"This gem by the Norwegian novelist Gaarder, with sweet, spectral art by the Turkish-Norwegian illustrator Duzakin, is a simple list of big questions all of us would do well to ask about life and how best to live it. As the topics flit around delightfully, it avoids being either heavy-handed or precious. . . Any of these could spur a deep conversation with a curious kid — or adult." — Maria Russo, New York Times Book Review
“Questions Asked taps the philosophical tendencies of 5-year-olds and up — all the way up — by venturing playfully into unanswerable territory." —Radhika Jones, The New York Times Book Review
"A heady contemplation of mortality and existence. . . A haunting and provocative reminder that the void left by a person’s death or departure is often filled by difficult, even unanswerable questions." — Publishers Weekly
"[Jostein Gaarder] brings out the existentialist in even the youngest reader... A story about love, death, and many topics in between... provide[s] an opportunity for readers of all ages to explore their own feelings on these same subjects and the world around them. Quiet, respectful, and touching." — Kirkus Reviews
"Moving and meditative . . . Anything’s possible here. Give this eerily enchanting, one-of-a-kind collection to curious youngsters—and prepare for discussion." —Briana Shemroske, Booklist
"Jostein Gaarder introduced children to philosophy with his novel Sophie's World, and this little picture book looks as if it would do the same for younger children...a good starting point for discussion for infants and juniors." — The School Librarian (UK)
"[A]n excellent introduction to philosophy. Every question in this book is one that you could discuss for hours ... [A] true wonder for the conversations it will foster between you and your child." — Annie Farrell, Labyrinth Books
"[S]tunning works that will stir the imagination and peak the curiosity of young and old readers alike ... a marvel of art, story, and imagination." — The Gazette (Iowa)
"A lovely and probing book for older readers unafraid to ponder deep questions of philosophy." —Stephanie Tournas, Robbins Library, in Youth Services Book Review
"The questions are certainly provocative, begging for reflection." — Katrina Yurenka, Moderator, Youth Services Book Review
"Questions Asked is extraordinarily profound and encourages readers to seek answers to their own questions. Perfectly complemented by the beautiful illustrations by Akin Düzakin, author Jostein Gaarder provides a deeply philosophical work that will resonate with readers both young and old." — Kendal A Rautzhan
"I wonder, were these questions first asked by these authors? No, these questions have been asked for many, many years, from the day humans started living here. I even wonder, do only humans think about these questions, or do animals, too? My favorite question is, 'Do ghosts and angels exist?' And my answer is no because no one can prove that. At least, I think so. At the same time, I am afraid of darkness, too!! The illustrations are very good and blend with the reader’s thoughts. The author did a great job of compiling all these questions. It is a great book–read and enjoy it." — Roshini, age 9, in Kids Book Buzz
07/01/2017
Gr 3 Up—This layered philosophy primer from Gaarder of Sophie's World fame tells the story of a nameless young boy who works out the loss of a sibling during a trip into the woods. The entire narrative consists of a series of thought-provoking questions, mashed up with Düzakin's dreamy, calming illustrations. A ghostly figure follows the boy to a clearing and looks on as he digs up a box full of black-and-white photos, a journal, and other trinkets. Past and present alternate to reveal a boy who is devastated after losing his twin brother. The profound questions ("How do I talk?" "Can those who are not with us any more know how we are?" "Can anyone know what I think?") give clues to the boys' relationship, but we are left wondering how the twin died, and the boy's rebound from a near-fatal walk into a nearby pond seems abrupt. The unique presentation allows for the book to be read in multiple ways. The questions can stand alone as inspiration for a creative writing or journal exercise. The delicate illustrations, akin to those of Peter McCarty, function in much the same way as a wordless picture book does. Together, they weave a melancholy tale of grief and the healing that inevitably comes with time. VERDICT This is a special book for mature readers and budding philosophers who won't be afraid of the deep sense of sorrow. They will find a lot to chew on and discuss.—Kristy Kilfoyle, Canterbury School, Fort Myers, FL
2017-03-06
The Norwegian philosopher and author of Sophie's World: A Novel About the History of Philosophy (1994), brings out the existentialist in even the youngest reader.In this pocket-sized picture book, soft, earth-toned illustrations of a pale-skinned child with black hair setting out on a walk with backpack and dog pair with mostly blank pages and the child's thought-provoking questions, such as "Where does the world come from? Has there always been something here? Or has it all come from nothing?" Yet the questions are not simply another version of arbitrary conversation starters as in the popular The Book of Questions and its spawn, and the delicate illustrations are not simply pretty pictures to accompany pithy musings. Rather, they work together to tell a story about love, death, and many topics in between. As the child heads into a wood and digs up a box filled with trinkets, sometimes followed by a similarly sized and shaped ghost, the child raises questions of memories, fear, and the future. A short series of sepia-toned illustrations also depict the child's past with a twin and their adventures together. Though death and grief are never mentioned, it becomes clear that the child is processing feelings through these questions. They provide an opportunity for readers of all ages to explore their own feelings on these same subjects and the world around them. Quiet, respectful, and touching. (Picture book. 8-12)
