Fads and trends: How do they start? Why do they spread? And how deep can their impact be? Although trends might seem trivial, if you dig deeper, you'll find that our desire to chase the next big thing can have an even bigger impact than expected. Established middle-grade author Kira Vermond and cartoonist Clayton Hanmer team up in this fun and accessible nonfiction look at fads. In four short chapters, the book explores what a fad is, how the latest crazes catch on, and what makes us jump on the bandwagon. Finally, it looks at the fascinating and even frightening effects of fads both modern and historic. Who knew the beaver pelt craze in 17th century Europe would change ecosystems, start wars, and disrupt life as people knew it? Comic-strip illustrations, an upbeat tone, and reader-friendly text make this a fun and timely tool for young readers who are building critical-thinking skills in the age of fake news and a world gone viral.

Science starts with a question in this fascinating compendium for curious kids. The team behind the acclaimed Why Don't Cars Run on Apple Juice? is back to tackle more kid questions like "Are birds really dinosaurs?" and "Why do we have butts?" With help from science center experts, Kira Vermond packs mind-boggling facts into answers that encourage further inquiry, covering topics over five sections: animals, the human body, planet Earth, tech and innovation, and outer space. From glowing scorpions and prehistoric sharks to stem cells and Mars missions, Suharu Ogawa's colorful, zesty illustrations enhance Vermond's lively tone.

Real questions from real kids, answered by scientists, experts and educators at the Ontario Science Centre, published in collaboration with the OSC to celebrate their 50th Anniversary. This book will contain integrated, full-color illustrations and is full of STEM connections and inquiry-based learning.