Scan barcode
lorin13's review against another edition
4.0
I read this book back in 2014 or something. Read it again to feel smart. It was nice: it had basic (but good) answers to questions most children probably ask. The questions ranged from simple to more complicated, but the answers were easy to understand. Some questions were straight-up weird though.
Ex.: “Why are babies and puppies considered universally cute?”. The answer made sense, but it was based on some people’s opinions on cuteness. The book went on about how humans are hardwired to think baby humans and animals are cute because of their small features. Not sure if I 100% believe this. Plus, it was written that “if a young woman sees a baby, her pupils dilate, and it takes just a seventh of a second for parts of her brain involved with feelings you get when you see something you really like to light up,” (Levy 119). This may be scientifically correct, although I am skeptical of it. This is specific towards a woman who likes babies, and who thinks they are cute, but written in a way where the message is that every woman likes babies.
The other answers were good, but 4 stars because there could’ve been more to that question. (This may just be me but I’m getting ‘Source: trust me’ vibes. There were citations, but all from very old books (latest was 2011). Also, the book was written in 2012 (the edition I have is the first edition published in USA though (2013)).
Ex.: “Why are babies and puppies considered universally cute?”. The answer made sense, but it was based on some people’s opinions on cuteness. The book went on about how humans are hardwired to think baby humans and animals are cute because of their small features. Not sure if I 100% believe this. Plus, it was written that “if a young woman sees a baby, her pupils dilate, and it takes just a seventh of a second for parts of her brain involved with feelings you get when you see something you really like to light up,” (Levy 119). This may be scientifically correct, although I am skeptical of it. This is specific towards a woman who likes babies, and who thinks they are cute, but written in a way where the message is that every woman likes babies.
The other answers were good, but 4 stars because there could’ve been more to that question. (This may just be me but I’m getting ‘Source: trust me’ vibes. There were citations, but all from very old books (latest was 2011). Also, the book was written in 2012 (the edition I have is the first edition published in USA though (2013)).
paperbackstash's review
3.0
3.5 Stars
A great book for children who have a curious nature or who enjoy science. Some of the content is interesting and I learned a few things myself.
Good questions and chapters such as
Why is the Universe Expanding?
Why does the wind blow?
Why does Iron Rust?
Why does water freeze?
Why do things burn?
There a few odd questions that don't seem to belong in a science book though, especially "Why are babies and puppies seen as universally cute?"
There's this weird bit thrown in there too:
"Cute babies get more attention and are more likely to be looked after. Babies with tiny eyes, flat foreheads, and square faces unfortunately tend to get less attention."
I took off a star s the nonfiction book opens with a bible quote of all things, and then disagrees with it. The scripture it uses isn't even talking about not questioning things of science necessarily, is taken out of context, and the book quotes it without listing the scripture it's quoting from. It seems in poor taste to me.
It also makes clear that in the chapter on the greenhouse effect that if we continue at our current rate, the earth will not be inhabitable in a few centuries. It does not put in beyond this that it is very unlikely we would continue with the same usage, since very likely we will not be as dependent on the same fuel sources as heavily for the next hundred years.
Questions range from easy and clear such as Why do Apples Fall down, to more complex ones like "Why does E=mc2?" (I can't do the right 2 symbol on here...)
The book is divided into three segments - Nature and the Earth, The Human Body and Mind, Physics and Space.
Not perfect, but a good gift for young scientists and children if you run into it, especially with Christmas around the corner.
A great book for children who have a curious nature or who enjoy science. Some of the content is interesting and I learned a few things myself.
Good questions and chapters such as
Why is the Universe Expanding?
Why does the wind blow?
Why does Iron Rust?
Why does water freeze?
Why do things burn?
There a few odd questions that don't seem to belong in a science book though, especially "Why are babies and puppies seen as universally cute?"
There's this weird bit thrown in there too:
"Cute babies get more attention and are more likely to be looked after. Babies with tiny eyes, flat foreheads, and square faces unfortunately tend to get less attention."
I took off a star s the nonfiction book opens with a bible quote of all things, and then disagrees with it. The scripture it uses isn't even talking about not questioning things of science necessarily, is taken out of context, and the book quotes it without listing the scripture it's quoting from. It seems in poor taste to me.
It also makes clear that in the chapter on the greenhouse effect that if we continue at our current rate, the earth will not be inhabitable in a few centuries. It does not put in beyond this that it is very unlikely we would continue with the same usage, since very likely we will not be as dependent on the same fuel sources as heavily for the next hundred years.
Questions range from easy and clear such as Why do Apples Fall down, to more complex ones like "Why does E=mc2?" (I can't do the right 2 symbol on here...)
The book is divided into three segments - Nature and the Earth, The Human Body and Mind, Physics and Space.
Not perfect, but a good gift for young scientists and children if you run into it, especially with Christmas around the corner.
yarnylibrarian's review
2.0
This is a sort of decent science book in Q&A format aimed at elementary and middle grade readers. The "chapters" are questions organized by theme. Sample questions include:
Why does my cell phone lose its signal?
Why does it rain?
Why can't we photosynthesize?
I was completely put off by the Biblical quote that opens the introduction. Even though the author claims to "respectfully disagree" with the quotation, Scripture really does not belong in the introduction of a science book for children. Including this was a major misstep on the part of the editor, in my opinion.
Otherwise, my librarian self chafes at the lack of references in each "chapter." There are some references in the appendix, but they aren't linked to the scientific questions, and they are so broad as to be unusable as references (sample reference - ScienceDaily: sciencedaily.com). Basic nonfiction books like this are a great place for authors to model to young students that sources are used and should be credited. Joel Levy didn't do middle school teachers any favors by laying out his book this way.
I will give credit where credit is due, however - the index rocks!
Thanks to netgalley for providing the e-ARC.
Why does my cell phone lose its signal?
Why does it rain?
Why can't we photosynthesize?
I was completely put off by the Biblical quote that opens the introduction. Even though the author claims to "respectfully disagree" with the quotation, Scripture really does not belong in the introduction of a science book for children. Including this was a major misstep on the part of the editor, in my opinion.
Otherwise, my librarian self chafes at the lack of references in each "chapter." There are some references in the appendix, but they aren't linked to the scientific questions, and they are so broad as to be unusable as references (sample reference - ScienceDaily: sciencedaily.com). Basic nonfiction books like this are a great place for authors to model to young students that sources are used and should be credited. Joel Levy didn't do middle school teachers any favors by laying out his book this way.
I will give credit where credit is due, however - the index rocks!
Thanks to netgalley for providing the e-ARC.
More...