The Science of Why, Volume 5: Answers to Questions About the Ordinary, the Odd, and the Outlandish (5)

The Science of Why #5

by Jay Ingram

Chock-full of peculiar puzzles, mind-bending mythbusters, and quirky questions, the fifth pop science book in the bestselling Science of Why series is perfect for anyone curious about the weird and wondrous world we live in.

Have you ever wondered if octopuses are from outer space? What Mexican jumping beans are? Or if banana peels are really slippery?

If questions like these are keeping you up at night, you can rest easy. Bestselling author Jay Ingram is here to answer all the whimsical and whacky wonderings that have baffled people since the dawn of time. From our bodies to our pets (and other beasts) to the natural world around us, Jay tackles science topics big and small, such

Did dinosaurs sit on their eggs?
What is our funny bone?
Is there a specific muscle that makes dogs cute?

Because who hasn’t pondered whether plants have feelings? Or if Robin Hood was a real person? Or what humans will look like in the future?

Teeming with amusing answers to bemusing questions—and handy and hilarious illustrations—this latest volume separates fact from fiction, lesson from legend, and myth from marvel. Endlessly illuminating and entertaining, The Science of Why, Volume 5 is five times the fun for new and old readers of the series.

208 pages, Hardcover

Published November 10, 2020

About the author

Jay Ingram CM (born March 20, 1945) is a Canadian author and broadcaster. He was host of the television show Daily Planet (originally titled @discovery.ca), which airs on Discovery Channel Canada, since the channel's inception in 1995. Ingram's last episode of Daily Planet aired on June 5, 2011. Ingram announced his retirement but stated he will make guest appearances on Daily Planet. He was succeeded by Dan Riskin. His book The End of Memory: A Natural History of Aging and Alzheimer’s is forthcoming from St. Martin's Press in 2015.

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great and entertaining look at things sciency by Jay Ingram

I loved this book. As with The Science of Why #4, this book also consists of short snippets on things sciency, along with rather cute illustrations. The snippets are extremely well written in a conversational tone and are amusing, with Ingram showing a good sense of humor. Although science, Ingram explains everything very clearly and does not use jargon. One caveat is that there is some overlap between The Science of Why #5 and Ingram’s book “Why do onions make me cry”. Nonetheless I recommend The Science of Why #5 for anyone interested in science and I look forward to reading more books by him.
Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley for review purposes.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

As you can tell by the title this is a series of books for younger teen readers that covers a multitude of topics. Volume 5 has several chapters on the Human Body, Weather, Food, Animals and more. A simple question is presented and answered in several paragraphs. Enough for an answer and good for stimulating interest to do some research. There are a few illustrations. This book is an independent read but should motivate young and old to invest in the whole series. A great gift idea for grandparents looking for an ideal present. Equally good for older readers. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[WiseB · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though this series of book, The Science of Why, are targeting young readers and my age is far outside that range, I still enjoy reading this The Science of Why 5 which covers four kinds of daily encounters (Awesome Animals, Bodily Brainteasers, Oddities and Eccentricities, Perplexing Phenomena) that science can explain why. As usual, each one comes with cute diagrams plus interesting notes in the Science Fact and the Did You Know highlight.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.