Do Elephants Jump?: An Imponderables' Book

by David Feldman

The tenth book in David Feldman’s bestselling Imponderables® series, packed with even more answers to perplexing questions and solutions to everyday mysteries Every day, we are confronted with innumerable small mysteries, which puzzle and confound. In his latest book, David Feldman answers 100 new and even more perplexing questions about food, popular culture, the human body, science, and more, such as: Like the other books in the Imponderables series, Do Elephants Jump? is in a question/answer format, with questions sent in by readers and fans of the series, and answers painstakingly researched and offered in Feldman’s trademark humorous style. This tenth book in the series is complete with a master index to all the Imponderables® books, and charming illustrations by longtime collaborator Kassie Schwan. 

Genres: Nonfiction, Reference, Trivia, Humor, Childrens

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.

He holds a bachelor's degree in literature from Grinnell College, and a master's degree in popular culture from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He consults and lectures on the media. He lives in New York City.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

My kids and I love to read this myth-busting, useless knowledge, and curious trivia book.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I find myself thinking, "What could go wrong with pointless information?".

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every once in a while we need to drop whatever world crises we are mentally wrapped up in or get out of whatever fictional world we find ourselves in and, after taking a deeeep breath to calm down, dive into yet another Imponderables book. I recently reached that point and jumped (pun intended) into "Do Elephants Jump?" by David Feldman. The short answer is no, but read the book to find out why! Also, as with all Imponderables books, there's a lot more including some questions that have never even occured to you and some you don't really care to know...but read them anyway. A few examples include: Why do pianos have 88 keys?; Where is the donkey in Donkey Kong?; How do they put the hole in the needle of a syringe?; How do birds know where to peck for worms?; and much more, including the namesake Do Elephants Jump? If you can remember half of these gems after you finish the book, you'll be the life of any party! I always enjoy reading these books and find even topics I really am not interested in to be entertaining; some are absolutely eye-opening! Each question is taken seriously by the author and is researched by contacting multiple experts in each area to find the most likely correct answer. Also, each question can take from a few paragraphs to a few pages so the book is easy to read, put down, and pick back up again because each topic stands on its own.

[Madhu N · Rating 4 out of 5]

In between several mysteries, picked up this book as a light read. It did not disappoint me. Lots of information. Will you really use it anytime soon...probably not...but so is several things we do in school. Have read another book in this series too and definite recommend for a trivia lover or any curios person.

[Dan Stern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Answers a lot of commonly asked questions (asked at least by me). Book is an easy read and easily understandable. I would highly recommend it and the other similar book is you have an inquisitive mind. Fun to read

[Jbussen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bathroom reader answering questions nobody asks. Nobody asks because nobody cares. If you do, as do I, then borrow and place next to the shitter for some good alone time.

[Clare · Rating 3 out of 5]

Have you ever wondered about such things as: Why do our noses run when it's cold?, Why do fish take the bait more right before and during a rain?, Why is he called the Lone Ranger when Tonto was always by his side? (I was surprised to find out the story behind this one) If thoughts like these cross your mind at times, then David Feldman is your go-to guy. With the help of those knowledgeable in many different fields, Mr. Feldman does his best to find a concise answer. The results can sometimes be amusing, and sometimes the experts disagree, but the explanations are always informative.

[Susan Lundy · Rating 3 out of 5]

THIS ONE HAS THE INDEX. There are ten "Imponderables" books. I enjoyed thumbing through the odd questions/answers (eg "Why did Pilgrim's hats have buckles" answer: they did not...artistic license.)...but enjoyed the index even more. For example, you'd have to go to page 68 of volume 11 to find out why the phrase "run amok" is used. Or volume 4, page 102 will tell you "Blueprints, color of". Reasonable fun.

[Sandra · Rating 1 out of 5]

Imponderables? Guess I am just not curious enough about most things. But it was a quick, skim thru sort of book and did have some interesting tid bits. Apparently this guy has done other similar books. And it was interesting to read why Donkey Kong was names, when there are no donkeys in the game!

[ஐ Katya (Book Queen)ஐ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perhaps I've read too many of these now but it was up to his usual standards. I didn't however like the very large final chapter where he answered letters because he didn't specify which imponderables he was talking about other than in the text while reading so they all blurred together.

[Mary JL · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy trvia/popular culture/infomration books. This entry is one of the Imponderables series of books by David Feldman.

I have read several of them. They are quick, humorous light reads--but you do get a lot of information.

Recommended for lovers of quizzes, trivia and popular culture.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very good book. I enjoyed reading it, and will read more of the Imponderable series and will recommend it to family and friends and everyone else. It has something of interest for all ages. I am looking forward to the next Imponderable .

[Alex Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Imponderables book is a lot newer and actually incorporates the internet. There are links in the book so that you can see what things look like, etc.

[Jeanette]

interesting but not as good as "The Book of Useless Information" or "Six Word Memoirs."

[Catherine Woodman · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series is really aimed at Abe and kids like him who really want to know how things work--budding engineers

[Indah Threez Lestari · Rating 4 out of 5]

1176th - 2011

[Rama Renspandy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nice but, really there are a lot of other Imponderables books out there.

[Donna]

It was a fun read!

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saya suka banget sama pertanyaan-pertanyaan trivia yang ada di sini :> Buku yang saya baca waktu masih SD dan masih terkenang sampai sekarang :)

[Mary Abraham · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting at first - but too many imponderables for one read.

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

As always with one of these books, some of the questions and answers were more interesting than others. Some of the answers were way too lengthy and some of theme were fascinating.

[Susan Lundy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/13597775

[Abraham Ray · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book of imponderable's!