Catherine Ripley has a knack for explaining things. In Why? (2001), she answered questions on a range of subjects posed by youngsters from across Canada. This new companion volume maintains the quality and format and of its predecessor.

Scot Ritchie’s lively paintings provide a basic framework for fictional character Jake to introduce questions found in the book. Jake’s Oma (grandmother) arrives for a visit just in time to celebrate his birthday. Accordingly, the first chapter answers questions related to birthdays. In subsequent chapters, Oma, Jake, his parents, and his little sister visit the library, attend a pet fair, take a road trip to the beach, and finally say goodbye at the airport, with each jaunt accompanied by questions and answers related to the setting. Somewhere in the midst of all the fun, Jake gets sick, which produces another chapter full of questions.

Ripley’s careful explanations always begin with a one-sentence answer, which is often all that kids require. For those who want more detail, the one- or two-paragraph elaborations that follow are almost invariably clear and easy to understand. While a few simple diagrams are included, Ripley relies mostly on lucid prose to convey information. She is particularly adept at answering the more scientific or technical questions: “How does the steering wheel turn the car?” evokes an elegant explanation of rack-and-pinion steering that is understandable and concise.

Not all questions are technical, however. The library chapter contains such gems as “Does every library have a restroom?” which might seem a little odd but for the fact that the questions originate from actual children.

While the table of contents and index provide more traditional entry points for finding information, the real fun lies in wandering, enjoying the illustrations, and flipping through the pages until a question grabs your attention.