Totally Random Questions Volume 1: 101 Wild and Weird Q&As

by Melina Bellows

Are there volcanoes in space? Is a cloud heavier than an elephant? Why don't woodpeckers get concussions? Discover the answers to these questions and more in this kid-friendly book of fun, fascinating Q&As!

Got a random question? This book has the answer! Packed with surprising facts and colorful photos, Totally Random Questions, Volume 1 presents snack-sized answers to a series of wacky, weird, but always amazing questions about our wonderfully wild world! Kids will love testing their knowledge and stumping their friends with the unlikely info they'll find inside covering animals, science, sports, food, pop culture, and more.

Written and designed to make any kid an instant genius—and maybe even a few parents too!

Find other fascinating facts and eye-popping imagery in the second book in this series, Totally Random Questions Volume 2!

Genres: Nonfiction

216 pages, Library Binding

Published January 4, 2022

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed reading books like this that offer interesting tidbits about a wide array of topics. For readers who love National Geographic or Guinness Book of World Records, this particular book will be right up their alley, especially if they are curious or the type of individual who loves contemplating various comparisons and asking strange questions. Inside, readers will find 101 questions about space, animals, underwear, and unique aspects of humans, among others. The questions appear on one side of the pages, and then the answer is found on the next page along with a "Now You Know" or an "Instant Genius" feature telling another interesting related fact. The answers are kept fairly simple so readers aren't overwhelmed with too much detail but still feel that their questions have been answered. Some readers will test their knowledge about a question and make a guess before checking the answer. Since I did just that, I realized that I know quite a bit about a wide array of topics, but I'm not sure how important what I know is. Colorful stock photographs and illustrations add to the book's visual appeal. This book would be a great addition to a classroom or a home library or even one to carry along during a family road trip.

[Read Ribbet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bellows has created a cleverly structured book which could be very engaging for readers to dip in and out of. Each page presents a totally random question -- sometimes true/ false and other times multiple choice and the answer is revealed one the next page. She has selected a number of questions readers will be interested in. Answers are explained in relatively brief description. Additional inserts called Instant Genius provide additional information. The book provides excellent photographic support. It would be a fun volume to have around to fill a few minutes by reading a few questions and answers. The book begins with a detailed table of contents so you can find a question you want to explore easily. The book also has a thorough index for locating additional information.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

101 random trivia questions for elementary school kids. They do make great use of the page turn by having the question on the right page and readers have to turn the page to read the answer on the left side of the next spread. At least half, if not 3/4 of the questions are focused on animals, which makes sense for a kids' book. As an adult, I found many of the questions to be a little leading. You are going to pick the really high or really random answer, but kids may not. I also found some of the questions to be more common knowledge. (Maybe I've just read a lot of kids' non-fiction, watched enough Jeopardy, or gone to enough trivia at bars/restaurants.) For fans of National Geographic's Weird But True series.

[Chris Ellis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick fun read that poses multiple choice or true/false questions and answers them on the next page.

Some are pretty common knowledge, but some I had not heard or considered before - such as "There are no green land animals" T/F.

Questions run the gamut from Shakespeare to whales, from planets to the human body, quite a mix.

Short and sweet, but looks like there are plenty more in the series (found in the kids section of the local library 031.02)

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This collection contains the answers to 101 questions you didn’t know you wanted to ask, but boy, they sure are interesting. Adults will know many of these answers, but likely not all of them. It will make you a hero on trivia night, and sharing this book with any kids in your life will surely make for a fun time.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Upper elem. school visit.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

Melina Bellows has compiled the answers to questions about nature, history, and the universe for young readers. How many brains does an octopus have? Why is Abraham Lincoln in the wrestling hall of fame? What killed the dinosaurs? All of these are answered in concise ways in language that is not insulting to young readers of any reading ability. I would gladly shelve this book in my classroom for students to read. It's also a good resource for either questions or preparing for pub trivia. Check it out if you get the chance.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would be fun to share with a group of kids during book talking.