How Come? In the Neighborhood

By Kathy Wollard

Maybe the first "How come?" question is "How come these books do so well?" And the answer is in how they satiate every boy and girl's insatiable curiosity about the world around them. Crack science writer Kathy Wollard answers those sneakily simple questions that ambush even the most erudite moms and dads. Like: "Why do apples turn brown when cut?" Or "Why do we get dizzy from spinning around on the playground?" Or "How can a fly walk up the kitchen wall?" The 125 questions are all derived from the experiences central to a kid's world--stuff that happens at home, in the backyard, at school, on vacation. There are the inevitable insect questions--"Why do bees die after they sting someone?" (the honeybee's stinger is barbed, and can't detach from the bee without pulling out its venom sac, a fatal injury). Food questions--"Is a tomato a fruit or a vegetable?" (a fruit, in fact a berry). Science questions--"We used dry ice in our school play to make fog. How does it do that?" (Unlike water, carbon dioxide goes straight from gas to solid and back--when frozen as dry ice, it "melts" into fog.) And the classic: "Why can't we tickle ourselves?" (Tickling depends on the element of surprise--and the brain can't surprise itself.)

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0761144293
• ISBN13: 9780761144298
• Release Date: December 2007
• Publisher: Workman Publishing Company
• Length: 292 Pages
• Weight: 1.31 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.9" x 8.0"
• Age Range: 9 to 12 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 7

Customer Reviews

Elementary Science

Excellent presentation by Kathy Wollard of some comonly asked questions by young scientists. Gregory Tobkes East Meadow, Retired Science Teacher

Very Informational and Interesting

This book has questions that I have thought of before, but never really went on to answer them. All of the answers to the questions (which are questions that people might ask everyday) are written in an interesting way that never drag on, and always keep on the readers on their toes. Explanations and answers are clear, without a single misplaced word. Along with the funny pictures on each page, this book is very useful to have around.

This book has the answers!

Children are curious! This book is so helpful in answering the flood of questions from your inquisitive children. It answers questions you've always wondered about like why are bugs attracted to the porch light at night? or which came first the chicken or the egg? The drawings are great as well. My children, 6 and 8, were laughing out loud!

Science fun for the family

I love this down-to-earth addition to the How Come? series. Kathy Wollard answers my son's questions and corrects all my misconceptions. Like the very best cartoons, Debra Solomon's off-beat humorous illustrations will appeal to children and adults. Sure, I studied physics and biology, but who remembers all that stuff? My 9-year-old has lots of questions about the real world and now I have the answers. Buy it!!!

Must Have for Kids of All Ages

My daughters are 9 and 4 and they love this book. This is a great way to learn about science, nature, everything! They are constantly asking me questions just like these in the book - I am so glad we have this! If you have children this is a must-have! I really enjoy the style of writing and the kids love the illustrations. Its easy to read and understand. I am also looking to purchase How Come? Planet Earth.