The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions

Product Information

I just wanted to to say, thank you again for taking time out of your day to talk to us. The kids absolutely loved it and certainly felt inspired to hear how you became a writer (one of our SEND boys created his own book right away about space after hearing you talk). We were also impressed by your knowledge about science with all our silly science questions." With bright, bold illustrations by Aaron Cushley, Isabel Thomas’ The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions explores a huge range of scientific topics in an engaging way that’s sure to satisfy committed young thinkers. Moreover, it’s also set to inspire 7+ year-olds who’ve yet to be sparked by the magic of science and nature.

Why are bubbles always round? Could I ever touch a rainbow? Why can't I remember being a baby? Have you ever not been able to concentrate because there are SO many questions buzzing round your brain? The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions will offer answers to the most bamboozling questions and curious queries that you can think of. How many stars are in the night sky? Why don't animals wear clothes? Do plants have feelings? ChatGPT handled my straightforward science questions with impressive ease. At first, it feels like a GPS for navigating the Internet sprawl – avoiding the pile up of search engine results on your way the information you need. It’s easy to see why it has already been incorporated into science and maths tutoring systems, and can even pass some of the world’s toughest exams. With more than 200 published titles, there is a book in my repertoire to delight every child, from the lyrical and atmospheric picture books Moth: An Evolution Story and Fox: A Circle of Life Story, to the quirky Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions. Older children and teenagers will love Exploring the Elements and Full of Life, and for young conservationists and eco-activitists, I've created This Book is Not Rubbish and This Book Will (Help) Cool the Climate. Bestselling author Alexandra Christo, author of TikTok sensation To Kill a Kingdom, introduces her new book, The Night Hunt (Hot Key Books), a dark... Have you ever not been able to concentrate because there are SO many questions buzzing round your brain? The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions will offer answers to the most bamboozling questions and curious queries that you can think of.In this story of hope and endurance, we follow a scientist and her team during their search for the elusive 'Giant Arctic Jellyfish'.

Learn why silly questions lead to the BEST science (and non-fiction writing) in a brand-new workshop based on bestselling The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions.

Genre

A Guardian Best Book of 2022!“Top-notch nonfiction from a profoundly accomplished author, it’s the sort of book that could ignite lifelong scientific curiosity.” At first glance, ChatGPT’s answer for a seven-year-old is thoughtful. “Just like toys and machines ,” it begins, “our bodies are made up of lots of tiny parts called cells. As we get older, these cells stop working as well as they used to, and they don’t fix themselves as easily. This can make our bodies feel tired and not work as well. ” Recommended by Nature Ecology & Evolution!“The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions is filled with interesting questions and engaging, science-based answers. There is plenty to appeal to curiosity about the physical and biological world and author Isabel Thomas takes every opportunity to introduce fundamental scientific concepts in an accessible way for readers over the age of 7.”

The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions Why are bubbles always round? Could I ever touch a rainbow? Why can’t I remember being a baby? Writing non-fiction for young audiences is a process of careful curation. What stays in, what gets left out? Which concepts need extra scaffolding? Which analogies will help children make an emotional connection? Which metaphors might cause misconceptions? My answers don’t come from comparing as many texts as possible, but from knowing and understanding my audience. We had the opportunity to ask Isabel some 'impossible' science questions ourselves, such as 'Why are bubbles round?'. We really enjoyed our morning learning about being an author and a scientist too!'

Published

I love bringing science to the stage and screen, in live events for schools and festivals. In the last few years I have appeared at the Royal Institution, Cheltenham Literature Festival, Isle of Wight Literary Festival, Cheltenham Science Festival, Bradford Literary Festival, Oxford Literary Festival, Bourneville LitFest, Wealden Literary Festival, Linton Bookfest, the AAAS Annual Conference and on BBC Woman’s Hour. I've also spoke to hundreds of children in dozens of school visits. With engaging and accessible text and accompanied by exciting, inviting illustrations, The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions is the perfect bedside companion to delve into when you are wondering if there really is an answer to everything.

The questions continue to flow at home. A 2017 study revealed that the average four-year-old ask s 73 questions a day . And the average parent knows that t he most wonderful – and hardest to answer – are always saved for bedtime! Thank you for the most engaging, stimulating and informative forty minutes via Zoom and for providing brilliant answers to our children's three impossible questions! You have inspired our Y5 children no end!" Help Isabel explore answers with interactive challenges and bring your most bamboozling brainteasers for a chance to star in her next book. An event for everyone who won’t take ‘I don’t know’ for an answer. We cannot thank you enough for a thoroughly inspirational afternoon! You were amazing! The children gone home raving about liquid cats and dogs swimming in ice-cream! Thank you so much!"But in reaching for a relatable analogy, the AI makes an error (of punctuation or science), telling us that machines and toys are made from cells. Human authors and editors make mistakes too. But the analogy is not one that science writers would choose. Our bodies don’t work like toys or machines, and for children this idea might cause confusion.