The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions

Product Information

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? Carefully curated books about science and nature have the power to connect with children in a way that AI can’t; to encourage them to notice the insect, appreciate its beauty and mystery and yearn to discover its name If I was born in a different year, would I still be me?

The Nottinghill Carnival takes central stage in this story about families, memories and the power of dance and festivals. Author Yaba Badoe tells... 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.” 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. Children’s questions can be unexpected, baffling and even impossible to answer fully . But as a writer, they are a brilliant starting point for adventures in the real world .

Synopsis

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!" 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. ” Science is driven by questions, and not just sensible ones. Every year, the Ig Nobel Prizes honour the most improbable questions asked – and answered – by researchers . Is it safer to transport an airborne rhinoceros upside-down ? Are cats liquid or solid? Why do wombats do cube-shaped poos? Why am I me and not someone else ? Why can’t I stay up as late as you ? Why do I like my friends more than other people? Why won’t I live forever? Recommended by Children’s Books Ireland on Today with Claire Byrne!“This book is absolutely mind-blowing, and I would have loved it as a child.”

Isabel Thomas, author of The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions, tells the FCBG about her book and the reasons behind writing it. WOW! This book is incredible! Do animals make friends? How many trees are there in the whole world? Could I ever touch a rainbow? The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions answers all these questions and a whole bunch more.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.

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. 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. Thank you so much for your amazing hard work and preparation for the fantastic three events today. It was so lovely to see all the children and teachers enjoying it." 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!"It can already do certain things faster than books can – such as helping a child identify an insect they have spotted. But carefully curated books about science and nature have the power to connect with children in a way that AI can’t; to encourage them to notice the insect, appreciate its beauty and mystery and yearn to discover its name. 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.” 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. Full of fascinating facts and awesome illustrations, my daughter and I have barely scratched the surface of this large book that has almost 100 questions and answers. There are answers to questions I haven't even thought of! Each question is answered in a fun, accessible way and big concepts are explored with ease and joy. I am looking forward to finding out more truths about the universe, the world and all the creatures within it by continuing to make my way through this book. Top-notch nonfiction from a profoundly accomplished author, it's the sort of book that could ignite lifelong scientific curiosity." Guardian

Pippa added, "Ireally want to read The Bedtime book of impossible questions because it makes me think about what I can achieve, and hopefully become an author and write my own book."Olivia loved the webinar and said. ‘’I enjoyed listening to the impossible questions and also listening to how she answered them.’’ Of course, we all need enough sleep ( the reasons are explained in the book! ) so each answer is written as a short, self-contained bedtime story, subtly weaving in scientific research . Award-winning writer Isabel Thomas has a secret to share: science isn’t about knowing facts or wearing a lab coat. It’s about asking impossible questions! Why do we need eyebrows? Are feelings made of atoms? Could I swim in ice cream? What’s the world’s worst smell?In this story of hope and endurance, we follow a scientist and her team during their search for the elusive 'Giant Arctic Jellyfish'. Pupils enjoyed a VIP visit from author Ms Isabel Thomas, on World Book Day, who ran inspirational workshops and activities with the girls. Pre-prep pupils were captivated with story-telling.” I hope The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions leads to even more imaginative, improbable, impossible questions – and inspires the next generation of Ig Nobel nominees!