Big Questions from Little People

What is "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris about?

• Compilation of Children’s Questions: The book collects real questions asked by children, ranging from simple curiosities to profound philosophical inquiries.
• Expert Answers: Each question is answered by a renowned expert—scientists, writers, philosophers, and public figures—using language accessible to children.
• Wide Range of Topics: Subjects include science, nature, history, language, emotions, and the universe, making it a broad educational resource.
• Charitable Purpose: The book was created to benefit the NSPCC, a child protection charity, with contributors donating their time and expertise.

Why should I read "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris?

• Engaging and Educational: The book makes learning fun by addressing questions kids (and adults) genuinely wonder about, with clear, engaging explanations.
• Expert Insights: Answers come from leading figures in their fields, offering authoritative and sometimes surprising perspectives.
• Family-Friendly: It’s designed for children but enjoyable and enlightening for adults, making it perfect for family reading and discussion.
• Inspires Curiosity: The book encourages readers to keep asking questions and to appreciate the wonder of the world.

What are the key takeaways from "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris?

• Curiosity is Universal: Children’s questions reflect a natural curiosity that everyone shares, and seeking answers is a lifelong pursuit.
• No Question is Too Small: Even seemingly simple or silly questions can lead to fascinating explanations and deeper understanding.
• Science and Philosophy Intersect: The book shows how scientific facts and philosophical ideas often overlap when exploring big questions.
• Learning is Collaborative: The diversity of expert voices demonstrates that knowledge is built through shared inquiry and conversation.

What are the best quotes from "Big Questions from Little People" and what do they mean?

• “The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.” — Albert Einstein (Epigraph): This quote highlights the value of maintaining childlike wonder and curiosity throughout life.
• “If your spirit is strong enough, you will find a way to do the impossible.” — Bear Grylls (on eating worms): Emphasizes resilience and adaptability in challenging situations.
• “Dreams show us that we’re not quite the bosses of our own selves.” — Alain de Botton (on dreams): Suggests that our subconscious minds are powerful and mysterious.
• “We are indeed all related. Every marriage is between more or less distant cousins.” — Richard Dawkins (on human relatedness): Underscores the interconnectedness of all people and living things.

How does "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris approach answering children’s questions?

• Child-Friendly Language: Experts use simple, clear language and analogies that children can understand.
• Personal Touch: Many contributors share personal stories or anecdotes to make their answers relatable.
• Humor and Imagination: Some answers include playful or imaginative elements, making learning enjoyable.
• Multiple Perspectives: For complex questions, the book sometimes offers several viewpoints, including scientific, philosophical, and even comedic takes.

What are some of the most fascinating scientific concepts explained in "Big Questions from Little People"?

• Atoms and the Universe: The book explains that everything is made of atoms, which are mostly empty space, and discusses the origins of the universe (Big Bang).
• Evolution and Relatedness: It covers how all living things are related through evolution, using family trees and DNA as examples.
• Gravity and Space: Concepts like gravity, why we feel weightless in space, and how planets form are explained in accessible terms.
• Photosynthesis and the Environment: The process by which trees make the air we breathe is described, linking biology to everyday life.

How does "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris address philosophical and ethical questions?

• Nature of Goodness: The book explores where ‘good’ comes from, emphasizing responsible thinking and the impact of our actions.
• Meaning of Life and Death: Questions about why we can’t live forever and what makes each person unique are answered with sensitivity and depth.
• Existence of God: Multiple perspectives are provided, including religious, agnostic, and atheistic viewpoints, encouraging readers to think for themselves.
• Why People Are Mean: The book discusses emotional reasons behind unkindness, promoting empathy and understanding.

What advice or methods does "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris offer for creativity and problem-solving?

• Writers and Artists: Authors and artists share how they get ideas—by observing, daydreaming, and being open to inspiration from everyday life.
• Chefs and Recipes: Chefs describe how they invent new dishes by exploring markets, using seasonal ingredients, and experimenting.
• Handling Challenges: Athletes and explorers give advice on perseverance, goal-setting, and staying positive when facing difficulties.
• Dealing with Boredom: The book suggests that boredom is a signal to seek new experiences and creativity.

How does "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris explain complex natural phenomena in simple terms?

• Weather and Rainbows: The book uses analogies and simple experiments to explain wind, rain, clouds, and rainbows.
• Why the Sky is Blue: It describes how air molecules scatter sunlight, making the sky appear blue.
• Why the Sea is Salty: The explanation connects river water, evaporation, and geological processes in an easy-to-follow narrative.
• Animal Behavior: Answers about why animals act certain ways (like why lions roar or how cats find home) are made relatable and vivid.

What are some of the most surprising or funny questions and answers in "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris?

• “If a cow didn’t fart for a whole year and then did one big fart, would it fly into space?”: The answer involves real rocket science calculations and humor.
• “Can a bee sting a bee?”: The answer reveals surprising facts about bee behavior and colony life.
• “Are there really monsters living in our mouths called blackteria?”: The book uses this playful question to teach about oral bacteria.
• Out-Takes Section: Comedians provide joke answers to some questions, adding a layer of humor and fun.

How does "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris encourage curiosity and lifelong learning?

• Emphasizes Asking Questions: The book celebrates the act of questioning as the starting point for discovery and understanding.
• Shows Experts as Learners: Many contributors admit they don’t have all the answers, modeling humility and openness to new knowledge.
• Invites Further Exploration: Readers are encouraged to keep exploring, reading, and experimenting beyond the book.
• Family and Classroom Use: The format is ideal for sparking discussions at home or in school, making learning a shared adventure.

What is the overall message or philosophy of "Big Questions from Little People" by Gemma Elwin Harris?

• Wonder is Valuable: Maintaining a sense of wonder and curiosity is essential at any age.
• Knowledge is Shared: Learning is a collaborative process, enriched by diverse perspectives and experiences.
• Every Question Matters: No question is too small or silly; each can lead to greater understanding.
• Keep Exploring: The world is full of mysteries, and the pursuit of answers is a joyful, never-ending journey.