Naomi has a serious case of the Whys.
Her Whys pop up everywhere – at school, at home, and all through the day – buzzing with questions about rules, routines, and the world around her.

But at school, Naomi’s questions do not always fit the moment. When her Whys keep getting her into trouble, she begins to wonder if there is space for all her curiosity.

The Whys Get in Trouble is a heartfelt and imaginative picture book about curiosity, school, self-expression, and big feelings. With humor and warmth, it celebrates the children who ask questions, think deeply, and see wonder everywhere – while gently exploring how to navigate rules, timing, and classroom life.

Perfect for readers, families, educators, and counselors, this story opens conversations about:

• Asking questions
• Emotional regulation
• School behavior and classroom expectations
• Curiosity as a strength
• Making room for wonder

“A book that reminds us of the importance and of a child’s curiosity. Inbal distills years of experience as an educator into the beautiful pages of The Whys Get in Trouble. A book for children, parents, caregivers or anyone who wants to understand the joy of “why.”

• Dame Jacinda Ardern 

The Whys Get in Trouble is a joyful celebration of the questions children carry inside them, and a gentle reminder to the adults who love and teach them that curiosity is not a distraction from learning, but its foundation. Inbal Alon offers a story that children will recognize immediately (the rules, the frustration, the urge to ask “why?”), and that adults will appreciate as an invitation to listen more closely and wonder alongside them. This is a book to read together, one that opens space for conversation, empathy, and the kind of classroom (and home) where questions and wonder are treated as an essential part of what defines us as human.

• Fernando M. Reimers, Professor of International Education, Harvard University, Author of Educating Students to Improve the World and Empowering Teachers to Build a Better World 

I look forward to reading The Whys Get in Trouble at the beginning of the school year—letting my first graders in on the secret that not only do teachers not have all the answers, we often don’t even have the best questions!

• Caitlin, First Grade Teacher

The Whys Get in Trouble, written by Inbal Alon, is a delightful exploration of curiosity through the eyes of a young girl named Naomi, who never shies away from asking the big questions. From the get-go, you’ll find yourself chuckling at Naomi’s relentless pursuit of the “Whys” behind everything around her—like why they need to line up or why certain songs sound high and low. It’s not just charming; it resonates with anyone who’s ever felt that urge to know more about the world, making it a relatable read for both children and their grown-ups.

Alon beautifully captures the spirit of childhood curiosity while also addressing the challenges that come with it. Remember when you were a kid and your questions made adults giggle, or sometimes even cringe? Naomi’s journey reflects that innocence but also dives deeper into what it means to have your natural curiosity stifled in a structured environment. I found myself reflecting on my own experiences—how many times did I want to ask “Why?” only to be swept along by the rules of grown-up life?

As the story unfolds, it becomes more than just a series of questions. Alon introduces a transformation in Naomi and her classmates, illustrating how their “Whys” begin to fade away when they’re not nurtured. This emotional undercurrent gives the narrative depth, reminding us how vital it is to encourage curiosity in the young and old alike. When Ms. Rose, the teacher, finally recognizes the magic in those all-important questions, you can’t help but cheer for Naomi and her everlasting wonder.

The ending is particularly heartwarming, with Naomi feeling renewed, as Ms. Rose welcomes the Whys back into the classroom. The transformation reinforces the idea that curiosity—while sometimes viewed as trouble—can actually lead to moments of inspiration and connection.

If you’re looking for a book that inspires children to embrace their curiosity rather than shy away from it, The Whys Get in Trouble is a must-read. It reminds us all that it’s okay to ask questions and that those Whys are what make the world a more magical place. Grab a copy, settle in, and enjoy the ride—you might just find your inner child awakening with every page!

• Goodnight Reads

Welcome to Wonder Week—a playful, curiosity‑driven set of five activities, discussion questions, and printables inspired by The Whys Get in Trouble. A simple way to remind students that learning begins with wonder.

Wonder starts one Why at a time! Click here for more

Leading a research project with students? Check out The Wonder Fuel Research Guide. A guide for every step of the research project, including notes for teachers, and a printable research journal for students. Click here for more

Bring The Whys Get in Trouble to Your School

Curiosity is the starting point of every great discovery—but in many classrooms, children are still learning when and how to ask their Whys.

The Whys Get in Trouble helps children explore what happens when curiosity meets classroom routines, and what it means to make space for big questions in everyday learning. Through Naomi’s story, students see that their Whys are not interruptions—they are the beginning of thinking, wondering, and learning.

Through an engaging author visit, students explore the themes of The Whys Get in Trouble through interactive read-alouds, inquiry-based discussions, and hands-on activities designed to celebrate curiosity as a strength.

Each classroom visit includes:

• An interactive reading of The Whys Get in Trouble
• Inquiry-based discussions about rules, routines, and curiosity in school
• Hands-on “Whys” activities where students generate their own big questions
• A guided introduction to the Wonder Fuel Research Process, where students learn how to turn curiosity into discovery
• A creative activity inspired by the book’s end matter, where students design and share their own “Whys creatures” and research questions

Created by first-grade teacher and school librarian Inbal Alon, these visits are designed to be engaging, developmentally appropriate, and directly aligned with inquiry-based learning, literacy, and social-emotional growth.

Whether students are learning how to ask better questions, understand classroom expectations, or explore their own curiosity, The Whys Get in Trouble provides a meaningful and memorable framework for helping children see that their questions matter.

Available for elementary schools, libraries, and educational organizations. Contact Inbal to learn more about visit options, pricing, and customized programming.