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Britannica's First Big Book of Why: Why can't penguins fly? Why do we brush our teeth? Why does popcorn pop? The ultimate book of answers for kids who need to know WHY! Hardcover – Picture Book, October 12, 2021

by Sally Symes (Author), Stephanie Drimmer (Author), Britannica Group (Author),
4.8 out of 5 stars 910 ratings
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WHY do elephants have trunks? WHY are clouds different shapes? WHY does my tummy rumble?

Britannica’s huge, authoritative, and lavishly illustrated question and answer book will satisfy even the most curious kids, with over 100 questions verified by Britannica experts. Spanning a range of topics including animals, the body, machines, space, and more, this book provides clear and accessible explanations—and even explores some of the mysteries that experts are still trying to solve!

By encouraging kids to question how the world works, Britannica First Big Book of Why supports STEAM learning and nurtures enquiring minds. With stunning photography and gorgeous original illustrations by Kate Slater, this is the ultimate gift for kids aged 4+ who need to know WHY!

Includes an index and glossary.

Previous slide of product details
  1. Reading age
    4 - 7 years, from customers
  2. Print length
    272 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Grade level
    Kindergarten - 3
  5. Lexile measure
    870L
  6. Dimensions
    8.5 x 1 x 11.25 inches
  7. Publisher
    Britannica Books
  8. Publication date
    October 12, 2021
  9. ISBN-10
    1913750426
  10. ISBN-13
    978-1913750428
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Britannica's First Big Book of Why: Why can't penguins fly? Why do we brush our teeth? Why does popcorn pop? The ultimate boo
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First Big Book of How: How do polar bears keep warm? How do keys open locks? How to spacesuits work? The ultimate book of ans
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Britannica All New Kids' Encyclopedia: What We Know & What We Don't
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From the Publisher

Definitive and lavishly illustrated question and answer book from Britannica.

Illustration of giraffe with text: Why do we have eyelashes?

With answers to more than 100 questions that kids really want to know.

Illustration of penguins with text: Why can't penguins fly?

Questions from the book: Why do elephants have trunks? Why does Saturn have rings?

Why are slugs slimy?

Illustration of a snail with question marks around it.

Available from Britannica: 5 Minute Really True Stories for Bedtime & All New Kids Encyclopedia

First Big Book of Why
First Big Book of How
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars 910
5.0 out of 5 stars 20
Price $18.80 $16.80
Summary The stunningly illustrated question and answer book from Britannica. The ultimate book for children who need to know how everything works.
Topics include Minibeasts, pets, wild animals, the body, food, how stuff works, Earth and space The body, machines & buildings, wild animals, bugs, Earth and space.
Number of questions 100+ 150+
Question and answer book ✓ ✓
Ages 4 to 7 years old 4 to 8 years old

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This book feels more satisfying than googling and keeps kids excited about learning something new while giving parents a break from pretendingto be a walking encyclopedia." - Glamour

"Ideal for visual learners." - Youth Services Book Review

"This authoritative, fully sourced, informative, and positively fun book is filled with facts, all generously illustrated." - Reading Rockets

"A first encyclopedia may sound like an unexciting gift, but this big book from Britannica is 100% exciting." - U.S. News & World Report

Selected for the Children's Book Committee's Spring 2023 Showcase: Spring Into a New You

Selected for the Reading Rockets Holiday Gift Guide 2021

About the Author

Sally Symes worked for many years as a designer of children's books before turning her skills to writing them. Her collaborations with Nick Sharratt have won several awards, including The Educational Writers' Award for Gooey, Chewy, Rumble, Plop, and The Southampton Favourite Book to Share Award for Something Beginning with Blue. She works from a shed in Sussex, UK, accompanied by her grumpy cat.



Stephanie Drimmer writes books, magazine features, and online pieces for kids. She is a regular contributor to the Scholastic magazines SuperScience and Science World. Her column for National Geographic Kids magazine, Destination Space, follows a future astronaut as she visits the most bizarre places in the universe. Her work has also appeared in Muse, Popular Science and Popular Mechanics magazines, and in videos for TED-ed. She lives in Los Angeles, California.



Britannica Group is a global education leader with over 250 years of dedication to seeking out facts and providing insight into the mysteries of the universe. Its beloved Encyclopaedia Britannica is the world’s oldest English-language general encyclopedia, first published in 1768 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Today, Britannica continues to create innovative and engaging learning experiences through books, digital content and educational tools. Over three thousand expert contributors have helped make Britannica what it is today, including former U.S. presidents, professional athletes, Nobel laureates, and Pulitzer Prize winners. Britannica’s mission to inspire curiosity and the joy of learning helps build the world’s future thinkers and innovators. They are based in Chicago, Illinois.



Kate Slater grew up on a beautiful farm in deepest Staffordshire, UK. Her children’s books include A is for Ant, The Birthday Crown, The Little Red Hen, ABC London, Magpie’s Treasure, Make Your Own Birds of Prey and Make your Own Flying Machines. Alongside work for publishing, editorial and advertising, she has created several large-scale installations and window displays.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Britannica Books (October 12, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1913750426
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1913750428
  • Reading age ‏ : ‎ 4 - 7 years, from customers
  • Lexile measure ‏ : ‎ 870L
  • Grade level ‏ : ‎ Kindergarten - 3
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.85 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 8.5 x 1 x 11.25 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.8 out of 5 stars 910 ratings

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  1. Britannica Group

    Britannica Group

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    Sally Symes

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Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
910 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this book perfect for curious children, with beautiful illustrations and content that's entertaining for both kids and adults. The book is easy to understand, with one customer noting the explanations are simple enough for small children. Customers appreciate it as a gift, particularly for 5-year-old boys.

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32 customers mention "Curiosity level"32 positive0 negative

Customers find the book engaging, particularly for curious children and adults, with one customer noting it covers ordinary things children are curious about.

"i think this book is suitable for ages 4 to 7 years old. It is simple to read and fun! The illustrations are really beautiful. it's great for kids!..." Read more

"Great, kid friendly information for inquisitive little minds. My oldest is constantly telling everyone facts she learned from this book...." Read more

"this book is perfect for curious minds...." Read more

"Grandson loves this book, choosing to read a page everynight." Read more

11 customers mention "Pictures quality"11 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the pictures in the book, describing them as beautiful, colorful, and nicely illustrated.

"...It is simple to read and fun! The illustrations are really beautiful. it's great for kids! highly recommended!" Read more

"...I would say illustrations are top notch. Probably for third grade reading level" Read more

"I gave the book to my great grand children, for the beautiful pictures and info that could be fun to learn. A great book to read to your child." Read more

"...I really wish they could have included more as this really is a cute and enjoyable book!" Read more

7 customers mention "Fun"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining.

"...It is simple to read and fun! The illustrations are really beautiful. it's great for kids! highly recommended!" Read more

"Fun book. Read it myself and learned a lot about things I didn't know!" Read more

"...They retain this learned knowledge because the book is interesting and fun. Great photos." Read more

"funny and interesting" Read more

6 customers mention "Ease of reading"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read, with one mentioning that the explanations are simple and another noting it's suitable for small children.

"i think this book is suitable for ages 4 to 7 years old. It is simple to read and fun! The illustrations are really beautiful. it's great for kids!..." Read more

"My two sons truly enjoy this book. It is written magically and I enjoy it as well! My only complaint is that there isn’t more info in it...." Read more

"...video of them reading it out loud it looks like it is not too difficult for them (with the odd bit of help from their Mum)...." Read more

"...Great book to inspire curiosity and creative writing." Read more

3 customers mention "Gift value"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book makes a good gift, particularly for 5-year-old boys.

"Love the illusions and design of this book! Perfect gift for the 5 year old boy I nanny for!" Read more

"This is a gift for a very inquisitive 3 year old. Great questions and answers that open the way for lots of discussions at bedtime." Read more

"Purchased for grandson..." Read more

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Top reviews from the United States

  • kim
    5.0 out of 5 stars great
    Reviewed in the United States on December 5, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    i think this book is suitable for ages 4 to 7 years old. It is simple to read and fun! The illustrations are really beautiful. it's great for kids! highly recommended!
    Helpful
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  • Sarah Russell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great purchase
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great, kid friendly information for inquisitive little minds. My oldest is constantly telling everyone facts she learned from this book. I’m hoping there are more volumes for future purchase!
    Helpful
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  • Sheryl Husz
    5.0 out of 5 stars perfect
    Reviewed in the United States on October 23, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    this book is perfect for curious minds. There are a ton of words that are too big for my six-year-old but for now we read it to her and she loves all of the pictures. I would say illustrations are top notch. Probably for third grade reading level
    One person found this helpful
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  • Brenda jeffries
    5.0 out of 5 stars Love this book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 5, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Grandson loves this book, choosing to read a page everynight.
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  • Very short...not good qualiy
    5.0 out of 5 stars Must have
    Reviewed in the United States on February 21, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Kids learns a lot from this book...highly recommended for curious kids
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  • Elaine Corey Evans
    5.0 out of 5 stars It’s full of interesting info
    Reviewed in the United States on October 14, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I gave the book to my great grand children, for the beautiful pictures and info that could be fun to learn. A great book to read to your child.
    Helpful
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  • Haley C.
    4.0 out of 5 stars 🌎 KIDS LOVE!! 🌎
    Reviewed in the United States on June 20, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    My two sons truly enjoy this book. It is written magically and I enjoy it as well! My only complaint is that there isn’t more info in it. There around maybe 16 topics and about 8 “why’s” related to each topic. I really wish they could have included more as this really is a cute and enjoyable book!
    4 people found this helpful
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  • Randy Wehman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great book
    Reviewed in the United States on March 18, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    Great book, grand daughter loves it. Nana has read to her every visit.
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Nawal R.
    4.0 out of 5 stars More appropriate for kids older than 6
    Reviewed in the United Arab Emirates on November 15, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I bought this for my almost 5 year old but I feel like a 7 or 8 year old would enjoy it more.
    Report
  • MamaWifeyNursey
    5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 21, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    This is such a brilliant book, so many fun questions in here that I'm sure my 5 year old will love. The book's pictures are really engaging and there is just enough information to keep a younger child interested and not overwhelmed.

    Was really impressed with how quickly this was delivered, considering the estimated arrival was after Christmas, the book arrived with 4 days to spare.
    Report
  • jared
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kids find it interesting
    Reviewed in Germany on September 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My 4 year old son likes it a lot. Makes going to bed more interesting. It's either this book or Curious George these days :D
    Report
  • Ashley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great for inquisitive kids
    Reviewed in Canada on October 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    My 5 year old son got this for his birthday and loves it. He’s excited to read before bed every night and even I’ve learned tons about things I had no idea about. The pictures are bright and dynamic and the book is well thought out. Such a cute gift idea for those kids that are interested in everything and can’t stop asking why!
    Report
  • C Dalley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Fabulouse Informative Book for Kids
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on January 1, 2025
    Verified Purchase
    I have bought 2 of these for my grandchildren. What a fabulous book full of information and easy to read. So many interestng fascinating facts in this book that I did not even know. Only problem was that I had to hide it from my husband as he could not stop reading it either!!!
    Report