Where Does Pepper Come From? And Other Fun Facts

Young readers are given much to ponder in this fascinating book that asks such questions as "Why do bears hibernate?" and "Why do snails carry their houses on their backs?"

Kindergarten-Grade 3–The phrase fun facts actually lives up to its promise in this humorous cross between a science book and a riddle book. Each of seven questions is first given a funny answer (Why do snails carry houses on their backs? Because they love to go camping!). Readers turn the page to see a child saying, No! followed by a concise, factual answer. Topics range from the color of flamingos to the saltiness of the seas. The pattern works well, and, in a nice twist, is broken at the end of the book. Why don't migrating birds get lost when they fly south in the fall? Because they have compasses in their beaks! This seemingly silly answer turns out to be, in a way, true. The design is great; it's as simultaneously predictable and playful as the text. The cartoon-style paintings use soft earth tones and subtle humor. A minor disappointment is the lack of an afterword providing additional details. Otherwise, this book is a lively and appealing way to encourage youngsters' curiosity about the natural world. And any book that lets kids say, No so often is bound to be popular.–Lauralyn Persson, Wilmette Public Library, IL
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