An Apple a Day - by Michela Tartaglia (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

Do Italians say "A leopard never changes its spots"?

Discover the curious origins of 25 popular sayings from around the world--some of them are nearly identical in each language, while others are different in surprising ways.

We all use idioms and sayings every day. But what does it say about us?

Meet the boldly colorful and charming backstory of familiar colloquialisms from some of the most-spoken languages--compared and contrasted in English, Italian, Spanish, and French.

The 25 idioms featured in this book can be expressed in all four languages, but some sayings are nearly identical while others are wildly different from each other in surprising and funny ways.

Whether you speak Spanish, English, French, or Italian, you probably know you're not supposed to look a gift horse in the mouth. But why it's phrased that way might surprise you! Discover the evolution of these everyday idioms in this colorfully illustrated, highly giftable package--perfect for expats, world travelers, and those with a deep love of words.

Whether you're curious about how different cultures see the world or you simply love language and all its quirks, linguist Michela Tartaglia offers a passport to the weird, witty world of words we live by.

Review Quotes

"If you love language, if you're curious about the world, Michela Tartaglia's An Apple a Day will tickle you silly. This beautifully illustrated, frisky little book turns familiar phrases around and around like a prism."
--Jon Mooallem, author of Wild Ones, This is Chance!, and Serious Face

About the Author

MICHELA TARTAGLIA is a native Italian, born in the province of Turin, Piedmont. She moved to Seattle for a sabbatical year in 2006 after completing her master's degree in philosophy at Alma Mater Studiorum--University of Bologna, and has since made Seattle her adopted city. Her passion for linguistics and languages is captured in her first book An Apple a Day, first published in Italy by Nomos Edizioni. She cofounded Pasta Casalinga, an intimate lunch spot in the heart of Pike Place Market. Her recipes for Pasta Casalinga inspired her second book, the cookbook Pasta for All Seasons. She lives in Seattle with her two daughters, Viola Rosa and Eva Luna.

DANIELE SIMONELLI is a full-time freelance illustrator based in the eternal city of Rome, from where he has fought against the use of clipart for ten years and counting, and has created work for editorial, advertising, and design industries with international clients.