Ella Frances Sanders has brought us a book of sayings from all around the world and how each originated as well as its meaning. The only one I was totally familiar with was "Mind your p's and q's" which she says originated around the time of the printing press, warning those who set type to be careful since the letters were so similar. I have heard another origin so now I don't know which one to believe. Guess it is time to do my own research. Some of the other sayings have similar meaning to ones we use in English so it is interesting to see how they originated in what may have been their initial language.
Each saying is illustrated in whimsical ways and has a brief explanation regarding how it originated in its country, some of which are quite humorous. To be honest, there were languages I was totally unfamiliar with such as Farsi and Ga so the volume allows you to expand more than just your knowledge of the quotes if you want to dig a bit deeper as I did. At approximate 6x8" in size, the hardback book is a really nice gift size or one to place on a small table to pick up and read one or two at a time. As for me, I will use it in the classroom to introduce students to different cultures and languages.
I did receive this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review and was in no way obligated to write a positive one.
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