated by Nicholas Stevenson, is a creative book that details twelve interesting words. It showcases their older and more modern meanings not just through written definitions, but through colorful and telling illustrations.
All readers, from children to adults, can enjoy the chance to guess what the words might mean based on the images as presented on each two-page illustrated spread. The language families as described in the book, and for which a world map is provided at the end with the locations for each, brings about a neat look at the way in which words connect and how we may better understand them.
Skipworth and Stevenson have written and illustrated a book that is appealing and satisfying, bringing new and already known words to the forefront to showcase each one's unique importance.
All readers, from children to adults, can enjoy the chance to guess what the words might mean based on the images as presented on each two-page illustrated spread. The language families as described in the book, and for which a world map is provided at the end with the locations for each, brings about a neat look at the way in which words connect and how we may better understand them.
Skipworth and Stevenson have written and illustrated a book that is appealing and satisfying, bringing new and already known words to the forefront to showcase each one's unique importance.
Good Points
Skipworth and Stevenson have written and illustrated a book that is appealing and satisfying, bringing new and already known words to the forefront to showcase each one's unique importance.
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