One sentence summary
This book offers a comprehensive guide for children to find answers to any and all questions they might have about planet Earth and the universe around them.
Book genre
Non-Fiction, Educational, Reference
Main topic of the book
This book provides a comprehensive guide to over 1,111 answers to questions about Planet Earth and the universe around us.
Key ideas
- Educational: National Geographic Kids Why? is an educational reference book covering a wide range of topics from geology and animals to science and nature.
- Encyclopedic Knowledge: It provides comprehensive answers to over 1,111 questions about the Earth and its inhabitants in an easy-to-understand language.
- Fun Approach: Crispin Boyerâs âWhy?â encourages children to explore and learn through fun facts and illustrative visuals.
Main parts of the book and a short summary
The book is divided into 3 main parts:
- Part 1: It starts off by exploring the five major concepts of Science â earth, space, creatures, people, and machines. In this section, readers will find explanatory facts about the physical world around usâ including why rocks erode, the stages in the life cycle of sea turtles, and the different forms of energy.
- Part 2: consists of ‘questions & answers’ about the science and ecology of the planet. The questions range from the science of weather to the effects of human behaviors on the environment.
- Part 3: is a collection of questions & answers related to people, cultures, plants & animals. It covers topics such as how plants adapt to survive in different environments, animal behavior, and cultural practices.
Key takeaways
- This book offers a comprehensive source of encyclopedic knowledge that is accessible to children.
- Crispin Boyerâs âWhy?’ encourages readers to explore science and ecology in a fun and engaging way.
- Teachers and parents alike can use this book to help children gain a better understanding of the physical world around us.
Author’s background and qualifications
Crispin Boyer is a bestselling author, with over 30 years of experience in all aspects of media production, ranging from television to billboards. He has written and edited numerous books for National Geographic Kids, including New York Timesâ bestsellers like âMath Protractorâ, âHow to Survive Anythingâ, âUnfossilizedâ and National Geographic Brain Gamesâ.
Target audience
This book is mainly written for children aged 8-13, although teachers and parents can also gain a lot of knowledge from reading the book.
Publisher and first publication date
National Geographic Kids published this book in 2011.