Books
Why? and How? are two children’s books written by Senem Donatan Mohan and illustrated by İpek Kay, published in Turkish by Paraşüt Kitap in 2020 and 2024, respectively.
These books blend the magic of storytelling with fascinating scientific facts. They nurture children’s curiosity and spark their creativity. Each book includes playful activities that encourage kids to experiment, imagine, and even invent their own answers, turning learning into an adventure.
They are ideal for young explorers aged six to twelve who love stories, science, and asking ‘why?’ and ‘how?’ countless times a day. They’re also perfect for primary school teachers looking to bring fun and playfulness into their lessons.
Through captivating tales from world traditions, the books pose intriguing questions. Each story is followed by scientific explanations and playful activities, creating a holistic and engaging learning experience.
Why?
A Journey Through Tales, Science, and Play in Pursuit of the ‘Why?’ Question
The book takes children on a journey across time and cultures, inviting them to explore the world through stories and science. Each tale answers a classic question such as “Why do teeth get cavities?” or “Why does the moon have spots?” by pairing traditional myths from around the world with clear scientific explanations and playful activities. Blending wonder, knowledge and imagination, it shows young readers that curiosity is the beginning of every story and every discovery.
Senem’s first book, Neden? (Why?), was originally published in Turkey in October 2020 and has achieved strong, sustained success in the market. Now in its third print run, with 2,000 copies per edition and 6,000 copies in total circulation, the book has maintained steady sales and visibility since its release. It holds a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon Turkey and a 5 out of 5 on Kitapyurdu, one of the country’s largest online bookstores, where it has sold over a thousand copies through that platform alone.
Neden? has been adopted by numerous schools across Turkey as a complementary classroom resource, praised by teachers and parents for its engaging way of blending myth, storytelling, and science to inspire curiosity and learning.
Given its universal themes and cross-cultural storytelling approach, the book is ideally positioned for international publication. Its combination of timeless stories, scientific insight, and interactive activities offers a format that translates naturally across markets, making it suitable for both trade and educational publishing worldwide.
How?
A Journey Through Tales, Science, and Play in Pursuit of the ‘How?’ Question
Understanding the universe, the world, the society we live in, and life itself begins with asking questions. That’s why—although they take different forms at every age—questions remain our constant companions. When faced with something astonishing, one of the most helpful questions we can ask is: ‘How?’
Seven tales, told for centuries from Siberia to South Africa and Canada to Spain, answer seven of humanity’s most intriguing ‘how’ questions. After exploring the vibrant answers spun by storytellers, we turn to science, discovering how myths and research offer different perspectives on the same mysteries.
Once both tale-weavers and scientists have had their say, it’s time to play! Blending these answers with their imagination, children embark on a joy-filled adventure of discovery.
Senem Donatan Mohan asked ‘Why?’ in the first book of this series. Now, together, we set off in pursuit of ‘How?’
About Senem
Senem is a published children’s author and internationally acclaimed storyteller based in Dublin, Ireland. Her first children’s book was released in Turkey in October 2020, followed by a sequel in March 2024. Both were warmly received by young readers for their rich blend of storytelling traditions from around the world and the way they share knowledge in an engaging, imaginative way.
She has performed at some of the most renowned storytelling festivals worldwide, captivating audiences of all ages with her vibrant and heartfelt style. Known for weaving together wisdom, humour, and wonder, Senem brings stories to life in ways that connect deeply across cultures.
With a PhD in the natural sciences, she brings a rare depth and curiosity to her creative work, bridging science, art, and the timeless power of story.
