Literally - by Patrick Skipworth (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

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).

Review Quotes

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

"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

"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. The reader learns how 12 English words have changed their meaning over time, prompting curiosity about other words ... The bold, bright, dramatic, and revealing illustrations are intertwined with the description of the word." --School Library Connection

"Bold, digitally textured spreads by Stevenson ensure readers will pore over every page, with engaging typography seamlessly incorporated into each illustration (mummy is lettered in a long cloth wrap). A color-coded map depicting large language families concludes this visually appealing resource for budding linguists." --Publishers Weekly

"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." -- Youth Services Book Review

"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." --YA and Kids' Books Central

"This book could be inspirational to a child who is curious about word meanings and those who are considering writing as a career. The title can also be used as a springboard for students to consider more powerful and precise words as they prepare for testing or simply to make their own writing more meaningful and personal. There are very few books out there that address this concept and none that do it with such artistic and beautiful illustrations." --School Library Connection

"Ending with a map of language families and an author's note, this book is sure to entice young linguists into learning more about the history of words." --Children's Book Media Review

About the Author

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.