First Big Book of Why

by Amy Shields

Linking to a popular feature in the super successful National Geographic Little Kids magazine, this book brings the browsable fun of the bestselling National Geographic Kids Almanac  to a new audience: preschoolers! Using an interactive question-and-answer format and content grounded in a child's immediate world, the Big Book of Why delivers lively information, hands-on games, simple recipes, crafts, and more. What makes a car go? How does mushy dough become a crispy cookie? What does the doctor see in my throat? An essential parent reference, The Big Book of Why invites children to ask big questions, think big thoughts, and get answers that are accurate, engaging, level-appropriate, and based on sound educational findings. It helps prepare preschoolers for school in an interactive way—the very best way to foster learning at this age, according to research. Highly photographic and playful, this big book is an adventure in exploration.

Genres: Childrens, Science, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Reference, Education, Stem

128 pages, Hardcover

First published May 10, 2011

Reviews

[Nicoleta]

Folosirea simturilor de catre medici.
Dintii de lapte, dintii castorilor, dintii crocodililor, dintele narvalului, dintii la piranha.
Fructele dulci nu sunt otravitoare. Legumele ca niste perii.
Parul des si foliculii mai mari. Blonzii au cel mai mult par, iar roscatii cel mai putin.
Pagina cu de ce nu, cu ilustratii interesante.
Aburul care iese din porumb creeaza presiune, facandu-le sa explodeze si apar floricelele de porumb.
Experiment unt din smantana.
Coprolitii si guano.
Experiment cu baloane de sapun.
Philo Farnsworth nu isi lasa copiii sa se uite la TV.
Philippe Petit si zgarie-norii.
Lifturile mai sigure decat urcatul pe scari.
Scarile rulante si ce au in comun cu buldozerele, bicicletele si montagne rousse.
Jungle gym si maimutele.
Patine vechi de 5000 de ani gasite in Elvetia.
Bambiraptor, gasit in 1995 de Wes, de 14 ani. Dinozauri centenari. Libelule, meduze si crabi de pe vremea dinozaurilor.
Maimute, delfini si elefanti care se recunosc in oglinda. Pupile dreptunghiulare la capre.
De ce zboara avioanele de hartie si mana scoasa din masina.
De ce plutesc vapoarele, cum se poate face pluta si experiment plutitor cu plastilina.
Cainii insotitori, terapeutici, de salvare/cautare.
Supozitii ca pisicile ar putea toarce sa le creasca oasele sau sa se vindece si sa ii ajute pe puii orbi si surzi sa o simta pe mama. Ele au limba aspra, iar coada la ajuta la echilibru.
De ce ies ramele din pamant cand ploua, rame gigant de 1 m din Australia si viermi de gheata care se topesc cand se incalzeste.
De ce au pasarile ciocuri si cum le folosesc pentru a manca.
Cum respira pestii. Meduzele nu au branhii, ele respira prin piele.
Dungile tigrilor ii ajuta sa se ascunda in iarba, iar cele ale zebrelor le ajuta sa fie greu de urmarit.
Flamingo si alte animale care sunt rotunde din diverse motive.
Insecte care pisca de foame sau de teama. De ce nu se lipesc paianjenii de plasa.
Animale care stau cu capul in jos: lenesi(care nu pot merge), lilieci(care nu pot merge de obicei), o specie de meduze, oposum.
Animale care vomita sau nu.
Sa mananci rar, ca un sarpe.
Despre laptele de vaca si mierea de albine.
Ascunderea de ghinde la veverite.
Comunicarea prin dans, miros, sunet, lovirea cozii la animale.
Experiment curcubeu.
De ce e zapada alba si cerul albastru.
Diablo, Elefanta, haboob, Willy-Willy.
Norii de furtuna. Experiment: lumina circula mai repede decat sunetul.
Partea ascutita a semintei, locul radacinii. Plantele confuze din spatiu. Experiment cu plantare floarea soarelui, nu grau sau fasole.
Plaje cu nisip negru in Hawaii. Experiment cu otet si nisip de mare vs otet si nisip de rau.
Cum s-au format insulele.
Unde au fost create stelele si de ce nu ajungem la ele.
Fazele lunii si fata nevazuta.
Sfaturi pentru baloane cu aer cald, jurnalul de vise, petrecerea cu dungi, constructia de zgarie nori, mima, memo, crearea unui film.

[Clemmie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and accessible book for children. Split into sections of Amazing Me (e.g. 'Why does Grandma have wrinkles?'), How Things Work (e.g. 'Why do Planes fly?'), Animals All Around (e.g. 'Why do worms come out when it rains?'), Wonders Of The World (e.g. 'Why don't islands sink?'). Great suggestions of practical activities for kids to see this in action and tips for engaging their children in these questions of life (e.g. creating a dream journal with their children). Visually stimulating with facts, figures and pictures.

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating book that will captivate inquisitive kids (and adults) for days! It's packed with information about everything from why we need to eat certain foods, to why doughnuts have holes, why plants grow upwards, why there are rainbows, why some people have curly and others straight hair, why planes fly, why boats float, and loads more. With straightforward text and clear pictures even young children can follow the explanations, and yet the content is rich and varied enough to extend older ones too. Highly recommended for whenever kids have time on their hands.

Reviewed for www.GoodReadingGuide.com

[Cala · Rating 2 out of 5]

We read this book throughout the school year as part of Sonlight's Science K. While my 5/6 year old enjoyed learning about a few of the topics covered, it was mostly below his knowledge level (and below the level of the rest of the books in this science curriculum).

This type of book should be loveable by all ages, especially the young as they discover the world around them (I believe this is geared towards preschoolers to kindergarteners). Unfortunately, this National Geographic publication has a humanist (evolutionary) worldview throughout. Several of the pages are perfectly fine and correct, providing facts about the topic, but there are several pages that make assumptions that simply aren't true nor scientific.

[Chung Tsz Chun Rodney · Rating 4 out of 5]

The "First Big Book of Why" is an extremely informative book and consists of many pages. It mainly talks about why something happens in a simple way. Every question is described clearly and contains many pictures so that readers can understand clearly. It teaches me a lot of things that I didn't even know before. The thing that I like reading this book is that it explains every detail in a clear and simple way, allowing me to understand easily. The pictures are well drawn and can aid me to understand and comprehend while I am reading.

[Annie Flanders · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was one of those children who always said 'Why' when told I had to do something - especially if I didn't want to do it. I also had so many questions about Life - Why is such and such this way and not that way.

This book answers many of those questions. I was sad to see it end, actually.

So many subjects are covered in this book. I think it is helpful not only for small children but also for children of all ages.

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was going so great until . . . page 40: when a diagram of a house (explaining gravity) had the toilet sewage going down to a woman with a garden hose, and she is spraying the plants with poopy water. They even included a diagram which described poop-eating bacteria. Ugh. Bad editing, poor picture.

Page 73: "If they [the iceworms] get too warm, they melt."

Iceworms don't melt.

[Carissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

As with the others in this series, this is a fun book full of great information geared towards a younger audience. None of it is overwhelming, and it seems to answer some of the more basic questions of "Why?" you might be asked. At the least, it'll definitely get them thinking! If you have a curious kid, or perhaps one you want to instill more sense of curiosity, this is a great book to get them.

[michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very fun book to read with kids. I do wish some of them had more info (I felt as the book went on I was more disappointed with how they answered some of the questions). I also enjoyed the experiments they included throughout the book. And in the back they have a section called Parent Tips with a few more activity ideas.

[Andrej · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect for little kids asking constantly "why." Written in an easily understandable way. Covers questions about people (Why do I have dreams and nightmares?), animals (Why do bees make honey?), Earth (Why don't islands sink?), and how things work (Why do planes fly?). With large high-quality photos. I'd recommend for 3-4-year olds.

[Two BookWorms Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know how kids are: curious about everything and filled with questions! This book is here to help you handle some of the many, many questions that kids will ask.

For the full review: https://twobookwormsblog.wordpress.co...

[Alana Bursey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading a page of this with my students each day! Lots of great discussions! It was a bit overwhelming for some kids who kept looking at different pictures as there are so many different facts and images on a page.

[Megan · Rating 3 out of 5]

a favorite of my 6 year old

[FullyBooked · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. Childhood! I can’t emphasize this any more. I LOVE THIS BOOK.

[Pamela Kinslow · Rating 5 out of 5]

it was awesome I loved it

[دعاء الدريس · Rating 5 out of 5]

جميع كتب ناشينال جيوغرافيك ممتازة، ابحث عن المواضيع التي تهم طفلك

[Jessica S · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfect for the kiddo who asks why for everything. Great pictures and just enough information without it being over the top. Highly recommend!

[Keila Frau · Rating 5 out of 5]

Need to read

Yes! An awesome book included with Prime. Very helpful for kids and also it has pictures! Awesome Nat Geo Kids Book

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bright illustrations and lots of simple answers to the tough 'why' questions that kids like to ask. Enjoyable overview of lots of topics for little learners.

[Aarvik · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aarvik loves this book and want to read it at least once a day.

[nadia pk · Rating 5 out of 5]

Livro colorido, curioso, bem feito. Mas suas páginas são delicadas para ser apresentado para crianças de até 5 anos (no meu caso).

[Ashumika Shukla · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was 8-9 when I read this I totally loved it back then I revisited it several times and got that nostalgic feeling it still my fav becuz of that.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun facts with bright pictures.

[Jon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool book for parents with a inquisitive child(ren).

[Teanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this with my 5 year old! He was shocked at some of the facts.

[Erin Neal · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wish it had better questions instead of “why is a zebra stripy”

I do not like this
I wish it had better question for 5-20 years old
I would like it a lot more

[Miranda Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

very cute. My son loved it

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

These books are always a hit with little minds. It is surprising the things you can learn from them.

[Bahar Afzali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book answers most questions of why and is great for curious young readers that want the answers for their questions.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is packed with information. It is about how things work. I think it would be a perfect guide to be the expert on a topic from within the book and make a mini presentation on the said topic. My daughter finds it fascinating and she is in third grade. I think this book could be for students from first grade on.