How? The Most Awesome Question and Answer Book about Nature, Animals, People, Places—and You!

The team behind Why? (2001) returns with another book that finds numerous questions (and answers) in everyday subjects. Divided into seven sections (birthdays, the library, pets, illness, road trips, the beach, and the airport) with 10 or so subquestions for each category, the book is built around two children in a multiracial family whose grandmother comes to visit. Jake’s birthday party begets questions like “Why do balloons pop?” while a drive to the beach allows Ripley to explain how roads and bridges are built. Ritchie’s loose, friendly images create a bright and cheerful environment, and Ripley’s concise answers will arm readers with new knowledge—and likely prompt follow-up questions. Ages 3–7. (May)