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Ask A Scientist: Professor Robert Winston Answers 100 Big Questions from Kids Around the World!
Professor Robert Winston answers the amazing questions children have about science - real questions from real kids!
This fun and friendly science book for kids poses 100 real-life questions from kids to Robert Winston on every aspect of science. Questions cover all the popular science topics, including human body: "Why do freckles come in dots on your face?"; physics: "Could you jump off the world?"; Earth: "Why is the sky blue?"; chemistry: "Why are there bubbles in boiling water?"; natural science: "Do dogs cry?", and space: "Why will the Sun explode and make us extinct?"
These are real questions from children from around the world, and their questions are their very own. Robert Winston was inspired to write this book by the many questions posed by his grandchildren and by children from the schools he has visited over the years. The book includes some of these questions, plus many more gathered from countries all over the world - including the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, Canada, the USA, India, China, and Japan. The response to the survey that DK sent out was fantastic - there were so many great questions to choose from. The questions were carefully selected to cover the main science topics: chemistry, physics, human body, Earth, space, and natural science. They are fun, engaging, and include some that most adults wouldn't dare ask!
Science can be a tricky subject for kids: this book gets a fresh new angle on it by looking at science from the child's point of view. Packed with weird and wacky questions and clear and lively answers - Ask a Scientist puts the fun back into science. And who could be a better scientist to ask questions to than Professor Robert Winston?
This fun and friendly science book for kids poses 100 real-life questions from kids to Robert Winston on every aspect of science. Questions cover all the popular science topics, including human body: "Why do freckles come in dots on your face?"; physics: "Could you jump off the world?"; Earth: "Why is the sky blue?"; chemistry: "Why are there bubbles in boiling water?"; natural science: "Do dogs cry?", and space: "Why will the Sun explode and make us extinct?"
These are real questions from children from around the world, and their questions are their very own. Robert Winston was inspired to write this book by the many questions posed by his grandchildren and by children from the schools he has visited over the years. The book includes some of these questions, plus many more gathered from countries all over the world - including the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe, Canada, the USA, India, China, and Japan. The response to the survey that DK sent out was fantastic - there were so many great questions to choose from. The questions were carefully selected to cover the main science topics: chemistry, physics, human body, Earth, space, and natural science. They are fun, engaging, and include some that most adults wouldn't dare ask!
Science can be a tricky subject for kids: this book gets a fresh new angle on it by looking at science from the child's point of view. Packed with weird and wacky questions and clear and lively answers - Ask a Scientist puts the fun back into science. And who could be a better scientist to ask questions to than Professor Robert Winston?
128 pages, Hardcover
Published June 11, 2019
8 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Robert Winston
131 books50 followersThe Right Honourable Professor The Lord Robert Maurice Lipson Winston
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 19, 2019
This is a well-illustrated, colorful book in which a scientist tries to answer all kinds of questions that kids have asked him over the years. In many cases, he has to answer that scientists don't know or that they think one thing or another (answer to whether butterflies remember their time as caterpillars or in the chrysalis: "I doubt it."), but there are lots of good explanations for questions like why the sky looks blue, whether you could use a magnet on the iron in our bodies, how do eyes work, and so on.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
My rating system:
1 = hated it
2 = it was okay
3 = liked it
4 = really liked it
5 = love it, plan to purchase, and/or would buy it again if it was lost
I read a temporary digital ARC of the book for the purpose of review.
June 21, 2019
Why do freckles come in dots on your face? Why does chocolate taste so nice? Why do stars twinkle?
There are questions that many children ask and some that they might not have ever thought about but will like learning about with this book. I am a big fan of this book. Ask a Scientist by Robert Winston will be a favorite to gift to young readers from now on. It is informative and interesting, and the illustrations really add to the information well. Winston keeps is short and sweet. Even as an adult, there are many things that can be learned here.
There are questions that many children ask and some that they might not have ever thought about but will like learning about with this book. I am a big fan of this book. Ask a Scientist by Robert Winston will be a favorite to gift to young readers from now on. It is informative and interesting, and the illustrations really add to the information well. Winston keeps is short and sweet. Even as an adult, there are many things that can be learned here.
February 11, 2019
This ia wonderful, amazing book of very simple questions, being answered in a straighforward simple way. Questions that kids really would want to know the answer to, like can scientists recreate dinosaurs, and how does velcro stick, and can we jump off the earth. All good questions.
The answers are not patronizing, or overly difficult to understand. I also like that if there isn't an answer, such as how do bees know what jobs they are supposed to do, that the answer is, basically, we don't know, yet.
And don't think that all the questions are dry, either. There are questions such as "How do bogies get in my nose," and "How does electricity get in your body to shock people?"
Great book to share with kids, and adults. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The answers are not patronizing, or overly difficult to understand. I also like that if there isn't an answer, such as how do bees know what jobs they are supposed to do, that the answer is, basically, we don't know, yet.
And don't think that all the questions are dry, either. There are questions such as "How do bogies get in my nose," and "How does electricity get in your body to shock people?"
Great book to share with kids, and adults. Highly recommended.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
December 22, 2019
Kids found this super fascinating. Some evolution.
June 13, 2019
Ask A Scientist: Professor Robert Winston Answers 100 Big Questions from Kids Around the World! by Robert Winston is currently scheduled for release on June 11 2019. This science book for kids poses 100 real-life questions from kids to Robert Winston on every aspect of science. Questions cover all the popular science topics, including human body: "Why do freckles come in dots on your face?"; physics: "Could you jump off the world?"; Earth: "Why is the sky blue?"; chemistry: "Why are there bubbles in boiling water?"; natural science: "Do dogs cry?", and space: "Why will the Sun explode and make us extinct?"
Ask a Scientist is a book that balances information and images nicely to answer questions and keep the interest of readers. I found the selection of topics covered to be nice and broad, well rounded in a way that will appeal to a wide range of readers. The text is accessible and has some humor, while never talking down to the reader. Too often the text of children's non fiction is too simple or condescending rather than inspiring, but this book has a solid tone that answers without that feel. I like that there were some nice labels for the images and more detailed bits of information on the pages for the most interested readers, while the main body of text was more comprehensive and interesting to all readers. I think this book is a great resource and one that some readers will devour whole while others might return for information on the subjects that interest them most.
Ask a Scientist is a well organized, and written, book that deserves a place in public libraries, schools, and homes. I think it will answer many questions for readers, and inspire them to continue to question and seek out answers.
Ask a Scientist is a book that balances information and images nicely to answer questions and keep the interest of readers. I found the selection of topics covered to be nice and broad, well rounded in a way that will appeal to a wide range of readers. The text is accessible and has some humor, while never talking down to the reader. Too often the text of children's non fiction is too simple or condescending rather than inspiring, but this book has a solid tone that answers without that feel. I like that there were some nice labels for the images and more detailed bits of information on the pages for the most interested readers, while the main body of text was more comprehensive and interesting to all readers. I think this book is a great resource and one that some readers will devour whole while others might return for information on the subjects that interest them most.
Ask a Scientist is a well organized, and written, book that deserves a place in public libraries, schools, and homes. I think it will answer many questions for readers, and inspire them to continue to question and seek out answers.
September 8, 2019
Gather 100 of the best questions about our planet from kids around the world and you are likely to get some doozies, but this book really surprises. The kids ask questions that range across all disciplines: chemistry, physics, human body, Earth, space, and natural science. The contributions can be weird and unexpected, including things you’ve always wanted to know but would never ask (for instance, just what exactly is a booger and where does it come from?). Put these queries to renowned Professor Robert Winston and the result is amazing.
Clear and fun responses from the good Professor will enlighten you to all kinds of facts, from twinkling stars to bubbles in boiling water. Each is addressed in a short, sweet, but satisfyingly comprehensive way, even the few where scientists are uncertain. This is a great book to dip into at any point, always fun and always informative.
Clear and fun responses from the good Professor will enlighten you to all kinds of facts, from twinkling stars to bubbles in boiling water. Each is addressed in a short, sweet, but satisfyingly comprehensive way, even the few where scientists are uncertain. This is a great book to dip into at any point, always fun and always informative.
August 6, 2019
This is a great book that is not only fun and engaging but also a good resource for parents who have kids asking a LOT of questions. I love that it is colorful, simple yet informative. The answers are short and to the point and to the level that is easily understood by kids. It covers various different science topics including Human Body, Chemistry, Physics, Earth etc. It’s got questions like “is fire a solid, liquid or gas?” or “Why is the sky blue”? or “How do boggers get in my nose?” Honestly, I learned a lot from this book!
Audience: All
Thanks #netgalley and DK Children for this review copy!
Audience: All
Thanks #netgalley and DK Children for this review copy!
February 2, 2024
I would answer this question like this.
Q) Is it possible to find a fossil that no one has discovered yet?
A) Yes.
Currently, the hypothesis that “the oldest human DNA is found in Africa'' is being overturned.
The current hypothesis is that humans originated in East Africa, migrated to Central Asia, and then spread to other parts of the world. But older fossils have been found in East and Central Asia.
In the near future, both "Recent African origin of modern humans" and "Multiregional origin of modern humans" will be proven false.
Q) Is it possible to find a fossil that no one has discovered yet?
A) Yes.
Currently, the hypothesis that “the oldest human DNA is found in Africa'' is being overturned.
The current hypothesis is that humans originated in East Africa, migrated to Central Asia, and then spread to other parts of the world. But older fossils have been found in East and Central Asia.
In the near future, both "Recent African origin of modern humans" and "Multiregional origin of modern humans" will be proven false.
December 2, 2020
Interesting questions. Although English is not my mother tongue, I can totally understand them. Furthermore, I can learn a lot more than grammar, but some knowledge about astronomy, biology, chemistry and so on. There are also many pictures that can help you understand the questions and answers.
April 11, 2021
This book is amazing! It taught me so much new stuff that I didn’t know! The illustrations are pretty cool, and the photos look so realistic. The sentences are easy to understand. I recommend this book for kids around my age (G3).
June 14, 2019
This book is so fun! Lots of great questions and answers. This would be so much fun to read with a little one who is constantly asking questions. I can't wait to buy it for my niece.
January 22, 2022
It was very interesting. I learned some new stuff
August 13, 2023
I wish they would do a more advanced edition at the tween and young teen level. There are so many misconceptions out there that need to be cleared by experts in the fields.
September 24, 2019
"Ask a Scientist" by Robert Winston is a very informative book on all things science. There are "questions" in seemingly every field. Some you may never have even thought to ask and scientific answers that we have discovered over the years.
The book has lots of pictures, some even magnified, to see at the smallest levels to help better understand the topics discussed in the book. There are lots of interesting things that can be learned for both kids and the parents reading to them.
I received this eBook free of charge from DK via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
The book has lots of pictures, some even magnified, to see at the smallest levels to help better understand the topics discussed in the book. There are lots of interesting things that can be learned for both kids and the parents reading to them.
I received this eBook free of charge from DK via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. I did not receive any fiscal compensation from either company for this review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
January 31, 2020
“Ask A Scientist” focuses squarely on kids- what they want to know and how best to give them the information. It seems the writers did their research in choosing the questions as most of them rang familiar. The questions range enough in topic that kids will find a lot to interest them.
The book’s format lends itself to continual engagement. Illustrations blend together while not overwhelming the reader. They do an excellent job of illuminating the text. The book ends with a useful glossary and the answers to two questions I’ve been asked over and over about time and boredom, and I still wonder about today.
The greatest aspect of this book is how the professor underscores the flexibility of science, and how not knowing strengthens its foundations. He emphasizes how scientists move toward an answer from questions. By creating the book from questions, he shows his young readers how science naturally progresses and by asking questions they are young scientists themselves.
The book’s format lends itself to continual engagement. Illustrations blend together while not overwhelming the reader. They do an excellent job of illuminating the text. The book ends with a useful glossary and the answers to two questions I’ve been asked over and over about time and boredom, and I still wonder about today.
The greatest aspect of this book is how the professor underscores the flexibility of science, and how not knowing strengthens its foundations. He emphasizes how scientists move toward an answer from questions. By creating the book from questions, he shows his young readers how science naturally progresses and by asking questions they are young scientists themselves.
October 2, 2022
You know how kids ask you random questions that you never thought of before, and now they're expecting an answer from you because you're a grownup and are clearly qualified to answer because grownups know everything?
This is the book those kids need!
From biology to weather, this book has tons of interesting questions with concise, clear answers. I can guarantee my students will love this. They always want to know things like how elevators work or what chocolate is made from. Heck, even I learned a lot reading this! (Like why magnets don't attract the iron in our blood, or why rainwater doesn't taste salty, or how jellyfish manage all those tentacles.) And the whole book is appealingly and diversely illustrated to help explain various concepts.
I have a mighty need for this book in my library. Maybe two copies- one for checkout and one as a reference for when somebody inevitably loses the other copy.
This is the book those kids need!
From biology to weather, this book has tons of interesting questions with concise, clear answers. I can guarantee my students will love this. They always want to know things like how elevators work or what chocolate is made from. Heck, even I learned a lot reading this! (Like why magnets don't attract the iron in our blood, or why rainwater doesn't taste salty, or how jellyfish manage all those tentacles.) And the whole book is appealingly and diversely illustrated to help explain various concepts.
I have a mighty need for this book in my library. Maybe two copies- one for checkout and one as a reference for when somebody inevitably loses the other copy.
February 11, 2019
This is such a great book for kids (and adults) who have lots of science-related questions. Our 8-year-old loves reading non-fiction books and this was the perfect fit for him.
The questions were asked and answered in a super accessible way and the graphics and illustrations added so much to the informative pages. He enjoyed reading this and we have many fun discussions on these topics after reading them.
I highly suggest this for kids ages 6-10 who are looking to learn more about science and have fun while doing it. A big thank you to NetGalley and DK Children for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinion are my own.
The questions were asked and answered in a super accessible way and the graphics and illustrations added so much to the informative pages. He enjoyed reading this and we have many fun discussions on these topics after reading them.
I highly suggest this for kids ages 6-10 who are looking to learn more about science and have fun while doing it. A big thank you to NetGalley and DK Children for gifting me a copy of this book. All opinion are my own.
February 22, 2019
This book is great for the kid who always asks, "Why??" It includes plenty of questions like, "Why do we need a brain?" and "Why does our skin get all wrinkly in the bath?" that even I, as an adult, was curious to read about.
The information is accurate and to-the-point in kid-friendly language. The layout packs a lot of information in one page and is colorful and eye-catching without being too busy or overwhelming. The mix of illustrations and photos add to the design making it interesting to just browse through to find something that catches your eye.
I would absolutely recommend this book to school-age kids at my library - I think they would love just looking through for some interesting facts!
The information is accurate and to-the-point in kid-friendly language. The layout packs a lot of information in one page and is colorful and eye-catching without being too busy or overwhelming. The mix of illustrations and photos add to the design making it interesting to just browse through to find something that catches your eye.
I would absolutely recommend this book to school-age kids at my library - I think they would love just looking through for some interesting facts!
March 15, 2019
Books regarding science are often controversial and this one is no exception. Those who do not believe in evolution will not agree with some of the answers provided by this scientist. Many of the answers, however, are in line with what we have been taught in our schools.
Accompanied by an excellent index, the glossary is stupendous. Many publications do not take the time to add an index or glossary, so this one is greatly appreciated. When students research, they often don't have time to read the whole book, so the ability to find the information that they need quickly is important.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for allowing a quick view of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Accompanied by an excellent index, the glossary is stupendous. Many publications do not take the time to add an index or glossary, so this one is greatly appreciated. When students research, they often don't have time to read the whole book, so the ability to find the information that they need quickly is important.
Thank you to NetGalley and DK for allowing a quick view of this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2019
This book was written by a grandfather who wanted to be a scientist from a young age. He has also spent time in schools and it shows. He is keyed in to ways to answer kids questions with just the right amount of detail.
In this book, our scientist answers 100 questions that children have posed. Some examples include the following: How does Velcro stick? When did time begin? Why does ice cream melt? How do we get taller? Why does our hair turn grey when we get older? How does the moon affect the tides of the sea?
As you can see this book is encyclopedic in scope. It is broken down by questions in fields including chemistry, the human body, physics, natural science, the earth and space. To help keep the reader engaged there are colorful illustrations throughout.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this excellent resource for young (and older) scientists. I learned a lot!
In this book, our scientist answers 100 questions that children have posed. Some examples include the following: How does Velcro stick? When did time begin? Why does ice cream melt? How do we get taller? Why does our hair turn grey when we get older? How does the moon affect the tides of the sea?
As you can see this book is encyclopedic in scope. It is broken down by questions in fields including chemistry, the human body, physics, natural science, the earth and space. To help keep the reader engaged there are colorful illustrations throughout.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this excellent resource for young (and older) scientists. I learned a lot!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews