11% off
1
of
1
A Really Short History of Words
An illustrated edition of the bestselling book about the English language
Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.
Check link for latest rating. ( 65 ratings, 6 reviews)
Brief Description
The brand-new children's book from Bill Bryson - all about the amazing English language. Every day, you do something incredible, and I bet you barely ever think about it—you speak. Ever wondered why the English language turned out how it did? Why do we have so...
Read More
Format: Hardback
Save 11% Off
Savings are calculated from our regular price of
$44.00
compared to the current price of
$39.00.
$3900
$5500
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
On Sale
in
Book Hero's Moving Sale
until
31 Aug or
while stocks last
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY
Found a better price? Request a price match
A Really Short History of Words
$3900
$5500
Elsewhere:
Unit price
/
Unavailable
Latest News
Romance for Spring - Groundbreaking!
Lizzy is sharing her top picks for Spring reads in the romance and romantasy genre...
The ‘Fourth Wing’ graphic novel covers have been revealed
The covers for ‘Fourth Wing, The Graphic Novel: Volume One’ have officially been revealed, with...
Books about Bookshops (across almost every genre)
Books about books, bookshops, and booksellers - it's my favourite thing. Here's a small selection...
What the Book Hero team is excited for
With so many pre-orders coming in the last few months of the year, we asked...
Meet Reverie Puzzles: Puzzles Made for Book Lovers
Reverie Puzzles have arrived at Book Hero and they might just be the perfect puzzles...
See more
Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and
still learning, it may not be perfect - your
feedback is welcome!
Description
The brand-new children's book from Bill Bryson - all about the amazing English language.
Every day, you do something incredible, and I bet you barely ever think about it—you speak.
Ever wondered why the English language turned out how it did?
Why do we have so many different words for just one thing? And why are so many words spelt the same but sound different?
In this beautifully illustrated journey through word and rhyme—and even a few jokes—Bill Bryson will teach you how the English language came to be (clue: lots of invasions) and what makes it a rich and beautiful thing (lots of Shakespeare).
Get ready... because the story of the English language is an EXTRAORDINARY one.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780241666173
Publisher: Penguin Random House Children's UK
Format: Hardback
Date Published: 17 October 2024
Country: United Kingdom
Imprint: Puffin
Audience: Children
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 10.0mm
Width: 231.0mm
Height: 304.0mm
Weight: 250g
Pages: 128
Collections
2025 Best Sellers
Best Sellers at Book Hero
Bill Bryson
Children's Books
Children's Early Years
Children's Picture Books
Children’s, Teenage and Educational
In Stock Books
In stock Children's Books
In Stock Kid's Books
Moving Day Sale
Moving Day Sale: Books
Moving Day Sale: Children's Books
Penguin Books
About the Author
Bill Bryson was born in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1951. His bestselling books include The Road to Little Dribbling, Notes from a Small Island, A Walk in the Woods, One Summer and The Life and Times of the Thunderbolt Kid. In a national poll, Notes from a Small Island was voted the book that best represents Britain. His acclaimed work of popular science, A Short History of Nearly Everything, won the Aventis Prize and the Descartes Prize, and was the biggest selling non-fiction book of its decade in the UK. His new book The Body- A Guide for Occupants was shortlisted for the Royal Society Science Book Prize and is an international bestseller. Bill Bryson was Chancellor of Durham University 2005-2011. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal Society. He lives in England.
Also by Bill Bryson
View all-
A Short History of Nearly Everything 2.0
Fully updated edition of the biggest-selling popular science book of the 21st century explaining the Earth, the universe, everything in-between. The 21st century's bestselling popular science book has now been fully revised and updated in Bill Bryson's inimitable style to reflect the many advances in science since this book was first published in 2003. This journey through time and space...Paperback$3300Elsewhere:$4000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
A Really Short History of Nearly Everything
Embark on an exhilarating journey through the wonders of science with Bill Bryson’s A Really Short History of Nearly Everything. This stunning edition takes readers on an enthralling tour from the dawn of time to the present day, unraveling the marvels of existence and the mysteries of the universe. Bryson’s captivating prose brings to life the complex concepts of cosmology,...Paperback$3000Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid September -
A Really Short Journey Through the Body
A Really Short Journey Through the Body by Bill Bryson and Emma Young is a delightful and enlightening exploration of the human body, tailored specifically for younger readers. This fully illustrated edition is an engaging adaptation of Bryson's bestselling work, plunging into the intricate and awe-inspiring workings of our bodies. With wit and charm, the authors guide readers through an...Paperback$3200Elsewhere:$3700Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid September -
A Short History of Nearly Everything
In A Short History of Nearly Everything, Bill Bryson embarks on a captivating journey through time and space, unravelling the mysteries of the universe and the fundamental principles that govern our existence. From the explosive birth of the cosmos in the Big Bang to the emergence of human civilisation, Bryson weaves an intricate tapestry that not only illuminates the grandeur...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips mid September -
12% offDown Under
In Down Under, Bill Bryson takes readers on a fascinating, hilarious, and vividly-entertaining journey through the vast and diverse landscape of Australia. From the vivid red deserts of the Outback to the lush rainforests of Queensland and the bustling metropolises of Sydney and Melbourne, Bryson’s travels showcase the contrasts and unique aspects of this extraordinary continent. His wit, curiosity, and...Paperback$2200Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
14% off
The Body
The Body: A Guide for Occupants by Bill Bryson offers readers a captivating exploration into the intricate and remarkable workings of the human body. This head-to-toe tour of the marvel that is our physical frame delves deep into the mechanics, potential, and mysteries of our anatomy. Bryson, celebrated for his engaging writing and thorough research, embarks on a mission to...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2600Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
The Road to Little Dribbling
The Road to Little Dribbling by Bill Bryson is a captivating journey through Britain, offering a delightful and humorous exploration of the country's charm and quirks. Twenty years after the release of his landmark travel book, Notes from a Small Island, Bryson returns to traverse the length and breadth of his adopted homeland. This time, he sets out on a...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Mother Tongue
A fresh new look for Bill Bryson's two exceptional classics on the English language. Mother Tongue explores the quirky and fascinating journey of the English language, spoken by more than 300 million people worldwide, with many more attempting to master it. Only Bill Bryson could make a book about the English language so entertaining. With his boundless enthusiasm and restless...Paperback$2700Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
One Summer
Immerse yourself in an extraordinary journey back to the summer of 1927 with One Summer by Bill Bryson, a masterful writer known for his captivating narrative non-fiction. This meticulously researched and vividly told account highlights a pivotal season when America was on the cusp of modernity, imbued with a sense of boundless potential and seismic change. In the summer of...Paperback$2500Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
20% off
Neither Here, Nor There
In Neither Here, Nor There, Bill Bryson takes readers on an insightful and laugh-out-loud journey across Europe, recounting his adventures and misadventures with trademark wit and humour. This entertaining travelogue sees Bryson retracing the steps of his youthful travels as a student, but now with the wisdom (and perhaps cynicism) of middle age. Starting from the northern reaches of Hammerfest,...Paperback$2000Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
19% offThe Body Illustrated
Embark on an extraordinary journey through the wonder that is the human body with The Body Illustrated by Bill Bryson. This beautifully illustrated edition of Bryson's bestselling work offers a captivating head-to-toe tour of our anatomical marvels, providing both a deep understanding and a newfound appreciation for the complex machine that is the human body. Bryson's exploration is not only...Hardback$5500Elsewhere:$7500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
A Really Short History of Words
The brand-new children's book from Bill Bryson - all about the amazing English language. Every day, you do something incredible, and I bet you barely ever think about it: you speak. Ever wondered why the English language turned out how it did? Why do we have so many different words for just one thing? And why are so many words...Paperback$3199Elsewhere:$3700Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
More from Children's Books
View all-
Buy to WinNew ReleaseGiant Heart
Meet Jonah Lomu, one of the greatest All Blacks of all time. His speed and strength on the rugby field made him famous around the world, and his fun and generous personality made him beloved, but all the while he faced a big battle with his health. “[David Hill’s] stories are wonderful, full of action and are always teaching the...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2500Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Cass and the Beast
A sweeping and original picture book about a girl who chooses not to be afraid, a modern-day heroine in a story we feel in our bones like an ancient folktale. When a fearful beast arrives in the township, Cass finds her courage and is rewarded with a wild and magical journey. The creature takes her on a thundering ride through...Hardback$2399Elsewhere:$2999Unit price /UnavailableBackorderShips late September -
New ReleaseThe Case of the Viral Video: Violet and the Velvets 3
Violet and the Velvets can hardly believe they've come so far in the BandChamps competition with only hard work, a smidge of talent, and a whole lot of thinking outside the box. This time, they get to record their new song in a proper recording studio and star in their very own music video! But Violet is letting her perfectionism...Paperback$1600Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseRoyalslinger
K Pop Demon Hunters fans will love this! Graci Kim is back with the second book in her exciting and fantastical Slinger series where dragons and phoenixes roam the skies of Seoul; meals magically appear based on your mood; and dreams literally come to life. Praise for Dreamslinger: “A mind-blowingly original fantasy adventure—Graci Kim has done it again!”—Rick Riordan, New York Times #1...Paperback$1999Elsewhere:$2400Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseDetective Beans and the Map of Mystery
Enjoy this new DETECTIVE BEANS adventure in the bestselling and award-winning graphic novel series by Li Chen! Your favourite kitten detective is back with a new mystery to solve . . . and treasure to find! When Captain Scuttlebeard gives Beans a treasure map, Beans is determined to find the prize at the end. The clues take him all over...Paperback$1900Elsewhere:$2200Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseMei Mei the Bunny
Mei Mei the Bunny is Laufey's picture book debut about a bunny learning to believe in herself through music. Experience a heartwarming tale of self-belief in this enchanting picture book by GRAMMY Award-winning musician Laufey. Meet Mei Mei, a little bunny with a big dream—to spread joy through her music! As her debut recital at the H'Opera House draws near,...Hardback$3199Elsewhere:$3800Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseHunted: Wolf Girl 15
Just when Wolf Girl is finally reunited with her father, he is torn away from her once more, and Gwen vows to stop at nothing to track him down. But danger is closing in: a giant snow leopard and a mysterious hooded figure are hot on their trail. As Gwen and the pack race through deep caverns to snowy peaks,...Paperback$1699Elsewhere:$1899Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseWhat If You Could
From the former prime minister of New Zealand comes a guide for teens on chasing your dreams and embracing the unexpected qualities that truly make a person strong. When Jacinda Ardern became prime minister of New Zealand, she was one of the youngest people in the world leading a country. Many people thought she would never succeed — herself included....Paperback$2599Elsewhere:$3000Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Lonasei and the Mystery of Origin Grove
Eleven-year-old Lonasei is lonely — she wishes her older sister Eva Grace wasn't so mean, and that her mum Aria didn't have to work so much. But when Aria inherits her childhood home, Lonasei discovers she can enter her late Aunt Malia's paintings and experience the memories within. Through them, she discovers that her mother had another sister, Agnes, who went...Paperback$2199Elsewhere:$2799Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
Dawn Raid: The Apology
This sequel to Dawn Raid follows Sofia Savea’s family, 50 years later, as Sofia's grandson becomes involved in the quest for a government apology. INVERCARGILL, 2020 Wow, I thought I knew a bit about the dawn raids, but this is HUGE. It happened to my OWN family and I never knew! I had no idea that Granfia and her family...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2099Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
New ReleaseBig Bang Bread
In this time-travel storybook and cookbook with a cosmic twist, take a journey through time and space to discover the secrets of baking! Did you know that bread is made from stardust? Board the rocket and blast off on an adventure through time and space to discover the secrets of a home-baked loaf! Big Bang Bread is a kids' time-travel...Paperback$1800Elsewhere:$2100Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today -
B is for Bird
From award-winning artist, Lily Emo, comes a beautiful celebration of birds. Paired with a fun rhyming story, gorgeous illustrations, and fold-out pages, this book is set to be a favourite for everyone and the perfect gift. Make your way through the alphabet with this stunning book featuring a cast of familiar birds. From albatross to fantails, gannets to quail, and...Hardback$1999Elsewhere:$2499Unit price /UnavailableIn StockShips today
Why buy from us?
Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!
Service & Delivery
Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.
Auckland Bookstore
We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.
Our Gifting Service
Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.
