Whittling

"So people used to be bigger, just like the tigers and the lizards and the elephants?" asked Susie.

"That's right." Daddy hitched closer. "Everything was bigger then. We call them 'megafauna' now, from the Latin words for 'big animals.'"

"How come?"

"Well, English was a combination of Anglo-Saxon and Norman languages, so-"

"No, Daddy," Susie giggled. "I mean why is everything smaller now? Is it because the universe is shrinking?"

"Don't be silly, sweetheart. That Big Crunch theory is nonsense; the universe is fine. Didn't they teach you that in school? Now mind your head; here comes the moon."