Overview

Did you know that English words come from all over the world and that their meanings have changed along their journey? Our word ""zero"" comes from the Arabic word for empty space. ""Companion"" is from the Latin for with bread. With simple descriptions and dazzling, evocative and witty illustrations, this is a fascinating introduction to the rich history and cultural diversity of our language. Words included: orchestra (Japanese); zero (Arabic); guru (Sanskrit); ukulele (Hawaiian); jaguar (Tupi); royalty (Norman French); companion (Latin); kookaburra (Wradjuri); worm (Old English); mummy (Persian); caribou (Algonquin); safari (Swahili).

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9781912920181

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Reviews

Bold, digitally textured spreads by Stevenson ensure readers will pore over every page, with engaging typography seamlessly incorporated into each illustration. A color-coded map depicting large language families concludes this visually appealing resource for budding linguists. - Publishers Weekly 5 (1-5 rating) Beginning linguists will learn about the origins and meanings of twelve words, all from different linguistic word families. Openings are illustrated with beautiful collage-like art that evokes the meaning. Although there are only twelve words profiled, the author chose words with a diversity of origins, in that some are derived from phrases (companion), some from actions (ukulele), some from sounds (caribou), some from onomatopoeia, etc. - Youth Services Book Review The accomplished, striking, and vividly colored two-page spreads that cunningly work each word into the overall design of an illustration are the real draw. - Kirkus Reviews Gr 3-8. This book explains the origin of 12 English words. The illustrations are reflective of the original meanings. Stevenson builds large, lively layers of painterly, textured shapes and tailored color schemes, assembled specifically to offer different perspectives. The illustrations encourage a deeper understanding of the meaning of familiar English words. Skipworth's conviction is most clearly expressed in the inspiring introduction, the Language Families resource, and his author's note. VERDICT: This book will serve as an effective resource for middle school social studies or language arts instruction. It could also serve as a model for projects investigating cultural influences regarding the development of the English language. - School Library Journal Posing thought-provoking questions, this book delights in the concept that language is fascinating. - School Library Connection Bold, digitally textured spreads by Stevenson ensure readers will pore over every page, with engaging typography seamlessly incorporated into each illustration. - Publishers Weekly

Bold, digitally textured spreads by Stevenson ensure readers will pore over every page, with engaging typography seamlessly incorporated into each illustration. A color-coded map depicting large language families concludes this visually appealing resource for budding linguists.Publishers Weekly The accomplished, striking, and vividly colored two-page spreads that cunningly work each word into the overall design of an illustration are the real draw. - Kirkus Reviews

Author Information

Patrick Skipworth studied Classics and Linguistics in London and the Netherlands, connecting the dots between ancient cultures, their histories, and their languages. Today, Patrick is a children's book editor, but he likes to write his own books when he can. Some of his favorite topics are prehistoric bugs, super-intelligent robots, and legends from far away places. Patrick's favorite word is ""mosaic."" Nicholas Stevenson's personality and past are as colorful as his illustrations. Now living in London, he spent years in the Seychelles ""dressing like Peter Pan most days."" Nicholas produces lively, engaging, mysterious and deeply painterly work for the publishing and music industries.

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