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Sunday, February 13, 2022

Why Does My Shadow Follow Me? More Science Questions From Real Kids, written by Kira Vermond and illustrated by Suharu Ogawa. Annick Press, 2021. $19.95 ages 10 and up

 


"How Many Times Can You Spin Before You Puke?

... The number of times a person can spin before feeling
sick - called motion sickness - is different for everyone. 
Although we do know that kids, women, and people who 
get migraines are more likely to vomit than others.
"

Visiting kids ask their science questions, and receive answers from educators and science researchers at the Ontario Science Centre. Following up on their first book, Why Don't Cars Run on Apple Juice (2019), Kira Vermond and Suharu Ogawa again compile the comprehensive answers to 50 pertinent inquiries. This second book is also highly informative and very entertaining.  I love that every question is answered ... there are no silly ones! 

There are five chapters: Cute Critters and Up-ROAR-ious Creatures, The World Inside Us, This Planet We Call Home, Tremendous Tech and Inspiring Innovations, and Our Out-of-This-World Universe. Where would you go first? 

Ms.Vermond manages to keep the spirit of both questions asked and answers given accessible to her readers. The cartoon illustrations by Ms. Ogawa add levity to each page and information box. There is much to discover here. It would be a wonderful way to add to the science curriculum in middle years classrooms. Guaranteed to hold attention and encourage further learning, it is a welcome addition to both classroom and school libraries. You might want to buy two copies, as it is sure to be a requested read. 

Back matter includes Acknowledgements for both the scientists who answered and the children who asked their personal questions, a list of “Further Readings and Sources” show where readers can find at least one or more references for each of the questions presented. Who knows what other questions the learning might generate for kids keen on science? Finally, both the table of contents and the index are of value for searching.  

For now, I will just have to wait for the third book in this terrific series. 

"Go ahead, put down this book and play outside. Take a hike, meet your friends at the park, explore your neighborhood, or plant some seeds in your backyard or on your balcony. Even looking outside at greenery from your window can cause your heart rate to go down. You'll feel calmer. Try it! Your brain and body will thank you!"

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