Why?
Elena Kayne
Elena Berdine (2023)
ISBN: 979-8989514502
Reviewed by Courtney Lowry for Reader Views (09/2026)
In Elena Kayne’s Why?, three-year-old Ella has a lot of questions–from the start of the day to the end of the day. They all start with “Why?” Ella is a very curious youngster, wanting to have answers to just about everything. Her day begins with wondering what she will eat for breakfast, then finding a roll of toilet paper and wondering how much is in the roll. From wiggly eggs to doing the dishes, Ella’s mind is constantly on the move. When Ella’s mom can’t find her phone, Ella has an answer of her own and says she’s “letting grandma talk to my goldish Isabelle.”
At bathtime, Ella asks why her belly button is pushed in and why her hands are so wrinkly. As Ella gets ready for bed, she wonders why the sun has set and why it can’t be daylight for the entire year. After cleaning her room, she asks, “Do we get cheese from the moon?” Though Ella still wants to play, it’s really time for bed. She eventually falls asleep, just before a tomorrow full of “Why?”
Ella is a relatable character to young readers because of her age and curious mind. Young readers may see themselves in the character Ella. But also, parents reading this book can find a little bit of Ella in their children. Ella has a strong relationship with her mom. Moms reading this book can relate to Ella’s mom as she is teaching her child about the world around her. Something I picked out of Why? was actually about the importance of routine and maintaining consistency throughout the day for a child. Throughout Ella’s day, we see her want to seek answers as to why her day is flowing the way it is. When children understand why things are done the way they are, the world becomes a little bit more understandable.
The text is accessible and easy to read for the intended audience of ages 0-5. Each page has about one to two sentences, making this book simple to read aloud together or to a child. This book poses so many questions about everyday life that kids are sure to have the same questions as Ella. Parents can be right there beside their children to answer those questions, just as Ella’s mom did.
Ms. Kayne’s decision to have every other sentence rhyme makes this a fun and rhythmic read.
The illustrations in this book are created by Tetiana Matiikiv. Ms. Matiikiv’s drawing style looks 3D, so her illustrations pop off the page. Her choice to use vibrant colors, airbrush-like elements, and details in fabric or fur makes this book also visually appealing for readers young and old!
Overall, Why? is an enjoyable read that flows nicely, has great illustrations, and inspires kids to ask questions about what’s going on in their environment.
At a Glance: A picture book follows an inquisitive three-year-old through an ordinary day filled with nonstop questions about food, routines, nature, and her own body. Designed for ages 0–5, it blends playful rhymes, everyday learning, family interaction, and a brief Christian reference.
Best for Readers Who Enjoy: picture books about curiosity, preschool read-alouds, curious toddlers, everyday learning, parent-child stories, books about asking questions, playful rhyming books, gentle faith elements