WHY DON'T CARS RUN ON APPLE JUICE?

Clear evidence that there’s no such thing as a silly question.

Even the titular query gets a serious answer here (it has to do with the amount of stored energy that can be harnessed). It appears along with 49 more gathered at the Ontario Science Centre, including “Where does wind come from?”; “Why do we die?”; “What is time?”; and “If I were to sneeze in outer space, would my head blow up?” (Answer: no, but according to those “astro-snots…who have sneezed in micro-gravity, the force gently propel[s] them in the direction opposite to where their noses [are] pointing.” Emphasizing the efficacy of the scientific method (“Ask. Test. Repeat. It works”), Vermond draws from cited expert sources to explain in simple language a wide range of biological, geological, and astronomical phenomena—at least as currently understood—while not shying away from admitting that mysteries aplenty remain. Ogawa furnishes cartoon illustrations featuring a physically and racially diverse array of children as well as the odd smiling animal, rock, or nose-picking ET. A final question, “What hasn’t been invented?” prompts the author to open the floor to readers.

A breezy compendium for STEM-winders and casual browsers alike.