Why Does the Sky Change Colors?

by Professor Fizz

A boy's big question leads to a wonderful adventure.

Grade 1 (Level G): Early readers10 pages

A curious child asks questions about everyday phenomena and learns the science behind them

Characters

Hassan

Ms. Thompson

Style

Spot Illustration

Story

Story Arc

Hassan walked into the library. He held a big question in his mind. His brows were furrowed just a little bit. He saw Ms. Thompson by the tall bookshelves.

Hassan walked closer to Ms. Thompson. He wanted to ask his question. “Ms. Thompson,” he began softly. He twisted his fingers together, looking at the floor.

“Why does the sky change colors?” Hassan asked. His voice was very quiet. Ms. Thompson smiled at Hassan. She thought for a moment.

“That is a wonderful question, Hassan,” she said. “Some questions are very big. We can look for answers together.” She pointed to a shelf of science books.

Hassan looked through many books. He read about light and clouds. But he still felt a little confused. The sky was still a puzzle.

Ms. Thompson walked over to Hassan. She saw his worried face. “Sometimes, we need to try things too,” she said. “We can watch the sky!”

Hassan went outside that afternoon. He sat on a small hill. He watched the sky carefully. The sun started to go down slowly.

The sky changed from blue to orange and pink. Hassan held up a small cup of water. He saw tiny rainbows sparkle. “Wow!” he whispered.

Hassan ran back to the library. He saw Ms. Thompson again. “The water made tiny rainbows!” he exclaimed. His face glowed with excitement.

Ms. Thompson smiled too. “You found an answer, Hassan!” she said. Hassan knew questions lead to many discoveries. He felt proud and happy.

The end

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Words to know

question: When you want to know something and ask about it.; He held a big question in his mind.
furrowed: When your eyebrows pull together because you are thinking hard or worried.; His brows were furrowed just a little bit.
bookshelves: Tall shelves where books are kept.; He saw Ms. Thompson by the tall bookshelves.
softly: To speak in a quiet or gentle voice.; “Ms. Thompson,” he began softly.
twisted: When you bend and turn your fingers around each other, often when you feel shy or nervous.; He twisted his fingers together, looking at the floor.
moment: A very short period of time.; She thought for a moment.
science: Learning about how the world works, like animals, plants, and the sky.; She pointed to a shelf of science books.
confused: When you don't understand something and feel a little lost.; But he still felt a little confused.
puzzle: Something tricky to figure out, like a mystery.; The sky was still a puzzle.
worried: Feeling a little bit scared or uneasy about something.; She saw his worried face.
discoveries: Finding out new things or learning something for the first time.; Hassan knew questions lead to many discoveries.
proud: Feeling good about yourself because you did something well.; He felt proud and happy.

Talk about it

Questions to ask after reading together.

1
How did watching the sky help Hassan understand his question?
2
Why did Ms. Thompson suggest watching the sky instead of just reading books?
3
What other big questions could you ask and try to find answers for like Hassan?