The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions

Product Information

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 . 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. 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.”

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.” I also run an online, low-cost course for writers, illustrators, teachers and scientists who would like to turn a great idea into a non-fiction book proposal. Find out more here. 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.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? 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.” 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. Why are bubbles always round? Could I ever touch a rainbow? Why can't I remember being a baby? Have you ever not been able to concentrate because there are SO many questions buzzing round your brain? The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions will offer answers to the most bamboozling questions and curious queries that you can think of. How many stars are in the night sky? Why don't animals wear clothes? Do plants have feelings? Help Isabel explore answers with interactive challenges and bring your most bamboozling brainteasers for a chance to star in her next book. An event for everyone who won’t take ‘I don’t know’ for an answer.

Yesterday, children in Year 3 and Year 4 spent the morning meeting children's author, Isabel Thomas,via zoom. Isabel Thomas is a science author who has written many books, including her new book, 'The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions'. As you can imagine, the children were so excited to combine two of ourfavourites at Badger Hill: Science and reading.

Age range(s)

With more than 200 published titles, there is a book in my repertoire to delight every child, from the lyrical and atmospheric picture books Moth: An Evolution Story and Fox: A Circle of Life Story, to the quirky Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions. Older children and teenagers will love Exploring the Elements and Full of Life, and for young conservationists and eco-activitists, I've created This Book is Not Rubbish and This Book Will (Help) Cool the Climate.

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. 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." Recommended by ReadPlus!“Right from the very first chapter, ‘Shall I tell you a secret?’ where the author tells the reader that science is about asking questions, it is clear this will become a treasured bedtime or indeed, anytime book.” Asking everything from “How does gravity work?”, “Why am I me and not someone else?”, and “Do plants have feelings?”, to “How do we know Earth is round?”, “Are aliens real?” and “Could I swim in ice-cream?”, this book is fascinating and fun. What’s more, not only does The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions ask dozens of seemingly impossible questions that might keep you up at night, but it also shares answers, so readers can drift into thought-provoking dreams that’ll keep them curious about the world. We were thrilled that Isabel joined The LoveReading LitFest to share her real life adventures in curiosity. You can find a preview of this event and sign up to become a member. The LoveReading LitFest is a digitally native, all year round, online literature and books festival, with new content released every week is a free-for-all-users festival.

By Author / Illustrator

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. We had the opportunity to ask Isabel some 'impossible' science questions ourselves, such as 'Why are bubbles round?'. We really enjoyed our morning learning about being an author and a scientist too!' 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. 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?

With bright, bold illustrations by Aaron Cushley, Isabel Thomas’ The Bedtime Book of Impossible Questions explores a huge range of scientific topics in an engaging way that’s sure to satisfy committed young thinkers. Moreover, it’s also set to inspire 7+ year-olds who’ve yet to be sparked by the magic of science and nature. 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. ” Top-notch nonfiction from a profoundly accomplished author, it's the sort of book that could ignite lifelong scientific curiosity." GuardianAs one blogger brilliantly summed up, “At bedtime, my children turn into dehydrated philosophers in need of a hug.”