Berne, Emma Carlson. What Is An Idiom When It's At Home?

Berne, Emma Carlson. What Is An Idiom When It's At Home?   Capstone Publishers       2018   32p.  $27.32  ISBN 978-1-5157-6388-8          elem/ms       Nonfiction  VG-BNS        

Upper-elementary and middle-school students who enjoy learning about the English language will appreciate this new title on idioms in the Fact Finders: Why Do We Say That? series.  Written in an easy-to-read format, the book will give students a better understanding of what idioms are and will provide solid examples for them to explain to others.  The author touches upon figurative and literal meanings, as well as phrasal verbs and clichés.  Students will be able to identify the idiom and its literal meaning with real-world examples.  The author provides students with a history of idioms and how they are used worldwide, as well as providing insight into the future of idioms with today’s technology and use of emojis.

The author includes colorful illustrations, tables, charts, “Try It Out” sidebars, “Did You Know” facts, a glossary of terms, a list of recommended books, critical thinking questions, a special code to use on FactHound, and an index.

As of this review, four titles have been published in this new series, Fact Finders: Why Do We Say That? which is part of the Fact Finders series.  Each title reviews parts of speech and basic proper grammar in a fun way.         

Summary: “An exploration of idioms, covering what they are, providing examples, and including related exercises.”         

Idioms, Language Arts                               --Charleen Forba-MacCain

I'm not hanging noodles on your ears and other intriguing idioms from around the world.

Bhalla, Jag. I'm not hanging noodles on your ears and other intriguing idioms from around the world.
National Geographic 2009 266p 12.95 978-1-4262-0458-6 hs/adult
Cultural similarities and differences are explored through the use of idiomatic language. Humor interspersed with scholarly knowledge make this a book a delightful read. A humorous look at language the world over, and the delightful idiomatic expression used in many cultures. What may sound strange to American ears, seems perfectly logical in other cultures...like “I’m not hanging noodles on your ears” is Russian for “Not pulling your leg.” More like a catalog than a narrative, this volume coloquializes its way through continents and cultures with a lot of humore, intersperse with interesting facts. Sort of like “the Word Detective” with a simultaneous translator build in. More fun than “a barrel of monkeys,” but also an engrossing work for the budding etymologist. Use with A hog on ice and other curious expressions and Why do we say it? the stories behind the words, expressions and cliches we use. A fun look at language and all its intricacies. Naismith, Pat