What do you think?
Rate this book
Why? Interesting Stories, Fun Facts, Questions & Answers about Science, History, Pop Culture, Traditions and More
Have you ever wondered… Why a day has 24 hours? Why is there a hole in the doughnut? Why do we light candles on a birthday cake?
Like many people, you’ve probably asked some of these questions when you were younger or maybe recently. Well, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover the interesting and maybe slightly bizarre origins of the strange things we do.
In Why? Interesting Stories, Fun Facts, Questions & Answers about Science, History, and Pop Culture cover 55 of the most regularly asked questions with fascinating origin stories.
In this book, you will find out aboutWhy are there 12 months in a year?Which critter inspired the computer term “bug”?Why do people bring a tree into their house in December?Why do we shake hands when meeting people?Why do horses wear shoes, but cows don’t?And more…Having read this book, you will not only know a lot more about the world around you, but you will also likely be asking many more questions. Asking questions leads to a search for knowledge, and knowledge helps to make us wise. Don’t ever stop asking, “Why?”
Like many people, you’ve probably asked some of these questions when you were younger or maybe recently. Well, you will be pleasantly surprised to discover the interesting and maybe slightly bizarre origins of the strange things we do.
In Why? Interesting Stories, Fun Facts, Questions & Answers about Science, History, and Pop Culture cover 55 of the most regularly asked questions with fascinating origin stories.
In this book, you will find out aboutWhy are there 12 months in a year?Which critter inspired the computer term “bug”?Why do people bring a tree into their house in December?Why do we shake hands when meeting people?Why do horses wear shoes, but cows don’t?And more…Having read this book, you will not only know a lot more about the world around you, but you will also likely be asking many more questions. Asking questions leads to a search for knowledge, and knowledge helps to make us wise. Don’t ever stop asking, “Why?”
- GenresNonfiction
213 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2022
359 people are currently reading
39 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
February 9, 2024
Some really good facts here!
I have read another book by the publishers, "Yum", and just like that, I liked this one too.
Just one thing, It's nice but towards the end, the questions were really not for me.
I received an e-arc of the book from Booksirens free of charge but that doesn't affect my rating or review.
I have read another book by the publishers, "Yum", and just like that, I liked this one too.
Just one thing, It's nice but towards the end, the questions were really not for me.
I received an e-arc of the book from Booksirens free of charge but that doesn't affect my rating or review.
January 3, 2023
I’m not an English major, but the title of this book strikes me as grammatically unsound. I love it! This is par for the course with anything published by Riddleland. Riddleland develops books for kids packed full of interesting tidbits of knowledge. Their work is the product of having a passion for education and a clever capacity of expression. I know it’s cliche, but Riddleland makes learning fun. Why?:Interesting Stories, Fun Facts, Questions and Answers about Science, History, Pop Culture and More sheds some light on the greatest mysteries of the universe—from existential questions like “why is the sky blue?” to “why do boogers stick to a wall”. I never knew.
Among the more whimsical stories contained within the book, three stand out as particularly enjoyable.
Why Do We Carve Jack-O-Lanterns on Halloween?
This staple of Halloween dates to Europe, long before the discovery of America. To ward off evil spirits, people carved effigies in vegetables. The first Jack-O-Lanterns were not made from Pumpkins. Why? The Pumpkin is native to North America and had yet to be settled by Europeans when this peculiar tradition began. The name Jack-O-Lantern comes from the Irish myth about a man so devious, he even tricked the Devil himself. Jack duped the Devil into turning himself into a coin. Jack then put the coin in his pocket, which happened to be lined with other silver coins. The silver coins negated the Devil’s power, somehow, and he was tapped. To gain his release, the Devil promised not to send Jack to Hell for his sins. When Jack died, God sent him down to Hell. The Devil couldn’t keep Jack, so he gave him a lantern and a coal and told him to wander the earth for eternity. Jack of the Lantern became Jack-O-Lantern.
Why Do Men’s Shirts Button Differently Than Women’s Shirts?
It all goes back to the invention of the button and established class distinctions. First introduced in Germany in the 1200s, the button was a fad among the wealthy. Only the upper class could afford shirts with buttons. Men generally held their weapon in the right hand, leaving the left free to button their clothing. Thus, the button on a man’s shirt was placed on the right, for ease of use--or perhaps dramatic costume change during battle. Women on the other hand, were dressed by servants. Placing the button on the left allowed for the servant to stand behind the woman and button the garment. The trend remains to this day, although few wealthy individuals have a dresser. Also, who gets dressed holding their sword these days?
Why Do Boogers Stick to the Walls?
Every child asks these important questions, the answer to which is hard to explain and somewhat embarrassing for an adult. Often, these questions are asked in mixed company—at family functions, in public settings, or in front of the archbishop. I fear getting flagged for inappropriate content but am compelled to include this tale in my review. The authors provide stark detail, with more elaboration than I am comfortable with to answer this most pressing of scientific queries. Boogers are made of mucus, which is vsicous and moist. Eventually, the moisture will evaporate and leave behind a hardened crusty substance. Please read the book for greater detail on this one.
Analysis
The anecdotes contained within the book are well-researched, even though some of the questions have a variety of plausible answers. The authors selected the most obvious, and in some cases, the most hilarious. The narrative form of the book allows for each question to be answered in the form of a self-contained story. Some of the more existential questions are themselves fascinating conjectures that can be taken with a grain of salt.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Among the more whimsical stories contained within the book, three stand out as particularly enjoyable.
Why Do We Carve Jack-O-Lanterns on Halloween?
This staple of Halloween dates to Europe, long before the discovery of America. To ward off evil spirits, people carved effigies in vegetables. The first Jack-O-Lanterns were not made from Pumpkins. Why? The Pumpkin is native to North America and had yet to be settled by Europeans when this peculiar tradition began. The name Jack-O-Lantern comes from the Irish myth about a man so devious, he even tricked the Devil himself. Jack duped the Devil into turning himself into a coin. Jack then put the coin in his pocket, which happened to be lined with other silver coins. The silver coins negated the Devil’s power, somehow, and he was tapped. To gain his release, the Devil promised not to send Jack to Hell for his sins. When Jack died, God sent him down to Hell. The Devil couldn’t keep Jack, so he gave him a lantern and a coal and told him to wander the earth for eternity. Jack of the Lantern became Jack-O-Lantern.
Why Do Men’s Shirts Button Differently Than Women’s Shirts?
It all goes back to the invention of the button and established class distinctions. First introduced in Germany in the 1200s, the button was a fad among the wealthy. Only the upper class could afford shirts with buttons. Men generally held their weapon in the right hand, leaving the left free to button their clothing. Thus, the button on a man’s shirt was placed on the right, for ease of use--or perhaps dramatic costume change during battle. Women on the other hand, were dressed by servants. Placing the button on the left allowed for the servant to stand behind the woman and button the garment. The trend remains to this day, although few wealthy individuals have a dresser. Also, who gets dressed holding their sword these days?
Why Do Boogers Stick to the Walls?
Every child asks these important questions, the answer to which is hard to explain and somewhat embarrassing for an adult. Often, these questions are asked in mixed company—at family functions, in public settings, or in front of the archbishop. I fear getting flagged for inappropriate content but am compelled to include this tale in my review. The authors provide stark detail, with more elaboration than I am comfortable with to answer this most pressing of scientific queries. Boogers are made of mucus, which is vsicous and moist. Eventually, the moisture will evaporate and leave behind a hardened crusty substance. Please read the book for greater detail on this one.
Analysis
The anecdotes contained within the book are well-researched, even though some of the questions have a variety of plausible answers. The authors selected the most obvious, and in some cases, the most hilarious. The narrative form of the book allows for each question to be answered in the form of a self-contained story. Some of the more existential questions are themselves fascinating conjectures that can be taken with a grain of salt.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 14, 2023
This is quite an interesting book starting off with a discussion of time and space, contemporary daily life and other topics. One funny topic is Questions Too Polite to Ask.
One important quote is 'We must also know how to learn.' To me this is something that desperately needs to be taught early in school. One example would be teachers starting in the first week of class teaching students how to answer questions on a test. For example, on multiple choice questions elimnate the answers you are sure that are wrong. This increases your chance of getting the question right, even if you just guess using the remaining possible answers.
Teaching students how to do research on the Internet is also something that cold be done in class.
The book discusses us (base 10), the Egyptians (base 12) and things like the use of a sun dial. The calendar we use now wasn't always that way. What was the longest year in history? What was the first pillow made of? Why do people wear green on St. Patrick's day?
There's a lot of neat questions like this. The book is both fun and informative.
One important quote is 'We must also know how to learn.' To me this is something that desperately needs to be taught early in school. One example would be teachers starting in the first week of class teaching students how to answer questions on a test. For example, on multiple choice questions elimnate the answers you are sure that are wrong. This increases your chance of getting the question right, even if you just guess using the remaining possible answers.
Teaching students how to do research on the Internet is also something that cold be done in class.
The book discusses us (base 10), the Egyptians (base 12) and things like the use of a sun dial. The calendar we use now wasn't always that way. What was the longest year in history? What was the first pillow made of? Why do people wear green on St. Patrick's day?
There's a lot of neat questions like this. The book is both fun and informative.
November 6, 2022
A fast, funny read
KindleUnlimited review. Asking questions is a great way to obtain knowledge. As the authors states, asking the right questions is even more important. Various questions are answered in this 55 chapter book: time and space, daily life, food, health, and technology. This book is a humorous and interesting read covering calendars, jack-o-lanterns, wedding rings, doughnuts, fortune cookies, yellow pencils, horseshoes, toilet seats, and dedication. It contains over 240 references.
KindleUnlimited review. Asking questions is a great way to obtain knowledge. As the authors states, asking the right questions is even more important. Various questions are answered in this 55 chapter book: time and space, daily life, food, health, and technology. This book is a humorous and interesting read covering calendars, jack-o-lanterns, wedding rings, doughnuts, fortune cookies, yellow pencils, horseshoes, toilet seats, and dedication. It contains over 240 references.
November 20, 2022
A very fun way to learn, with interesting and clear explanations for children, which solve questions that we all ask ourselves at some point, even some that we had not considered. Both adults and children help us understand the world and the laws of nature.
___________
Una forma muy divertida de aprender, con explicaciones interesantes y claras para los niños, que resuelven preguntas que todos nos hacemos alguna vez, incluso algunas que no nos habíamos planteado. Tanto a grandes como a chicos nos ayuda a comprender el mundo y las leyes de la naturaleza.
___________
Una forma muy divertida de aprender, con explicaciones interesantes y claras para los niños, que resuelven preguntas que todos nos hacemos alguna vez, incluso algunas que no nos habíamos planteado. Tanto a grandes como a chicos nos ayuda a comprender el mundo y las leyes de la naturaleza.
January 1, 2023
A book for the curious.
This book was extremely insightful and gave thorough answers to questions many probably wonder about. From why we put candles on birthday cakes to why people give toasts. I found all the information fascinating and lot of it I had never heard before. If you like random facts, you will love this book. It have a wide variety of answers to intriguing questions.
This book was extremely insightful and gave thorough answers to questions many probably wonder about. From why we put candles on birthday cakes to why people give toasts. I found all the information fascinating and lot of it I had never heard before. If you like random facts, you will love this book. It have a wide variety of answers to intriguing questions.
November 20, 2022
A really fun book about questions you always wanted to know. It’s geared toward kids but adult will get a chuckle out of it.
I like the book so much that I bought a paperback book for my dad and he is still enjoying it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I like the book so much that I bought a paperback book for my dad and he is still enjoying it.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 21, 2022
I was able to read an uncorrected advance copy of this so there were a few rough spots but overall a delightful selection of answers to questions you never knew you wanted to be answered. It is a great book for kids, easy to read, very and fun. And what kid doesn't have questions about poop?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 22, 2022
Excellent and knowledgeable book
I look forward to having my grandson (6) reading this book packed with great facts about unusual questions. Thank you!
I look forward to having my grandson (6) reading this book packed with great facts about unusual questions. Thank you!
June 15, 2023
Quick read only
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews