So you have a HEWN on your list. (That is: “has everything, wants nothing.”)

We suggest: Ask a Science Teacher: 250 Answers to Questions You’ve Always Had About How Everyday Stuff Really Works by Larry Scheckel

Why?: For the person truly convinced he has everything he could ever want, we challenge him to turn down the gift of KNOWLEDGE. From those mindless wonderings (why is snow white if liquid water is clear?) to the more serious science questions (will we ever find a cure for cancer?) kids and adults alike will be informed and entertained by this practical science guide.  Topics include:

the human body ● earth science ● astronomy
technology ● chemistry ● zoology ● sports ● music
and many more that fall in between the subjects we learned in school!

What is it about onions that makes us cry? What is a sonic boom? What creates the wind? How is Styrofoam made? Why do we get goose bumps when we are cold? What makes a golf ball curve? What are halogen lights? This book is filled with fascinating trivia for every inquiring mind.

Bonus: When your kid asks you “Why do we have nightmares?” you can deflect answering by suggesting he or she look up the answer in the book. Go ask a science teacher!

On the fifth day of December my roommate gave to me: knowledge of science, three hundred dinos, a guide to eating vegan, one book on running, and a cookbook that’s all gluten-free!