Why, Fly Guy? A big question & answer book

Buzz and his pet fly, Fly Guy, learn about science topics including the human body, animals, plants, nature, and "other cool stuff." Simple related science projects are interspersed throughout. Small photographs commingle rather awkwardly with Arnold's signature cartoon-style illustrations and the occasional comic strip. Still, fans of Buzz and Fly Guy will like learning along with the pals. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2019. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Fly Guy and his human best bud, Buzz, present answers to over 50 science questions, including "Why are wheels round?" and "Why do my feet smell?"The latter query actually kicks off the session, as the first section, "The Buzz on Buzz!" covers bodily functions and products with simple but frank answers. These are accompanied by commentary from the two hosts in cartoon panels and large (discreet) photos of relevant body parts and a diverse cast of children mugging cutely for the camera. Subsequent sections cover in the same ways select topics in animal behavior (such as how scientists use hovering drone "snotbots" to study whale respiration), in nature and space, and, in a final grab bag, questions ranging from why garbage smells to why the White House is white. Arnold warns against "germs" but never specifically explains what they are, and some of his instructions for the simple projects and activities inserted in each section are confusingly terse. Nevertheless, he does introduce several fundamental processes, such as photosynthesis, and, along with proper admissions that we don't really understand why we yawn, hiccup, or sleep, offers accurate and enlightening explanations for why cats get stuck in trees (it has to do with the way their claws curve), why ears make earwax, and plenty of other head-scratchers.Cogent answerzz to a range of common puzzzlers. (glossary, index) (Nonfiction. 6-9) Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.