Description
Humans need words to communicate, whether they are spoken, written, signed or even sung. But what exactly is a word? And why does the way we use words continue to change?
The English language has morphed, melted and remade itself since its beginning. From imitating the sounds of the world to squishing two words together to describe something unique, words on their own and strung together are capable of expressing many meanings. Star Sailor, The Story of Words ventures into the history of how language came to be and explores the ways words reveal a whole new impression of the world around us.
Author Bio
Sara Cassidy’s children’s books include finalists for the Governor General’s Literary Award in Young People’s Literature, Chocolate Lily Award, City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize, Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award and the TD Canadian Children’s Literature Award. Her early novel Genius Jolene won a BC Book Prize. Her most recent book for young readers is Star Sailor, The Story of Words. She also writes for adults. Sara lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator of numerous children’s books, including Pride Puppy!; Little Cloud; Breaking News; Fresh Air, Clean Water; Plant Attack! and Why We Live Where We Live, winner of the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non-Fiction. Her work with various editorial, advertising and publishing clients can be seen around the world. Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island.
Prizes
- 49th Shelf Kids Top Grade: Canlit for the ClassroomCommended 2025
- Telling Tales Reading ListCommended 2025
- Ontario Library Association (OLA) Best BetsCommended 2025
Review Quotes
“A starter kit for young etymologists. Questions addressed to readers will elicit active engagement. McLaughlin’s lineless, slightly simplified but realistically detailed color cartoons against flat backgrounds allow the words to shine. An appealing and enlightening examination of the gallimaufry that is English.”
— Kirkus Reviews“Informative, creative, inspiring, and definitely entertaining. Julie McLaughlin complements Sara Cassidy's light-hearted approach to an involved topic with her digital artwork that is vibrant and whimsical, inclusive and detailed…Gives readers the basics of how words come to be and come to change, helping young people to understand the role words play in culture and how all of us have and will continue to be a part of that.”
— CanLit for Little CanadiansBiographical note
Sara Cassidy’s children’s books include finalists for the Governor General’s Literary Award in Young People’s Literature, Chocolate Lily Award, City of Victoria Children’s Book Prize, Ruth and Sylvia Schwartz Children’s Book Award, Diamond Willow Award, Silver Birch Express Award and Sunburst Award for Excellence in Canadian Literature of the Fantastic. Her book Genius Jolene won the Sheila A. Egoff Children’s Literature Prize. Her most recent book for young readers is The Secret Office. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia, and works in communications for the BC Ministry of Health.
Julie McLaughlin is an award-winning illustrator who has illustrated numerous children’s titles, including Pride Puppy, Little Pine Cone and Why We Live Where We Live, winner of the 2015 Norma Fleck Award for Canadian Children’s Non- Fiction. She was also the recipient of the Victoria Book Prize and The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award in 2023. Her work with various editorial, advertising and publishing clients can be seen around the world. Julie grew up on the Prairies and now resides on Vancouver Island, BC.
