Why?: The Best Ever Question and Answer Book About Nature, Science and the World Around You

Anne Hutchings, a former elementary-school teacher-librarian with the
Durham Board of Education, is an educational consultant.

This book is chock full of answers to questions kids ask (and maybe even
some they wouldn’t think of to ask). Divided into sections with
headings such as Bathtime, Supermarket, Nighttime, Outdoor, Kitchen and
Farm Animal Questions, each double-page spread answers a different
question. Answers are simple, direct, and in language easily understood
by young children. Colorful, humorous illustrations and, where
appropriate, clearly labeled diagrams accompany each answer.

Concluding each section is a “Bits” page that includes additional
information about the topic; some of the most interesting and
informative details are found on these pages (e.g., “Sugar is sweet
because it comes from plants like sugarcane or sugar beets. Salt, on the
other hand, is a mineral dug out of the ground”). Making science fun
for kids is a goal of educators all over the country. Why?, with its
delightful question-and-answer format and wealth of information, is a
book that will help to do just that. Highly recommended.