The Atlas of Languages: Words Around the World

by Rachel Lancashire, Jenny Zemanek (illustrator)

A beautifully illustrated overview of the history of languages around the world, filled with maps, sidebars, and unusual facts that will satisfy curious kids

Where did the word "banana" originate? What is the world's most secret language? Which word is universally understood?

This book answers all these questions and more, taking the reader on a journey across the globe to explore the complexity, beauty, and variety of languages. It Fun facts and language trivia Beautifully illustrated maps to pore Intricate language family trees that show how different languages have grown and connected over time Eye-catching infographics

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens

96 pages, Hardcover

Published July 22, 2025

Reviews

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Language nerds rejoice! This is a fun nonfiction collection of languages. The book is grouped into trees of languages that are related. There is information shared about each language including where it is spoken primarily and approximately how many people speak it today.

Throughout, this is a cheerfully illustrated book. The maps and trees are my favorite, but the whole book is bright and peppered with colorful illustrations. A delightful book for seeing how things are connected, similar and different. It is full of interesting facts and fun tidbits about the world languages.

[Mary Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a visually stunning tour de force of information about languages around the world. It is a book to read first for the big ideas of the language families, and then reread for all of the information on every page. It's an amazing example of the way written and visual information can work together.

[Hilmg · Rating 5 out of 5]

maps, indigenous fauna & flora, a glossary & lists, a bit of culture and gorgeous far reaching trees

[Lauren M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cool book detailing different languages and the trees and branches they form.

This book is chock-full of fun facts and great illustrations!

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

so interesting!