Changes

|title=Why Are Orangutans Orange?

|author=Mick O'Hare

|summary=Another welcome offering from New Scientist's Last Word column. The addition of full colour photographs brings a new dimension to proceedings, but often feels like it's been used because it can be, rather than because it should be.

}}

The simple question and answer format - with answers provided by the well-informed and well-educated readers - continues to work strongly. The subject matter is mostly wisely chosen, providing a broad range of information - some quirky, some intriguing, and all edifying. Mick O'Hare's editing is as smart as ever, and contributes strongly to a slick and enjoyable read. (If you've not already read it, take a look at our [[The Interview: Bookbag Talks To Mick O'Hare|interview with Mick]] from last year).

For the first time, this book series offers up full colour photographs to illustrate its points, and open up the available range of questions even further. At times, it feels as if some questions were chosen because they could be illustrated, rather than adding an illustration to support the best possible question. However, it's a positive addition overall, and should make for an improved read in next year's offering, when some of the novelty has worn off.

[[Farmer Buckley's Exploding Trousers by Stephanie Pain]] also has its roots in New Scientist, and is an enjoyable popular science read. [[The Disappearing Spoon by Sam Kean]] is a wonderful read, about the elements of the periodic table, and is full to the brim of fascinating information.