Wonderful Words That Tell a Tale : An Etymological Exploration of over 100 Everyday Words

"This fascinating book will have budding bookworms bursting at the seams with newly discovered words." – WRD Magazine

"A wonderful book which satisfies me as mum as well as child. I’m learning a lot too!" – Reader review


From everyone's favourite wordsmith and I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here! star, Tom Read Wilson, comes another breath-taking adventure through the English language. Discover the fascinating origin stories behind the everyday words we use in this delightful follow-up to Every Word Tells a Story.

Did you know, for example, that:

• The word 'astronaut' means 'star sailor' in Ancient Greek?
• Or that the word 'fart' comes from the world's oldest language, Sanskrit, in the form of 'pard'?
• Or, that the word 'volcano' comes from the Roman god of fire Vulcan?

Unlock a whole new side to language in this abundant literary adventure. The etymological route, definition, and word origin are explored for four words from every letter of the alphabet, unlocking over 100 wonderful word tales. One word per letter is brought to even more life with an extended poem that can be read or enjoyed aloud, making this a wonderful book to read alone or share with friends and family.

Every word is paired with timeless, characterful watercolor illustrations by Ian Morris. Wonderful Words to Tell a Tale is a journey into the English language through beautiful stories and artwork, a venture to be dipped into and enjoyed over and over again.

Tom Read Wilson is a TV presenter, actor, and singer. After graduating from the Royal Academy of Music in 2011, where he studied Musical Theatre and performed in plays and musicals all over the world, Tom stole the nation’s hearts as the hilarious receptionist on Celebs Go Dating. Tom continues to be a regular on our TV screens, among other things, having won Celebrity Mastermind (BBC1), placed 2nd on Celebrity Best Home Cook (BBC1), and appearing on a multitude of shows such as The Wheel (BBC1), 8 out of 10 Cats (Ch4), and Celebrity Juice (ITV). Aside from professional pursuits, supporting the Arts and green initiatives is a great passion for Tom; he is an active campaigner for Wildwood and The Kent Wildlife Trust, as well as an Ambassador for Acting For Others. Tom is a devout logophile who hosts a regular podcast Tom Read Wilson has words with… and has been posting his Word of Day videos since 2016. Find Tom on Twitter and Instagram @TomReadWilson.

Ian Morris is an illustrator based in Manchester, England. His eloquent ink drawings capture characters with extraordinary wit and charm. In 2017, Ian was recognised by the Association of Illustrators in their Top Upcoming Image Makers. He is a regular contributor to Prospect Magazine. His debut picture book 'The Library Book' is published by Thames & Hudson.