Why? Answers to Everyday Scientific Questions gets to grips with concepts that appear simple and straightforward, but which most people, when asked, really can’t explain. Why is the sky blue? Why is water wet? Why do we need sleep? Why are there 24 hours in a day? For each question, author Joel Levy provides a simple, single line answer followed by more in-depth information about the scientific background on these essential topics. The book spans physics, biology, chemistry, geology, geography, meteorology, paleontology and planetary science – allowing readers to wow friends and family alike with pithy answers to the obvious questions they never thought to ask.

Joel Levy is a writer and journalist specializing in history and science. He is the author of more than a dozen books, including Great Scientists, Mad Science, The Atlas of Lost Treasures, The Doomsday Book and Secret History. He has also written features for The Independent on Sunday, Daily Express and Fortean Times. A long-term student of the history of science and medicine, Joel has a BSc in Biological Sciences and an MA in Psychology.

"Well-researched and clearly written. . .  this book provides a fascinating initiation into science. . . . adults—most of whom have forgotten so much from their years in school—will also enjoy this engaging book, whether they read an essay or two whilst riding the subway or if they end up reading the entire book in one sitting." — The Guardian