Maybe Yes, Maybe No: A Guide for Young Skeptics (Maybe Guides)

I read this book as a part of the first week of Level 1 Torchlight. For the age range that would be taking this curriculum, this is an excellent book to introduce healthy skepticism. My thought behind why this book is in Myth and Magic curriculum has to do with establishing a clear sense that not everything that people believe is true, such as the ancients who believed in myths that assign meaning to things they didn't fully understand. Maybe a no-brainer for older kids, but younger ones might need that primer to not believe all the stories they're be learning about in this year's studies.Reading the poorest reviewed comments, I'm not sure what these parents were expecting. In some cases, it seems like they wanted an explanation of the purpose of myths (not this book's job) or a more in-depth look at the scientific method (also, not this book's job). This product page is really clear: This book is written to introduce healthy skepticism and basic steps to exercise it.My favorite part of the book has to do with utilizing a story around ghosts and call-outs to levitation, ESP, telepathy, etc. My 8 year old loves paranormal stuff so using those within the text help keep his attention.

I always read the negative reviews of something first to see what possible problems I should be looking for. Some of the 2 star reviews said this book was bashing religion in a sneaky way and I can sort of see why they might say that.The book has 3 main parts; a story, a "lecture", and a explanation of the scientific method for kids.I think if you want to help your kids get this book, read through it (10mins), and if you feel like it is a little too openly harsh on religion (in the lecture section) simply skip it.Personally, I think that space would have been better used to add another story like the first section where the characters ask questions in order to discover what likely happened. However, the section as is can still be useful.

I have given this five stars because it is well written and gives me, as a parent, an opportunity to introduce important ideas to my kids. My child, now almost five, is a little young for some of the content. Of course, there is nothing offensive contained in the text, its just that my kid does not yet care overmuch about these philosophical notions. This book might be best for 2nd grade minimum.More generally, I appreciate the books in this genre, directed at this particular audience of which I am one. As a parent, I have decided it isn't necessary (or beneficial) to raise my kids under the influence of religious indoctrination. Now that my son will soon be starting kindergarten though, I anticipate him hearing things from the other kids. Once he hears ideas like heaven, hell, afterlife, gods, etc., I wonder, how will I dispel these notions? Anyway, the best I can do, I figure, is to explain that lots of people think lots of different things... some of them baseless, some silly.Anyway, books such as this (also "Maybe Right, Maybe Wrong," and others...) are good resources to keep around.

This book follows a skeptical child through claims of a haunted house. It then goes on to explain the scientific method in very simple yet effective terms.I particularly like the emphasis on saying "Maybe yes, maybe no" when one has not investigated a claim or cannot verify something yet. This is an intellectually honest starting point for critical thinking.The book also very lightly touches on certain paranormal claims such as UFO's, dowsing, psychics, religion (you betchya!) and the like. It gives kids an idea what type of beliefs they will come across in the future, and even explains why people tell these stories and why others believe them, even in the face of evidence proving them false.It is a light read, and merely an introduction to critical thinking, but it does a great job with the scientific method.I highly recommend this book. I would have given it five stars if it delved a little deeper.

It has a good premise, and easily understood story for upper elementary kids. I don't like that it outrightly dismisses many things just because it can't be duplicated by science. The book brings up many things that skeptics "don't believe in." I would argue we don't know enough about those particular fields to experiment, therefore that is the fault of science, not of the item in question. It would be fairer to say science can't test everything...yet. A true skeptic waits until experiments are possible! I also wish it didn't say "Ghosts are not the only thing skeptics don't believe in." It implies someone with a personal experience that has questioned everything would still not be able to remain a skeptic if he/she decides they have enough proof or experience for them to develop beliefs against mainstream. Finally, the science rule "Keep it Simple" has a poor example: invisible birds push items to the ground when you let go VS gravity (an invisible force that pulls items to the ground because it has a bigger mass than the items). Gravity is not very "simple" to explain to the young. Invisible forces? Invisible birds? Birds are known and make more sense to kids and therefore would actually be a "simpler" idea to them.

good

Both kids read it and my daughter read it to all the relatives and by herself about five times! Really useful and helpful advise written in a fun way.

First half was good, as there was a comic. Second half had no pictures, and my daughter was instantly bored by it :-/

Black and white and rather dull. But the message is a good one. I would not pay $20 for this book again. It did not keep the attention of my 5 1/2 year old. Maybe when she is older.

Great for teaching young kids about critical thinking. WARNING: questions about santa may ensue after reading with your kids