Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From

by Patrick Skipworth, Nicholas Stevenson (Illustrator)

A stunning nonfiction picture book about the global diversity hidden in the English language.

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.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Childrens, Words, History

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Kailey (Luminous Libro) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love etymology and history and how words develop through time! This is such a great look at how certain English words have been borrowed from other languages.

However, I was disappointed that there are only 12 words showcased in this book. And even those are only described very briefly in one paragraph for each word. Each entry informs the reader about the pronunciation, origin, English meaning, and original meaning, and then has a small paragraph with the story of how the word came to be included in English and how its meaning changed. It's good, but left me wanting more.

The illustrations are bright and colorful with interesting designs. The art takes up the entire page, and uses bold lines. The word itself is cleverly incorporated into the art, and I really liked that!

I only wish this book was longer, and featured more words!

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts, and are not influenced by anyone.

[Nabila Tabassum Chowdhury · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whenever I have to wait for an hour or so and there's a library or bookshop nearby, I go there, quickly scan through their collection and the overall vibe, grab a few of the most colourful hardcover children's books, and start reading. Then I take photographs of the cover and the information page so I can rate them on Goodreads, purely based on how much I'd want to put that book in the hands of a child I truly care about.

This one is about the etymology of twelve English words, gorgeously illustrated. It reminded me of my very first thoughts about etymology as a preschooler. I clearly remember the day. I was sitting on a windowsill, doing my homework, when I suddenly wondered who on earth decided to call a letter "অক্ষর", and now here I was trying to perfect my "ক্ষ". A crow flew by, and I kept wondering who named it "কাক" and when. Such an important thing as a playground is just simply called "মাঠ", they could have chosen a more beautiful word, couldn't they?

As much as I want to put this book in the hands of children I care about, I also wish someone had put something similar in the hands of that little girl on the windowsill, doing her homework.

Plus, I love how carefully the writer and illustrator did their jobs, kudos. Saw a few people rating it lower because it's too short. Come on, guys, it's for kids and about etymology! If it were any heavier, children might not even want to touch it.

[Dest · Rating 3 out of 5]

The title made me think this book was going to be about what the word "literally" means (as opposed to figuratively). Spoiler alert, it's not.

Instead it tells about the etymology of 12 different English words that come from languages around the world. The illustrations are great. The text is brief. The most interesting to me was that "companion" literally meant "with bread." Some were less interesting. I mean, is "worm" really an amazing word? Is it any surprise that it meant "wriggling creature"? (I'm being picky, but the introduction specifically says each of these words has a surprising story.)

The words included are: companion, ukulele, caribou, mummy, kookaburra, zero, worm, royalty, karaoke, guru, jaguar, and safari.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Word lovers are sure to enjoy this picture book with its many surprises about the origins of certain English words and their original meanings. The author has focused on twelve terms ranging from "companion" to "safari" with interesting stops along the way. It's always interesting--for me at least--to trace the derivation of words and to note the changes in meaning or usage. Although some might expect the book to be dry, it is engaging as well as informative, and the brief explanations for the words are interesting. The handsome accompanying illustrations and pronunciation guide and the map at the back of the book add to readers' appreciation of language while reminding them that it isn't static. Although there are language purists who would rid languages of words that have migrated from other cultures and languages, this book provides excellent examples of just how interwoven languages often are. I'm sure there will be many who think the 12 words highlighted here are English words. Hand this one to anyone who is fascinated by unusual words or dreams of being a linguist.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beginning linguists will learn about the origins and meanings of twelve words, all from different linguistic word families. Each word is presented in a page opening with its pronunciation, language of origin, English meaning, original meaning, and a short blurb of information or contemplation about the word. Openings are illustrated with beautiful collage-like art that evokes the meaning. For example, the word “royalty” (French; original meaning: rule by a king or queen) is illustrated with a medieval tapestry-like picture of a royal on horseback barking orders to a cavalcade of soldiers. The blurb tells how the French word entered the English language when the Normans invaded France in 1066 CE. 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, caribou), some from sounds (caribou), some from onomatopoeia, etc. Back matter includes information about language families, a map, and an author’s note.

[Beth Rodgers · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From' by Patrick Skipworth, illustrated by Nicholas Stevenson, is a creative book that details twelve interesting words. It showcases their older and more modern meanings not just through written definitions, but through colorful and telling illustrations.

All readers, from children to adults, can enjoy the chance to guess what the words might mean based on the images as presented on each two-page illustrated spread. The language families as described in the book, and for which a world map is provided at the end with the locations for each, brings about a neat look at the way in which words connect and how we may better understand them.

Skipworth and Stevenson have written and illustrated a book that is appealing and satisfying, bringing new and already known words to the forefront to showcase each one's unique importance.

Beth Rodgers, Author of 'Welcome to Chanu-Con!,' a Children's Picture Book, and Freshman Fourteen' and 'Sweet Fifteen,' Young Adult Novels

*Review originally posted at YABooksCentral.com*

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any time my kids are faced with a new list of frustrating spelling words I tell them the same thing, "English is a very complicated language to learn." It often seems like for every "rule" we teach children there are 400 exceptions. This is of course because our words do not all come from one language, they come from many. I don't think there is a better explanation or example of this than this book LITERALLY. It offers 12 examples of interesting words that we use as part of the English language that come from languages around the world. Their place of origin and the story behind the word are shared. A fascinating look at words and language that could easily be a starting place for further word exploration.

[Gail Sacharski · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book presents a handful of unusual words such as karaoke, ukelele, zero, companion, caribou, jaguar, & safari as well as others & gives their pronunciation, country/language of origin, original & current definition & use. Some were familiar, but others were surprising--such as companion meaning originally "with bread" & coming to mean a person or animal you spend time with or someone you would "break bread" or share a meal with. Quite interesting & great illustrations that matched the meanings well.

[Shelbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

An enjoyable little book that I would be happy to read a longer version of, especially if the same illustrator was involved! The art was a strong point here, and I enjoyed the words the author chose to spotlight, though certain definitions we're really short and underdeveloped--but obviously this is aimed toward children lol, so it's understandable. I'd snap up an adult handbook version if one is ever created.

[Kate prefers books to people · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was an ehhhhh. My book obsessed kindergartener grabbed it at the library. We read it once. He learned new words, but it's definitely a book for older kids. The art is decent. The selection of words was nice. Would check it out again later, but doesn't make the cut to buy for home.

[Jo Oehrlein · Rating 3 out of 5]

12 English words and their language of origin and original meaning.

Illustrations show both the old and new definitions.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s beautiful and interesting, but I so wish there were many more words/origins in this book!

[Debi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is perfect for showing kids the difference between connotative and denotative words!

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is so much fun. I love how the illustrations tie into the words so creatively. I wish there were dozens of books like this.

[Ty White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute informational book

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brief overview of the origins and history of 12 English words, love how the illustrations integrate.

[Ruby · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun and interesting, lovely bright colours and insights into 12 words we use today and where they came from

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the idea of this book. I find it interesting that this is the top 12 out of 100, I want to see the list of 100. It was interesting but I was a little underwhelmed!