If your kids (or you) have questions about the world, Gina Misiroglu's The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents) is a fun place to start.

The book is broken into ten sections, made up of questions, and, in most cases, one paragraph answers. The book has been updated from the earlier edition, with questions about the Internet, cyberbullying, and smartphones. It's an attractive, easy-to-read format, with scattered colored pictures and colorful section tabs.

Chapters include Outer Space, Planet Earth and Our Moon, Creatures Big and Small, Plants, People Around the World, Politics and and Government, How Things Work, Math, Measurement, & Time, All About My Body, Daily Life. I'd judge it as a perfect book for an audience of curious children ages eight to thirteen or so, and the parents of children who like to ask questions.

There are questions such as, "Why do deserts have special plants and animals?" "Can it rain cats and dogs?" Kids will enjoy "How do you stop a brain freeze?" And, of course, there's that boys' favorite, "What is a booger?" My own personal favorites are, "Why should I visit the library often?" and "What is the librarian's job?" It's a book with 800 questions, and fascinating facts.

Ok, full disclosure here. I was one of those nerdy kids who read the American history encyclopedia my parents bought, beginning with volume one. I would have been a prime candidate for The Handy Answer Book for Kids (and Parents). This is a fun book for the curious kid in your life.