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The Word Spy

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( 677 ratings, 150 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Word Spy by Ursula Dubosarsky takes young readers on a fascinating journey into the origins and mechanics of the English language. Exploring everything from the alphabet to word games, this book is filled with intriguing facts and fun activities designed to ignite curiosity and a love for language. Its engaging narrative and playful illustrations make the exploration both educating and entertaining for children.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have a curiosity for language and enjoy uncovering secrets and mysteries hidden within words. It's perfect for young readers with an interest in puzzles, codes, and the history of words. With a mix of fun facts and entertaining activities, it's an engaging way to explore the fascinating world of linguistics.

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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

Dear Readers,

You may not know me, but I know you... I am - the WORD SPY. I have been in hiding for many, many years, but the time has now come at last for me to emerge from undercover and share some of the secrets I have learned in my many, many years as - the WORD SPY. Oh - there goes another word. I must be off!

Follow the WORD SPY as she uncovers the secrets of the English language. Discover the meaning of acronyms (like ATM and CD), clichés (such as 'pretty as a picture') and spoonerisms ('Would you like a belly jean?').

Find out the history of the alphabet, punctuation, pen names, and plurals. Learn how to trick your friends by speaking in Pig Latin or rhyming slang ('I'm going out to ride my bike on the frog and toad. Want to come?').

Full of games, puzzles, facts, and riddles, The Word Spy is an entertaining, quirky, and enlightening look at the English language. Ursula makes words fun!

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Word Spy by Ursula Dubosarsky is praised for its engaging exploration of language, making it suitable for both children and adults. Reviewers appreciate the book's playful approach to linguistics, which includes fun activities, interesting facts, and a narrative that makes learning about word origins enjoyable. It's commended for sparking curiosity in young readers and encouraging a love for words.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780143304487

Publisher: Penguin Random House Australia

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 20 June 2011

Country: Australia

Imprint: Puffin

Audience: Children

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 18.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 185.0mm

Weight: 226g

Pages: 272

About the Author

Ursula Dubosarsky is the author of many outstanding books, both for young adults and for children, and has won numerous awards for excellence. Abyssinia was winner of the 2004 South Australian Festival Award for Literature - Young Adult. In 2006 Ursula won both the NSW and Victorian Premier's Awards for Theodora's Gift. The Red Shoe won the Queensland Premier's Award, the NSW State Literary Award -Young Adult, and was an Honour Book in the CBC Book of the Year Award: Older Readers. Tohby Riddle is the award-winning creator of picture books such as The Singing Hat, The Great Escape from City Zoo and Irving the Magician, and the cult favourite, The Royal Guest. In 2008, Tohby illustrated The Word Spy by Ursula Duborsarsky, which won the Patricia Wrightson Prize for Children's Literature in the 2009 NSW Premier's Literary Awards and was an honour book in the 2009 CBC Book of the Year awards. The Return of the Word Spy was published in May 2010.

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