I always loved learning as a kid, especially science. I was lucky in that my mother would always buy me science books for kids, especially the “How and Why” series of books.

The Why? Encyclopedia -- Brilliant Answers to Baffling Questions would have been a book I would have loved and would have read repeatedly. The questions that are asked and answered are thoughtful and the illustrations are those that a young person would view multiple times. While the book is squarely aimed at the elementary school set, I think older students would also enjoy this book as well.

The subjects covered include space, the earth, the living world, history, science, and the human body. As someone who studied human anatomy and physiology, I can attest that the section on the human body was written very well.

If you have a young person who is science mad or curious, this is a book for them.

Highly recommended.

5/5 stars

[Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the advanced ebook copy in exchange for my honest and objective opinion, which I have given here.]

Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this eARC.

Why? Encyclopedia: Brilliant Answers to Baffling Questions by DK is an engaging and visually stunning reference book that caters to the curiosity of readers of all ages. This encyclopedia is a treasure trove of knowledge, offering clear and concise explanations to a wide array of intriguing questions that span various subjects, from science and history to technology and the natural world.

The book is organized in a way that makes it easy to navigate, with each section dedicated to a specific theme. The layout is vibrant and inviting, featuring a mix of high-quality photographs, illustrations, and infographics that enhance the learning experience. DK’s signature style of combining visual appeal with informative content is evident throughout, making complex topics accessible and enjoyable.

One of the standout features of Why? Encyclopedia is its ability to spark curiosity and encourage further exploration. Each answer is crafted to be both informative and thought-provoking, often leading readers to ask even more questions. This makes the book not just a source of answers, but a starting point for deeper inquiry and discovery.

The writing is clear and engaging, suitable for both young readers and adults. The explanations are straightforward yet thorough, ensuring that readers come away with a solid understanding of the topics covered. The book also includes fun facts and trivia that add an element of surprise and delight, making learning a truly enjoyable experience.

For anyone with a thirst for knowledge and a love of learning, Why? Encyclopedia is a must-have addition to their bookshelf. DK has created a resource that is both educational and entertaining, perfect for satisfying the curiosity of inquisitive minds. Whether you’re a student, a teacher, or simply someone who loves to learn, this encyclopedia offers a wealth of information that will keep you coming back for more.

We're a homeschool family and we really enjoyed this book. It's convenient (we can pick it up and go), colorful, entertaining, and easy to understand. My ADHD kiddo looked through it in one sitting! It must be good if it kept his attention. As a learning coach mom, I especially like the Quick Quiz sections. I received an advance reader digital copy but I plan to purchase a physical copy. DK has always published great materials. Keep up the good work!

"Why? Encyclopedia" is perfect for young minds eager to understand everything from the mysteries of the pyramids to the wonders of space. This updated edition even has coverage of current topics like artificial intelligence, climate change, and pandemics. The book’s design features double-page spreads centered around a question that kids are likely to ask. I particularly appreciate the quiz boxes that prompt further exploration and reinforce comprehension—an excellent tool for young readers to challenge themselves.

Though it may not provide exhaustive answers to every question, "Why? Encyclopedia" is a fantastic starting point for sparking curiosity and encouraging deeper conversations. Whether you’re a parent fielding endless questions or a teacher looking for an engaging classroom resource, this encyclopedia is a must-have.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to review a temporary digital ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

This engaging encyclopedia answers kids’ biggest questions across science, history, space, and the human body. With vibrant 3D illustrations and a question-and-answer format, it explores fascinating topics like pyramids, echoes, and cavemen. This updated edition includes new pages on current topics like artificial intelligence, climate change, and pandemics. A fun and visually beautiful book, it will captivate young readers.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Another solid entry for the DK browser books, this time trying to answer some of the most common questions kids ask within a two page spread. The small boxes of quick quizzes are great to help retain information/increase reading comprehension. Some of the questions you think are tweaked to narrow things down, such as the science chapters usually involving "How does ____ work?" but then you have "Why does a helicopter have a propeller on its tail?" and you think some editor decided they had to prompt a specific part of how helicopters work to fit the information within the prescribed page format. I would also say the science/anatomy answers are clearer in their description than some of the answers that involve a lot of "we aren't sure" such as why the dinosaurs died out.

It is not a comprehensive answer for every question, but it is a great conversation starter with vibrant images to go along with the text.

This is the perfect book for any curious kid who has general questions about things! My son and daughter ask me about all of these things on a daily basis and this book is geared towards the understanding of children who want to know about the world and history. I will most definitely be buying a physical version of this book for my son for Christmas.

The book was beautifully written. The author made careful word choices and the awsome pictures that were very impactful. Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it.

This kept my kids and I entertained! There’s so much to,learn and the photos are amazing. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy.