The Curious Why

by Angela DiTerlizzi, Lorena Alvarez Gomez (Illustrator)

In this highly anticipated follow-up to the national bestseller  The Magical Yet , the Curious Why will help you to see that you're only bored if you choose to be!

If it’s one of those days, never Your new friend the Curious Why will show you that there’s always something new to discover about the world around you! Do you want to know where the dinosaurs went? How crayons are made? Or what makes a bee sting? With lively verse by Angela DiTerlizzi and vibrant illustrations by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, this companion to the bestselling  The Magical Yet  will open young minds to a remarkable world of possibilities, and remind readers that it’s much easier than they think to have fun. All they need is a little curiosity!

Genres: Picture Books, Childrens, Fiction, Kids, Adventure, Books About Books, Mental Health

40 pages, Hardcover

Published May 7, 2024

About the author

Angela DiTerlizzi is a mom, wife, and author who loves writing books for children. Her picture books include Some Pets, Some Bugs, Baby Love, and Just Add Glitter. She and her husband, bestselling author/illustrator Tony DiTerlizzi, reside with their daughter in Amherst, Massachusetts.

Reviews

[Raven · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. The story is excellent and the artwork is stunning.

[Mr. Lowton · Rating 5 out of 5]

2024 Picture Book. American Author. Colombian Illustrator.

Summary:Don't be bored, says the book. Come up with questions and investigate them with the question why (or what...or how...or when...or where....).

What I liked:Everything. Illustrations. Message. Rhyme scheme. Love love love. Great intro to inquiry. Can I give a sixth star?

What I didn't like:Nothing, I'm obsessed.

Overall,a must-have for every library.

[Liam Dawson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful artwork

[BiblioBickie]

Great read-aloud for 2nd or 3rd grade especially; sadly, some kids do need to (re)learn how to be curious. This book's rhyming structure and lush colorful illustrations help make the instruction fun. Some topics mentioned or shown in illustrations are: how crayons are made, dinosaurs, light/rainbows, space/Mars, baking, bees, whales/octopuses/sea life, insects, maps, glowing animals, what's under the ground. Pair a read-aloud with a display of books about these and related topics to increase non-fiction use.

[Jared White · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the idea behind this book (if you open up your mind to curiosity then you'll never be bored), I like the illustrations, and, being a librarian, I especially appreciate that it shows how the library can be the place where you can let your mind explore and find out many answers to your questions.

The illustrations are very rich, they show how our lead character gets to go and experience a myriad of enriching places and situations. Hmm, if they are sort of experiencing these places via the resources at the library and their imagination then I like it a lot... but as I was looking at all of those things I couldn't help remembering some of the bleak apartment complexes I've lived at in the past, how some people do not have the transportation or means to go to enriching places. I guess this is a major reason why access to libraries and field trips are so important, they can help inspire a curiosity about a new subject.

Also, through our Summer Reading Program our library system gives kids the option to access some of those enriching experiences, not only through the wide variety of programs we offer but also by offering tickets to a few museums and sporting events as options for summer reading prizes.

[Valerija Ams · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Curious Why by Angela DiTerlizzi is a lively and engaging children’s book that celebrates curiosity and the joy of discovering new things. Written in playful rhyme and illustrated with vibrant, captivating artwork by Lorena Alvarez Gómez, the book encourages young readers to see boredom as a choice—one that can be transformed into exciting exploration. It covers a wide range of topics, from dinosaurs to how crayons are made, and what makes a bee sting, sparking children’s natural desire to ask "why?" and learn more.

The book is written for elementary aged kids and it's rhyming style is reminiscent of Dr. Seuss, making it fun and easy to read aloud. Its purpose is to inspire children to embrace their inquisitiveness and recognize that the world is full of fascinating facts waiting to be uncovered.

Suggested Classroom Use:
After reading, facilitate a "Question Quest" activity where students choose a topic from the book that interests them and research it further. Encourage them to ask "why" questions and share their discoveries with the class. This activity promotes inquiry-based learning and reinforces the message that curiosity is a powerful tool for fun and education.

[Calista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love what a 'why' creature looks like. They are very cool. So, this book is about being curious in life. It shows a kid who is bored for the day and nothing seems to be interesting, not toys, friends, outside, nothing.

Then, the curious 'why' is introduce. All the sudden the kid is asking how what when and why and getting interested in things, going to the library. Now, life is no longer boring.

The artwork is created in Procreate, digital artwork. IT's very lovely, colorful and imaginative. The artwork has energy and pops off the page. I love the colors and what the book is about. The artwork can be surreal at times, which I love.

People who lose their curiosity, I don't really understand them. I get life gets busy, but shouldn't things make you wonder. Anyway. I wish my niece could get curious. She has already lost her curious. All she cares about is youtube and looking popular. Poor thing. I talk about all sorts of things with her and she just rolls her eyes at me.

I think kids will have fun with this.

[Leslie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start with the illustrations because the sheer amount of visual interest that explodes off the page. It isn't overwrought, but abundant, drawing the eye. It reminds me of David Roberts that way. It is as vivid as the text working energetically to engage the reader in its project--which is to inspire the reader to not choose boredom: choose curiosity.

The words cover a lot of ground. and it almost feels like too much, like just a little too long, and maybe I resented the energy it drew when I was feeling a bit tapped and pressed for time. This book is an intentional read--and overt. If you want a kid to love it, don't be pointed about it. Leave it around or integrate it into the usual storytime--it will peak their curiosity. they'll want to have a look, pour over the pages.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Curious Why invites young readers to ponder the “what ifs” that await them if they step outside their boredom and ask the big question—why?

An early to mid-elementary audience (5-8 years) will enjoy this colorful, engaging tale exploring the unknown. My girls enjoyed the story and were promptly inspired to go around the house looking for things to ask why about. The book has a great message (that boredom is something we create ourselves, not imposed upon us), good illustrations, diverse representations of children themselves, and their possible interests (albeit a tad dino-centric).

It's suitable as a read-aloud, but I think it's even better for an independent reader to read themselves, especially when bored!

[Nicole Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion.

At times, boredom strikes us all but the Curious Why is here to help! This gorgeous, dreamy book is full of possibilities and fun. I loved all the representations of kids and interests as well as the beautiful, earthy representation of the Curious Why. Even on the boredom section, all the pages are full of little details and characters to discover which I found very appropriate for the theme of this delightful book. A wonderful book to encourage littles to follow their interests and to always ask why.

[Kairi Ehlers]

This book is about a kid learning to ask why things are the way they are, and that when you ask why you learn more, and can ask why to even more questions. This book promotes learning new thing and why it is important to ask and think about the why.

This book could be a really good introduction to science in early grades, to promote the students asking why, and then figuring out the answer to that why either on their own or in class.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars (I really liked it)

This was super cute! The rhyming text gave me Dr. Seuss vibes. The illustrations are bright and inviting. The message is great too. All about finding things to be curious about. There is a nice little shout out to libraries too. I'll definitely need to purchase for my school library!

[Cara Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great sequel to the Magical Yet - and I appreciate this one a little more. I love how the library is spotlighted as a place to explore questions and curiosity. As part of the Noble/CWRU book buddy partnership, students chose this book as our 2024 pick for all of the 2nd graders we work with to receive.

[Theresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Curious Why (The Magical Yet, 2)
by Angela DiTerlizzi
Found in a kindergarten classroom this book shows the nature of curiosity. The integratory need to learn the beauty of the world because you ask your questions. Explore with friends and family the world around you and find how things work, why they work, when is it best, where you can find more.

[Sirah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you ever bored and tired of doing stuff? It turns out you don't have to be grumpy about it. Instead, find your Curious Why and start asking questions. You'll be an expert in no time.

This book has a fun concept and delightful illustrations. Not much really happens. It's more of a self-help book for kids. That's okay, I suppose.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

A second book has the difficult task of marching the novelty and creativity of the first beloved book. I was happy to find that this beautiful story was just as magical and impactful as The Magical Yet, and I may have even liked it more. I cannot wait to share this new addition to our school library with students after spring break.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful story about staying curious instead of bored. I especially loved how the author suggested going to the library to find the answers to your curiosities. I plan to use this book in my elementary library at the beginning of the year.

[Anne Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably one of my favorite children’s books we have read so far to my 4 year old. I am always looking for books that can present deeper life lessons in an interesting way and this is one of those books. We borrowed it from the library but this one is on my purchase list.

[Bookishrealm · Rating 4 out of 5]

ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK. I'm giving this book to my child anytime that she complains about being bored. HAHA. This definitely motivates readers of all ages to realize that learning in is a life long journey.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bought this one from my local indie bookstore to give to my niece who will be starting her school career in just a few short days. I want her to remember to always be curious and always question, so this book is perfect for inspiring that sentiment.

[Emma · Rating 2 out of 5]

The Curious Why offers a boredom buster. If you're bored you can start asking questions and learning about all the things in the world.

I really liked the Magical Yet, but didn't enjoy this one as much. Might have just been my mood when I read each one...

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The Curious Why will help you to see that you're only bored if you choose to be."

Sensational message for kids about being curious and discovering new knowledge. A definite addition to the library.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing follow up story to The Magical Yet. DiTerlizzi takes readers through being bored and then being willing to change by exploring and asking why. The colorful illustrations support the text and pull readers in to the magical world of learning for themselves.

[Katie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ illustrations
⭐️⭐️⭐️ writing

If you’ve read the magical yet this is essentially the same story. The cadence is exactly the same but with a male protagonist. However the illustrations are just as wonderful!

[Latifah S Ningrum · Rating 4 out of 5]

I agree with this book. If we want to start so that we don't get bored and have more sparks, we have to be willing to try to start asking why? Besides, the rhymes in this book are also pleasant to listen to with the right words.

[Diana · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have loved all the books from this series so far! They say it’s ok to let your kids get bored so they start to wonder about things and be curious of the world around them.

My kids loved seeing all the little why’s in the book and started wondering how theirs would look like.

[Andrea Mantor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is great for little kids who have all sorts of questions and even teach them a few ways to get all those questions answered without always asking adults. It helps spark more creativity in students as well.

[Cole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peeked my interest

[Syntha Green · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully illustrated

[Erin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderfully written book that was perfectly timed with summer vacation starting and kids saying they are bored. Well written, beautiful illustrations, powerful message.