WHY IS SNOT GREEN?

Written while Murphy was in charge of a team of “science communicators” at the Science Museum in London, this seriously funny collection of science facts is based on the questions kids and adults asked. Formatted as a series of questions and answers, which inevitably lead to more questions and more answers, this British import is similar to the Grossology series with less Gross and more Science. Sections cover outer space, the earth, animals, the human body and possible future science. Each question and its follow-ups cover two-to-four pages, and occasional sidebars feature definitions or such lists as “Top 10 animals that fart” (termites win that contest, with vegetarian and nonvegetarian humans occupying two separate places). The standards are present: “Why is the sky blue?” But so are some sure-to-please newcomers: “What do people taste like to sharks and tigers?” The future section has science-based answers to questions about evil computers, lasers and life on other planets, among others. This will be devoured by even the most reluctant readers or scientists, and they will hope the sequel comes out stateside soon. (Nonfiction. 8-12)