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Why?
"[Adam] Rex delivers a storytime home run—hilarious, heartfelt, instructive, and interactive." —Booklist, starred review
A sweet and appealing tale for anyone familiar with the universal tendency of young children to always ask WHY? When supervillain Doctor X-Ray swoops in threatening to vanquish an innocent crowd, the only one brave enough not to run away is a little girl, who asks him simply, "Why?" He is taken aback—but he answers. She keeps asking. And he keeps answering—until a surprising truth is uncovered, and the villain is thwarted.
• A laugh-out-loud take on the small-and-determined-beats-big-loud-bully story, simple questions lead to profound answers in a quest that proves the ultimate power of curiosity
• Monochromatic illustrations with pops of color fill the pages and bring a uniquely captivating element to the storyline
• Adam Rex is an illustrator and author of books such as Nothing Rhymes with Orangeand Chu's Day. He lives in Tucson, Arizona
• Claire Keane is the illustrator of Love Is and is known for her development art for the movies Tangled and Frozen. She lives in Venice Beach, California
Fans of Nothing Rhymes with Orange, Love Is, and Grown-Ups Never Do That will also enjoy the relatable and heartwarming tale found in Why?
• Great family and classroom read-aloud book
• Books for kids ages 3-5
• Books for preschool and kindergarten students
A sweet and appealing tale for anyone familiar with the universal tendency of young children to always ask WHY? When supervillain Doctor X-Ray swoops in threatening to vanquish an innocent crowd, the only one brave enough not to run away is a little girl, who asks him simply, "Why?" He is taken aback—but he answers. She keeps asking. And he keeps answering—until a surprising truth is uncovered, and the villain is thwarted.
• A laugh-out-loud take on the small-and-determined-beats-big-loud-bully story, simple questions lead to profound answers in a quest that proves the ultimate power of curiosity
• Monochromatic illustrations with pops of color fill the pages and bring a uniquely captivating element to the storyline
• Adam Rex is an illustrator and author of books such as Nothing Rhymes with Orangeand Chu's Day. He lives in Tucson, Arizona
• Claire Keane is the illustrator of Love Is and is known for her development art for the movies Tangled and Frozen. She lives in Venice Beach, California
Fans of Nothing Rhymes with Orange, Love Is, and Grown-Ups Never Do That will also enjoy the relatable and heartwarming tale found in Why?
• Great family and classroom read-aloud book
• Books for kids ages 3-5
• Books for preschool and kindergarten students
60 pages, Hardcover
Published October 1, 2019
6 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
Adam Rex
92 books773 followersAdam Rex grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, the middle of three children. He was neither the smart one (older brother) or the cute one (younger sister), but he was the one who could draw. He took a lot of art classes as a kid, trying to learn to draw better, and started painting when he was 11. And later in life he was drawn down to Tucson in order to hone his skills, get a BFA from the University of Arizona, and meet his physicist wife Marie (who is both the smart and cute one).
Adam is nearsighted, bad at all sports, learning to play the theremin, and usually in need of a shave. He can carry a tune, if you don't mind the tune getting dropped and stepped on occasionally. He never remembers anyone's name until he's heard it at least three times. He likes animals, spacemen, Mexican food, Ethiopian food, monsters, puppets, comic books, 19th century art, skeletons, bugs, and robots.
Garlic and crosses are useless against Adam. Sunlight has been shown to be at least moderately effective. A silver bullet does the trick. Pretty much any bullet, really.
Adam is nearsighted, bad at all sports, learning to play the theremin, and usually in need of a shave. He can carry a tune, if you don't mind the tune getting dropped and stepped on occasionally. He never remembers anyone's name until he's heard it at least three times. He likes animals, spacemen, Mexican food, Ethiopian food, monsters, puppets, comic books, 19th century art, skeletons, bugs, and robots.
Garlic and crosses are useless against Adam. Sunlight has been shown to be at least moderately effective. A silver bullet does the trick. Pretty much any bullet, really.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
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October 22, 2019Incessant questions from a toddler thwart a supervillain determined to take over the world in this funny, action-packed picture book.
October 16, 2019
The incessant "why"s of this kid lead a super villain to deep analysis of his motivations. This book has great humor and ultimately a good moral. Lots of humor in the illustrations as well as the writing. Love it.
May 23, 2021
This is part of my 365 Kids Books challenge. For a fuller explanation see my review for 101 Amazing Facts about Australia You can see all the books on their own shelf. The Reviewers seemed to run correctly last week, but didn't run this week at all, and the Readers list hasn't been fixed at all. I guess algorithm don't care. Looking at the beta pages, algorithm loves stars.
This is wonderful. I love this kid and I love what Keane made of her. The super villain is a hoot with a complex back story and this nameless child is a cheeky 21st century icon. At least I hope so. Keane's art has energy and a style that looks very casual and a little retro. Also, great use of the setting.
Library copy
This is wonderful. I love this kid and I love what Keane made of her. The super villain is a hoot with a complex back story and this nameless child is a cheeky 21st century icon. At least I hope so. Keane's art has energy and a style that looks very casual and a little retro. Also, great use of the setting.
Library copy
October 25, 2020
Why? is sort of a therapy session between a would-be supervillain and a little girl, expressed in a comic-book format.
Doctor X-Ray swoops into the mall one day, threatening to take over the world. The only person who doesn't run is a little girl, who begins to question him with one simple word: Why? As the story comes out, we learn why the bad guy turned bad, and why he wants to accomplish his goal. There's actually a lot of story packed into this book, which is a quick read, despite its length.
The blurb recommends this book to kids between 3 and 5, but I think the actual message and humour would be lost on them. Older children (as well as parents) are more likely to understand what's going on, and depending on their age, will get why the repeated question is so amusing.
The illustrations by Claire Keane, though simple, work perfectly with the narrative. It's fun to see the duo of villain and child make their way through the mall, sharing snacks, sliding down bannisters, and even playing in the coin-operated ride-on toys.
Overall, this is a fun little picture book. Don't let its length put you off. The amusing ending is something you won't want to miss.
Quotable moment:
Doctor X-Ray swoops into the mall one day, threatening to take over the world. The only person who doesn't run is a little girl, who begins to question him with one simple word: Why? As the story comes out, we learn why the bad guy turned bad, and why he wants to accomplish his goal. There's actually a lot of story packed into this book, which is a quick read, despite its length.
The blurb recommends this book to kids between 3 and 5, but I think the actual message and humour would be lost on them. Older children (as well as parents) are more likely to understand what's going on, and depending on their age, will get why the repeated question is so amusing.
The illustrations by Claire Keane, though simple, work perfectly with the narrative. It's fun to see the duo of villain and child make their way through the mall, sharing snacks, sliding down bannisters, and even playing in the coin-operated ride-on toys.
Overall, this is a fun little picture book. Don't let its length put you off. The amusing ending is something you won't want to miss.
Quotable moment:
October 31, 2019
A fun book that leads you in unexpected directions as we follow "Why?" down the rabbit hole. Entertaining, but parents may regret reading it to their precocious children!
November 23, 2019
A really cute book about a villain, Dr. X-Ray, who wants to take over the world. In his quest, he runs into a little girl at the mall, who is constantly questioning, "Why?" This simple question makes Dr. X-Ray reconsider his villainous ways, and he leaves the hero.
I wasn't sure of the illustrations at first, but the style really grew on me by the end. A simple premise of asking "why?" should not be as entertaining as it was in this book. Dr. X-Ray's reconsideration of his villainous ways made me chuckle a few times.
I think I could definitely use this during a storytime for older kids.
I wasn't sure of the illustrations at first, but the style really grew on me by the end. A simple premise of asking "why?" should not be as entertaining as it was in this book. Dr. X-Ray's reconsideration of his villainous ways made me chuckle a few times.
I think I could definitely use this during a storytime for older kids.
March 2, 2021
Such a cute twist on the "endless whys", and damned if this isn't an adorable writing guide for grow'd-up novelists too. A fun, illustrated workbook to finding your characters' motivation(s). Convince me otherwise. ;)
November 16, 2019
A super villain entertains a young girl's incessant "why" questions to get to the root of his issues. Anyone with experience with toddlers will laugh at this one.
November 21, 2019
This book drove me CRAZY! Maybe I'm still too much in the thick of the "why" stage to want to read a book about it...I'm living it. Plus my littles didn't catch the whole conversation of the book. The man coming to his own self-realization was a little above their heads.
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February 24, 2020Huh, interesting- this is basically a picture book embodiment of the therapy technique of "pulling the thread", i.e. taking something that's bothering you-- something you're afraid of, something you think you have to do, etc.-- and pulling the thread to its ultimate end point. What's really underneath it all? What are you actually afraid of? Do you actually need to do the thing?
I'm a little conflicted about the book overall (I think the illustrations are pretty ugly, I wonder if a lot of his fears are too "adult" for a picture book, etc.), but I actually love the fact that this concept is so clearly laid here out in such a small package.
I'm a little conflicted about the book overall (I think the illustrations are pretty ugly, I wonder if a lot of his fears are too "adult" for a picture book, etc.), but I actually love the fact that this concept is so clearly laid here out in such a small package.
November 29, 2019
In a world where, unfortunately, violent attacks at places like the shopping mall in this curious picture book are all too real and happening with alarming frequency, we ALL should ask WHY. A supervillain crashes into a busy shopping mall bent on destruction, when a little girl approaches to ask WHY. Each time the villain gives an answer, her response is another WHY. As the story progresses, the villain looks more deeply into his motives and the result is his turning away from his evil plans. This could start a good discussion about how we can work together to put an end to violence.
March 2, 2020
A little girl helps a super villain uncover the root to his problems with one simple word: Why? Parts of this one are hysterical as we discover he has daddy issues. This one ends with a cute twist where the main character finally says something other than "Why?" The illustrations in this book were created digitally.
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
For more children's literature, middle grade literature, and YA literature reviews, feel free to visit my personal blog at The Miller Memo!
November 14, 2019
Anyone who has hung out with a toddler or young child knows that their super power is asking the question why. And in this book, with just a simple question a super villian is stopped on his path to world domination.
Why I started this book: It's the wonderful time of the month, when our new books come in.
Why I finished it: Loved the illustrations, and the fearless example of asking questions. Okay asking one question, over and over again.
Why I started this book: It's the wonderful time of the month, when our new books come in.
Why I finished it: Loved the illustrations, and the fearless example of asking questions. Okay asking one question, over and over again.
February 22, 2020
Adorable.
A young girl is the only person undisturbed when Doctor X-Ray descends on the local mall intent to take over the world.
By asking "Why?" the way children do (over and over again...) Doctor X-Ray goes through a journey of introspection and the full range of emotions. And there's always another reason.
I really enjoyed this one. Also, it felt very french...whatever that means?
A young girl is the only person undisturbed when Doctor X-Ray descends on the local mall intent to take over the world.
By asking "Why?" the way children do (over and over again...) Doctor X-Ray goes through a journey of introspection and the full range of emotions. And there's always another reason.
I really enjoyed this one. Also, it felt very french...whatever that means?
December 6, 2019
Cute for whole group read alouds, lots of opportunities for chanting the title of the book. The book could lead to meaningful discussions on why we do what we do and what it means to be true to yourself.
WHY not read the book and find out for yourself?
WHY not read the book and find out for yourself?
April 25, 2020
This is the most delightful book I've read in a long time, and believe me, I read A LOT of children's picture books. The art is magnificent, the story and pacing are fantastic. OH - I can't say enough without giving it away. Just give yourself a gift and read this little book.
November 12, 2019
Really made me think a lot. And it has knitting in it.
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December 27, 2019It's always good to ask why.
March 1, 2020
Megalomaniac supervillain Doctor X-Ray meets his match. Curiousity may have killed the cat - it certainly renders Doctor X powerless. Why? Read the book.
October 11, 2024
Adorable book, perfect for a two voice read along with a little.
November 5, 2019
A despicable villain tries to take over the world, but is stymied by a young, inquisitive child. Insistent on knowing "why," the young child forces the supervillain to take a deeper look at his motivations. A very interactive picture book, my own three-year-old had a great time chiming in with each "why?"
May 8, 2022
welp, didn't realize I'd be reading a new favorite today but HERE WE ARE.
January 29, 2021
Funny take on the age old question of Why? I really loved the adult character and how his backstory develops.
September 26, 2019
Who needs a therapist? Just hang around with a preschooler whose continuing question "Why?" prompts the supervillain Dr. X-Ray to to explore his inner motivations.
I'm not sure the kids will get the villain's answers but they will get the joke of the repeated question and Rex's illustrations have super-entertaining powers of their own to keep the pages turning.
There's fun here for adult AND child readers.
I'm not sure the kids will get the villain's answers but they will get the joke of the repeated question and Rex's illustrations have super-entertaining powers of their own to keep the pages turning.
There's fun here for adult AND child readers.
November 18, 2021
Very funny and cute
January 26, 2024
He wants to rule the world because he has daddy issues. And he has orange hair. Hm.
"... everyone thinks he's the hero. Because ... everyone's battling something. Everyone wants to win. And that's what hero stories are about, right? Winning. You gotta have winners and losers."
Adorable and funny book. You don't have to read hidden commentary into it if you don't want to in order to enjoy it.
"... everyone thinks he's the hero. Because ... everyone's battling something. Everyone wants to win. And that's what hero stories are about, right? Winning. You gotta have winners and losers."
Adorable and funny book. You don't have to read hidden commentary into it if you don't want to in order to enjoy it.
November 10, 2019
Positive and humorous story to share with those who might bully others. That cheeky gurl wears down evil with one simple word.
August 23, 2019
I picked this book up because that's me right there on the cover. I know, I know, I'm much younger than I look.
It wasn't what I thought it would be at all and I'm so thankful. The writing was wonderful, the art was beautiful and both were interesting.
This book helps me (and I hope children) understand how important it is to ask questions.
It wasn't what I thought it would be at all and I'm so thankful. The writing was wonderful, the art was beautiful and both were interesting.
This book helps me (and I hope children) understand how important it is to ask questions.
November 10, 2019
I remember playing this game as a child and have found it useful for myself as an adult. A precious little story about the importance of looking into whys and motivations.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews