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When Living Book Press reached out to me about reviewing this brand-new title, written by a living author and published outside of their usual focus on reviving classic works, I was curious. The author, Charlotte Villebrand-Viljoen is a PhD candidate in Tertiary Physics Education at the University of Cape Town, South Africa. I was truly intrigued. On her LinkedIn profile, Villebrand-Viljoen describes her work as “looking for better ways to teach, learn and communicate science.” With that introduction, I was eager to see how she would bring those skills to a children’s book.
Why Is the Sky Blue? feels utterly fresh while reading like a classic. This book has up-to-date scientific explanations, but the writing could convince you that it is an old classic that has been shared in Charlotte Mason circles for the last 75 years. It’s framed as a conversation between a curious young girl and her scientist mother. Every parent who’s ever fielded a child’s relentless “why?” questions will laugh at the discussions between mother and daughter. But these aren’t dismissive answers or quick simplifications. Villebrand-Viljoen respects her young audience’s curiosity and intelligence. Her responses are layered and engaging, inviting readers to wonder right along with the child.
I would gladly hand this book to any family or reader who delights in science and wonder. The questions feel perfectly pitched to a child of six or eight, but the richness of the explanations will intrigue and satisfy adults too. It’s the kind of book that encourages conversations, not just a collection of dry facts and answers. Just as importantly, I appreciate that the difficult science is communicated accessibly, making me want to keep reading and learning more. I find myself hoping this is only the beginning of a new series—one that makes science come alive in this way for many years to come.
Many thanks to Living Book Press for sharing this treasure with me and for continuing to surprise readers with books that truly serve their families well.