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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!

Selected for California Reading Association’s 2020 EUREKA! Honor Awards

Have you ever wondered where our words come from?

In this non-fiction picture book, you’ll be amazed to discover the global and cultural diversity hidden in the English language that we use every day!

 

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 behaviors (“caribou” – meaning “snow shoveler” in Mi’kmaq, an indigenous language of eastern Canada), and some from sounds or onomatopoeia (“Kookaburra” – Australian Aboriginal languages)

Each word is paired with a two-page spread illustration, which takes inspiration from the origins of the word itself.

 

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.

Author: Patrick Skipworth

Click here to watch video: Q&A with Patrick Skipworth

Illustrator: Nicholas Stevenson

  • Age Range: 6 – 11 years
  • Grade Level: 1 – 5
  • Hardcover: 32 pages
  • Publisher: What on Earth Books (May 5, 2020)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 1912920182
  • ISBN-13: 978-1912920181
  • Product Dimensions: 11 x 0.5 x 10.5 inches
$18.99