FICTION

The Curious Why

by Angela DiTerlizzi (text) & illus. by Lorena Alvarez Gómez
Little, Brown. (The Magical Yet: Bk. 2). May 2024. 40p. Tr $18.99. ISBN 9780316500142.
COPY ISBN
PreS-Gr 3–A richly colored paean to the pleasures of interest and inquiry. DiTerlizzi and Alvarez Gómez’s follow-up to The Magical Yet is another hyper-positive, bouncily rhymed cheerleader text meant to inspire and encourage bored or frustrated readers. With rhythms that nod to Dr. Seuss and that perennial graduation favorite, Oh The Places You’ll Go!, and a glowing, hyper-saturated palette that wouldn’t be out of place in a Pixar film, the pages of this book seem destined for a future of re-use as inspirational posters for library purchase. The Curious Why itself is personified as a leafy sprite who leads the protagonist (you) and friends through lushly detailed landscapes and learning environments, but seems extraneous as a character.
VERDICT Like its predecessor in the series, this book will appeal largely as a classroom read rather than a title for readers to choose themselves, but its positive message will be welcomed in many educational settings.
Reviewed by Katya Schapiro , May 31, 2024

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BOOKS

Gabby Torres Gets a ­Billion Followers
by Dominguez, Angela
BOOKS

Wait a Minotaur
by Ebbeler, Jeffrey
BOOKS

Hilda and Twig: Hide from the Rain
by Pearson, Luke
BOOKS

From Megabat with Love
by Humphrey, Anna
BOOKS

Millie Magnus Won’t Be Bullied
by Mazique, Brittany
BOOKS

Digger
by Cholette, Deborah
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?