Why?: The Best Ever Question and Answer Book about Nature, Science, and the World around You »

If there is such a thing as an expert on kids' questions, it would be Catherine Ripley. As a former editor of the award-winning Chickadee magazine for young children, Catherine began collecting questions submitted by curious readers. She continued through visits to various schools and libraries, turning her talent for making science fun to all the great questions kids could come up with. Catherine is also the author of Two Dozen Dinosaurs (Owl Books).

Everyday activities such as taking a trip to the park, splashing in the bathtub, or fixing a snack prompt many questions from young children. Why is the sky blue? Why is soap so slippery? Why do cows moo? Curious kids want to know, and adults never seem to have the answers. Why? provides easily understood explanations of dozens of everyday mysteries. This delightful book takes readers to the supermarket and the park, around the home and onto the farm, and from bath time to bedtime. Bright, playful illustrations are a perfect complement to the text, adding a further level of explanation.

Publishers Weekly

Catherine Ripley quenches kids' thirst for knowledge in Why? The Best Ever Question and Answer Book About Nature, Science, and the World Around You illus. by Scot Ritchie. Under the category "Supermarket Questions" comes an explanation of why some eggs are brown and some white ("It depends on the type of chickens that laid them"). "Outdoor," "Bathtime" and "Farm Animal" questions sections are also included. Bright, cartoonish and often humorous illustrations help demonstrate the answers. ( Nov.) Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

• How can hot and cold water run out of the same tap?
• Why do I have to brush my teeth?
• Why do I have to go to the bathroom?
• Where does it go when I flush?
• Animals don't have bathtubs -- so how do they stay clean?
• Why is soap so slippery?
• Ow! Why do some shampoos sting my eyes?
• Why do my fingers get so wrinkled in the tub?
• Why does the floor feel colder than the bathmat?
• Why can I draw on the mirror?
• Why is there a funny noise when the water drains away?
• How do towels get dry by morning?
• Bath Bits
  

• Do the doors open by magic?
• Where do apples come from in winter?
• Why does it smell so good here?
• How does all this food get here?
• What's behind the big doors?
• What holds jelly dessert together?
• Why are some eggs brown and some white?
• How do they make spaghetti look like spaghetti and macaroni look like macaroni?
• What puts the fizz in soda pop?
• Why do my fingers stick to the frozen juice cans?
• Why do some people bring their own bags?
• Supermarket Bits
  

• Where does the sun go at night?
• Why do a cat's eyes shine in the dark?
• Is there a man in the moon?
• Why do tulips close up at night?
• Why do I yawn when I'm tired?
• Why do stars twinkle?
• Why doesn't that bird fall off the branch?
• What's under my bed?
• Why do I have to sleep?
• Why can't I see just after the light goes out?
• What makes that toy glow in the dark?
• Will I dream tonight?
• Nighttime Bits
  

• Why does it smell so fresh after itrains?
• Why do worms come out when it's wet?
• Why do dogs sniff everything?
• Ow! How does my cut stop bleeding?
• Why do dandelions turn white and fluffy?
• Why is the sky blue?
• What's that white line in the sky?
• Why do I feel funny when I swing?
• Why do some rocks sparkle?
• Why do birds sing?
• What's a shadow?
• Where do puddles go?
• Outdoor Bits
  

• Why does my tummy g-r-r-rowl?
• Why does popcorn pop?
• Why are peaches fuzzy?
• Why does dish soap bubble so much?
• How does the fridge keep food cold?
• Why do onions make you cry?
• What makes food sizzle?
• Why does garbage smell?
• Where does glass come from?
• Why do lemons make you pucker?
• Why do ice cubes crack?
• How does blowing on food cool it off?
• Kitchen Bits
  

• Why do ducks waddle?
• How does a chick get out of the egg?
• Why does a bunny's fur feel so soft?
• What's a ewe?
• Why are sheep shaved?
• Why do cows moo?
• What are the cows chewing?
• Why do horses swish their tails?
• Why do horses sleep standing up?
• Why do only some goats have horns?
• How do bees make honey?
• Why do pigs roll in the mud?
  Farm Bits
  

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