Lift-the-Flap Questions & Answers How Does it Work? (Questions and Answers)
Questions and Answers Series
illustrations by
What’s inside...
Part of Usborne’s best-selling Lift-the-Flap Questions & Answers series, this sturdy board book answers more than 60 "how does it work?" questions young children ask every day. Pulling, lifting and peeking beneath flaps, readers discover the basic science and technology behind familiar objects such as bicycles, toilets, light bulbs, phones, bridges and even the Internet. Clear explanations, friendly illustrations and an interactive format turn complex ideas into bite-size discoveries, sparking curiosity about engineering, physics and everyday problem-solving.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-9
Length
14 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
Which machine surprised you the most and why?
How might you improve one of the gadgets shown?
Why is renewable energy important for the planet?
What jobs can you imagine doing that use these technologies?
Tip: Role play these questions
Relate each concept to household objects the child can inspect safely.
Encourage drawing or building simple models of machines after reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Asking questions is the first step to understanding.
Explanation: Each spread begins with a child-friendly question answered beneath flaps.
Real-World Application: Children learn confidence to voice their curiosity in class or at home.
Example Lesson: Observation leads to problem-solving.
Explanation: Readers see inside mechanisms to link parts to functions.
Real-World Application: Kids practice looking closely to fix toys or spot everyday patterns.
Example Lesson: Technology and nature interact.
Explanation: Energy section shows wind and sun powering homes.
Real-World Application: Children consider eco-friendly choices like switching off unused lights.
Example Lesson: Teamwork builds big ideas.
Explanation: Construction spread highlights cranes, engineers and builders working together.
Real-World Application: Encourages cooperative play and appreciation for different roles.