Literally: Amazing Words and Where They Come From

In this brief picture book compendium based largely on the 1989 Oxford English Dictionary, Skipworth presents the etymologies of 12 words, including companion (Latin) and safari (Swahili), that have made their way into the English language from all over the world. An introduction explains the concept of etymology in an accessible tone (“every word also contains a hidden story”). Each spread presents a word, its pronunciation, its language of origin, its meaning in English, and its original definition, paired with a paragraph of additional context. Skipworth explains the lack of thematic connection or perceptible organization with varying success (“I decided to focus on... the origins of English words”) in an author’s note. Nevertheless, 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. Ages 6–11. (May)