But why? A podcast for curious kids is known for serious answers to silly questions sent

in by kids just like you. But did you know that but why is now a book series?

Our first book, Our Lama's Ticklish, answers questions from real kids about farm animals.

This colorfully illustrated book is perfect for kids ages 8 to 10. And our second book,

New Fish Breathe Underwater explores the underwater world of the ocean. Learn more at

but whykids.org slash books.

Some fish are really neat. My favorite fish of them all are called L-wives. We call them

anadromus.

Here's your vocabulary word for the day. Anadromus. This is But Why, a podcast for curious

kids from Vermont Public Radio. You ask the questions and we help find the answers.

I'm Jane Lindholm and in this episode we're taking the podcast to see. We're heading

to the coast of Maine to learn a little bit about why the sea is salty, how muscles get

their shells, and why a lobster with no claws, no antenna, and no eyes will probably still

come out okay. And we'll find out what the heck anadromus actually means.

My name is Zach Whitner and I'm a research associate at the Gulf of Maine Research Institute

in Portland, Maine. Today we're down at Kettle Cove in Cape Elizabeth with lots of pretty

lobster boats in the distance and a wonderful place by the ocean.

Cape Elizabeth is near Portland, Maine and Kettle Cove is a sheltered little area with

tide pools and a rocky beach. Zach and I met there on a bright September morning, not

long after low tide. At high tide a lot of the rocks are covered with water but when

the water recedes it exposes those rocks and some of the little creatures that live

in the shallow water. I think one of the most exciting parts about coming down to the

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