I’ve enjoyed following Tom on instagram for a few years now and got so excited when I saw his second book available to read on NetGalley!

This is a fabulous book for anyone of any age. I learned so much whilst reading it and found it delightfully entertaining! I loved the range of words chosen by Tom and how accessible he's made it to understand the history of each one. I also have to give a special mention to the illustrations - they were absolutely gorgeous! This would make a lovely gift, especially coming up to Christmas.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I love, love, love Tom Read Wilson and his daily words on Instagram. I know this is a children's book but I've had it on my wishlist for ages!

Okay, so it is a sequel. Does it matter? Absolutely not. It's not a story and so you don't have to catch up with characters or plot points. It's a collection of words he has found over the years from the children he's met and frrom his own research, which means you can read them in whatever order you want.

It may be for kids, but as a 31-year-old, I definitely found myself learning a few bits. It's very interesting but accessible, with beautiful illustrations. In fact, the illustrations deserve a praise all of their own as they're so amazing and play such a big part in making the book as enjoyable as it is to read.

It took me about an hour to read (and get lost in Google black holes). It would probably take a child longer to read because I imagine it'll be accompanied by many questions. You could read it like I did, which is cover to cover in one sitting, or you can dip in and out over a few bedtimes.

It is such an eye-catching cover that it's sure to attract readers of all ages. It's fun but educational.

Remember how much we enjoyed playing with words in, oh, so many ways as kids? Rolling around multi-syllable, almost musical ones in out mouths, testing their sounds and rhymes, even memorizing how to spell L.O.N.G. words because, well, because we could. Wilson captures a bit of that whimsical childhood past in this book with the help of Morris' fun illustrations. While I'd question aiming the book at children, the fun element should make it work. It's not necessarily a book to read from front to back, either, as one can easily flip around, flip back and forth, or, shh, even skip words that simply don't grab you.

It's been awhile since I read the prior book but these words seem more unfamiliar than the those initially showcased, but the format is the same. Each letter of the alphabet gets four words. One word is highlighted and showcased in a brief rhyme. Tables are shown that share the words origin and how the term came to be and more. The three words that follow aren't necessarily related but did catch the author's whimsy, Finally, the words are in italics for their first use and their source is in bold, with meanings underlined. Don't worry. It's pretty obvious as you go along.

Phew, with that bit of explanation done, let's turn to the words. Nope, not going to provide you with a full list... part of the fun is in the discovery .... but will highlight a few that aren't mentioned in the blurb. For instance, the word alphabet itself. It comes from the Greek terms alpha and beta, the first two letters of the Greek alphabet. Like many, I knew the word sandwich got its name from the Earl of Sandwich but do you know his real name? Nope. Not telling, but it's there. There's even an explanation for where the abbreviation Xmas came from. Again, nope. Not telling. I will share that the Old English meaning of the word hiccup comes from one meaning "elf induced". That somehow seems fitting. Oh, and the term barbecue comes from the Caribbean and means, oops, almost gave that one away. Check it out before your next barbecue.

Bottom line, a fun book for all ages that can be revisited repeatedly. Morris' watercolor style illustrations are whimsical in nature but realistic, too, if that makes sense. They add to the fun. Thanks #QuartoPublishingGroup - #words&pictures for allowing me an early peek at this fun collection. The glossary in the beginning was quite helpful, btw.

This is a real find! I love studying words and playing word games. I wonder if there is a word for people like me... This book is just perfect. I have put all the other books by the same author in my shopping basket and will wait till this one is published to put the order through.

I have not read the first book, but this one can be read as a standalone one.
A non-fiction book on the origins/the etymology of some common words. Why do we call them as such? Where did that word originate from?
Very curious, cute and informative indeed.