 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
How Come? Planet Earth
- By Kathy Wollard
- Genre: Science
Common Sense Media says
Sometimes intriguing, sometimes unhelpful.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that the uncomplicated writing incorporates humorous examples and comparisons to which kids can relate.
What's the story?
What do you want to know? This is a useful sourcebook for anyone who has ever wondered how chewing gum is made, why dogs bark, and why rainbows arch. Decorated throughout with zany cartoon art, the book answers 125 questions posed by children from around the globe. The information is interesting but sometimes vague and incomplete.
Is it any good?
This book and its predecessor, How Come?, were written by the author of a syndicated newspaper column that answers questions from kids around the world. Younger readers will relate to questions and answers about cats purring and dogs barking, but adults will be interested in entries on high blood pressure and cholesterol. In between is a wide range of factoids explaining why people burp, sweat, and bruise.
Many of the illustrations are unsophisticated groaners, but kids will like them. The book does better when it sticks to cut-and-dried explanations such as how dinosaurs are named or how many eyes a fly has. When it pokes into more complicated concepts, the book's answers lack necessary depth, may be dry and dense, and may leave readers with even more questions. Still, the book gets points for trying, and most entries will satisfy, if not sate, readers' curiosity.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about curiosity. What questions would you ask the author to answer? Kids could try sending their questions to the author.
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title below.
| Author: | Kathy Wollard |
| Illustrator: | Debra Solomon |
| Book type: | Non-Fiction |
| Genre: | Science |
| Publisher: | Workman Publishing Co. |
| Publication date: | October 1, 1999 |
| Number of pages: | 332 |
| Paperback price: | $12.95 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
Review It
Register now to save reviews and advice articles to your personal lists!
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already read it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
