The Return of the Word Spy: A funny and fantastic voyage into language, grammar and beyond...

Author: Ursula Dubosarsky

Illustrator: Tohby Riddle

From the beginning of time, the WORD SPY has been creeping down hallways, hiding in shadows and journeying through different lands to discover everything there is to know about the English language. In her first book, The Word Spy, she shared with us the secrets she'd learnt about English, from the first alphabet in 4000 BC right up to the tricks of modern texting. In The Return of the Word Spy she continues the fascinating journey through language, with chapters on language families, how we learn to speak, grammar and written forms of communication. In an accessible, engaging style, the WORD SPY explains the meaning of nouns, verbs, pronouns, 'dead' languages, word origins and other wordy wonders.

 

Packed with cartoons, games, facts and puzzles, The Return of the Word Spy continues the WORD SPY's fascinating journey through the English language.

 

Also by Ursula Dubosarsky

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Book Cover: The Word Spy
Join the WORD SPY on an entertaining journey through the English language.  Learn more about the alphabet came from, find out what ATM stands for, make up your own palindromes (it's easy!) and impress your friends by speakling Pig Latin. 
Join the WORD SPY on an entertaining journey through the English language.  Learn more about the alphabet came from, find out what ATM stands for, make up your own palindromes (it's easy!) and impress your friends by speakling Pig Latin. 
Published: 20/06/2011
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143304487
RRP: $17.95
Book Cover: The Word Spy Activity Book
Published: 26/04/2012
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143306139
RRP: $19.95
Book Cover: The Word Spy Activity Book
Published: 26/04/2012
Format: Digital
ISBN: 9781742535142
Book Cover: The Terrible Plop

Here is the story
Of the Terrible PLOP,
With a bear and a rabbit
And a hop hop hop.

But what is the PLOP?
And where does it hide?
Open the book
And look inside . . .








Here is the story
Of the Terrible PLOP,
With a bear and a rabbit
And a hop hop hop.

But what is the PLOP?
And where does it hide?
Open the book
And look inside . . .








Published: 02/03/2009
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780670071418
RRP: $24.95
Book Cover: The Carousel
From this much-loved author and brilliant new illustrator comes a glowing, timeless picture book that celebrates the enduring wonder of the carousel.
From this much-loved author and brilliant new illustrator comes a glowing, timeless picture book that celebrates the enduring wonder of the carousel.
Published: 31/10/2011
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780670074624
RRP: $24.95
Book Cover: The Honey and Bear Stories

This beautiful full-colour book is a compilation of Honey and Bear and Special Days with Honey and Bear , reproduced in a B format. The ten short stories are exquisitely illustrated by the talented Ron Brooks, and each capture a small moment in the lives of these animal friends.

This beautiful full-colour book is a compilation of Honey and Bear and Special Days with Honey and Bear , reproduced in a B format. The ten short stories are exquisitely illustrated by the talented Ron...

Published: 03/05/2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143305002
RRP: $14.95
Book Cover: The Deep End: Aussie Nibbles

 Becky has reached the point in her swimming lessons when she has stopped being a Frog and has moved up to be a Platypus. She has to go into the deep end, and she's not at all sure that she's ready for it. She wishes she could be a Frog for just a little while longer.

 

 Becky has reached the point in her swimming lessons when she has stopped being a Frog and has moved up to be a Platypus. She has to go into the deep end, and she's not at all sure that she's ready...

Published: 27/08/2010
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143305279
RRP: $12.95
Book Cover: The Cubby House: Aussie Nibbles

Becky has the best ideas for cubby houses.
She can't wait to show the new little girl next door!

Becky has the best ideas for cubby houses.
She can't wait to show the new little girl next door!

Published: 03/08/2009
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143303800
RRP: $12.95

Also by Tohby Riddle

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Book Cover:  Nobody Owns the Moon

Clive Prendergast is a fox with a regular job and a place to call home.  His friend Humphrey is a struggling donkey with no fixed address.  Life in the city is a mixed bag for these two, but a special-looking blue envelope is a about to change everything – at least for one wonderful night.

Set in a bustling big city, Nobody Owns the Moon is a whimsical and moving story about friendship...

Clive Prendergast is a fox with a regular job and a place to call home.  His friend Humphrey is a struggling donkey with no fixed address.  Life in the city is a mixed bag for these two, but...

Published: 01/08/2011
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143504115
RRP: $16.95
Book Cover:  My Uncle's Donkey
 A humorous and entertaining picture book that will delight children and adults alike!
 A humorous and entertaining picture book that will delight children and adults alike!
Published: 30/08/2010
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780670040339
RRP: $24.95
Book Cover:  Dog and Bird and the Caterpillar

Dog and Bird shake and dance and jump up and down, but they can't get rid of the caterpillar that wants to crawl all over them. Finally, Bird manages to get the caterpillar to crawl onto a bush. 

Dog and Bird shake and dance and jump up and down, but they can't get rid of the caterpillar that wants to crawl all over them. Finally, Bird manages to get the caterpillar to crawl onto a bush. ...

Published: 31/05/2010
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9780143503927
RRP: $14.95
Book Cover:  Dog and Bird Follow a Butterfly Board Book

One day Dog and Bird follow a butterfly.
It goes up and down, and round and round . . .
as it leads them to a magical moment!


One day Dog and Bird follow a butterfly.
It goes up and down, and round and round . . .
as it leads them to a magical moment!


Published: 03/08/2009
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9780143503590
RRP: $14.95
Book Cover:  Dog & Bird Water the Garden

Slosh!  Slosh!  When Dog and Bird fill up their watering cans they're ready to water the garden.  But not everything will need watering.

Slosh!  Slosh!  When Dog and Bird fill up their watering cans they're ready to water the garden.  But not everything will need watering.

Published: 26/10/2009
Format: Board Book
ISBN: 9780143503910
RRP: $14.95
Book Cover:  Nobody Owns the Moon

Clive Prendergast is a fox with a regular job and a place to call home. His friend Humphrey is a struggling donkey with no fixed address. Life in the city is a mixed bag for these two, but a special-looking blue envelope is about to change everything - at least for one wonderful night.

Set in a bustling big city, Nobody Owns the Moon is a whimsical story about friendship and belonging.

Clive Prendergast is a fox with a regular job and a place to call home. His friend Humphrey is a struggling donkey with no fixed address. Life in the city is a mixed bag for these two, but a special-looking...

Published: 01/09/2008
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780670071609
RRP: $24.95
Book Cover: The Lucky Ones

Set in 1980s inner city Sydney, The Lucky Ones follows maverick teen Tom, as he tries to make sense of life after school.

The novel reveals in poignant and hilarious ways the workings of a young male mind – with all its misplaced romanticism, youthful delusions, bewilderment about girls and need for adventure.

Set in 1980s inner city Sydney, The Lucky Ones follows maverick teen Tom, as he tries to make sense of life after school.

The novel reveals in poignant and hilarious ways the workings of a young male mind...

Published: 30/03/2009
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143005698
RRP: $19.95
Book Cover:  Dog and Bird See the Moon: Puffin Baby
Picture-perfect books to share

One night Dog and Bird see the moon. The big, beautiful moon. But then it disappears . . . Oh no! Will the moon come back?

Picture-perfect books to share

One night Dog and Bird see the moon. The big, beautiful moon. But then it disappears . . . Oh no! Will the moon come back?

Published: 03/09/2007
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9780143502012
RRP: $12.95

News

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21 Feb 2012
The 60th Annual APA Book Design Awards - Shortlisted

The Best Designed Cover of the Year

The Art of Pasta, cover designed by Daniel New, internal design by Daniel New, published by Lantern

The Best Designed Children's Cover of the Year

Alaska, cover designed by Allison Colpoys, internal design by Allison Colpoys, published by Penguin

The Best Designed Children's Fiction Book

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