But Why? by Elizabeth Pulsford - Ethicool Kid's Books

Majestic. Enchanting. Imaginative. This picture book pairs our most stunning illustrations with a masterful story.

This story is inspired by the boundless curiosity of children and dedicated to every parent whose mornings and nights are backing-tracked by the dulcet tones of "Why?" "But why?" "But Why?" "But why?" It follows Hazel Hare as she travels throughout the forest and implores her friends to help in her search for answers to some of life’s most challenging questions. What she discovers is truly illuminating.

Visually stunning and poetically masterful, But Why? appeals to the boundless curiosity of young minds, whilst also captivating them through the most incredible artwork.

A worthy bedtime story for the littlest of tots, or an imagination-fuelling mini-narrative even for your 10 year-old, this picture book has truly diverse appeal.

• Recommended ages: for 2 - 10yrs old
• Author: Elizabeth Pulsford
• Illustrator: Francisco Fonseca
• Size: 11.7" x 8.5" (29.7 x 21cm)
• Cover: heavy softcover (300GSM)
• Pages: medium inside pages (200GSM)

An excerpt from the story

... She crept out from her warren, her face alight with awe,
at the kaleidoscope of colours playing on the forest floor.

Hazel wished for all the answers, and as each day dawned anew,
she would set out on her search, to discover just a few.
Hazel hopped about the undergrowth where she soon met Mole
and begged of him an answer, as he burrowed from his hole.

“Where do you find the faith, when all the world is night,
to trust the path you travel will climb towards the light?
Are there obstacles too mighty? Are there inclines far too steep?
How do you keep a candle burning when the darkness presses deep?”

Then she sat and scanned the canopy where Lemur and his monkey friend,
swung with wild delight. She hoped an ear they’d lend.

"Where do you find such joy that you can always wear a smile?
Are there moments you feel heavy, if only for a while?
How do you laugh with such abandon and lose yourself in play,
on days when storm clouds gather and chase the sun away?"

Most Ethicool Books are designed for ages 0 - 6 years old, but are frequently read by much older children, too.

All our stories average 500-750 words in length.

About the Company

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Looking for the same old kids' books? You won't find them here. We create extraordinary books for the next generation of readers and leaders.

Who is Ethicool and are they even cool?

A better world starts with better children's books

Hey world! We're Ethicool.

We create remarkable children's books about the world’s big issues, inspiring kids to create positive change.

Why the big issues? Well, because our little ones are ready. They get it. They're perceptive, intelligent and capable; they're ready to grow up and make the world a better place. They have the answers, the solutions, and the motivation to not only fulfill their own dreams, but to make our planet more equitable and sustainable.

And we have the stories to get them started.

Creating art, not just books

Creating a better world is an important mission, so we partner with the world's most talented authors and illustrators to create books that are not just meaningful, but truly BEAUTIFUL to read and stunning to look at.

The potential of little ones

Ethicool was founded in 2020 by Australian husband and wife team, Teigan Margetts and Stuart French.

When tucking their two young sons into bed every night, they would often invent stories about the world's big issues, with their little ones playing the starring role of saving the day.

They quickly realised that their children not only understood the issues, but wanted to do more about them.

Wanting to teach their sons more, Teigan and Stu turned to children's books. But, as they browsed through the hundreds of books they owned, they couldn't find a single one that inspired great change.

And so, Ethicool was born: a children's book company that helps little ones change the world.

Living our values: sustainable from start to finish

Creating books usually requires cutting down even more trees.

But not ours! Ethicool’s books are printed using recycled or sustainably-sourced papers, as well as soy-based inks.

Our books have been extensively tested for durability by the most unforgiving testers (toddlers!), so you won't be looking to throw them away after a few weeks' reading.

Giving back to the planet

Ethicool Books is immensely proud to be a partner of 1% for the Planet!

1% for the Planet members have given back more than $US265 million to the environment, simply by donating 1% of their revenue every single year, regardless of whether they've made a profit.

It's an incredibly simple model, but one of immense value - financially, environmentally, and culturally.

It means we're actively invested in living our beliefs and contributing to a cause that is passionate about solving the right problems, and on a global scale.