STEAMTEAM BOOKS

January releases

Nancy Castaldo has written award-winning books about our planet for over 20 years. Her love of reading and writing outdoors began in her childhood when she wasn't in search of frogs, turtles, and salamanders. Her curiosity about the natural world led her to study science. As an environmental educator, Nancy combined all of those interests. She still enjoys spending time exploring in the wild while researching her books and articles. Nancy writes to inform, inspire, and empower her readers about the world around them. In addition to writing, she is a certified National Geographic educator.

What would you do if you turned the faucet one day and nothing happened? What if you learned the water in your home was harmful to drink? Water is essential for life on our plane, but not every community has safe, clean water. Join Nancy Castaldo as she takes readers from Flint, Michigan to Venice, Italy to explore the ways water around the world is in danger and the many teens and adults working to protect it. ISBN: B08WK61Z1L Purchase

Matt Lilley (Minneapolis, MN) has a master’s degree in scientific and technical communication with a special emphasis on medical writing for kids. He is a Minnesota Master Naturalist and likes writing about science and nature as well as medicine. He loves learning fascinating things about the world and then finding ways to use that information to tell compelling stories. His previous children’s books include Why We Love and Why We Cry (Capstone) and Inventing Vaccines (in Focus Readers’ “Amazing Inventions” series).

Experience the life of one krill, as it metamorphoses from a “six-armed oval” into a 26-legged glutton, and as it rises from the ocean’s deep midnight zone to the surface, encountering all sorts of hungry sea creatures as it grows. Antarctic krill can catch and eat one-celled phytoplankton, and they in turn are eaten by the largest animals ever to live on earth―blue whales―as well as by seals, penguins, and a host of others. In other words, krill are really good at eating, and they make really good eatin’. That makes them a keystone species of the Southern Ocean ecosystem. Good Eating has been reviewed and endorsed by global krill expert Dr. Stephen Nichol, and the manuscript earned an honorable mention in Minnesota’s McKnight Artist Fellowships for Writers. ISBN-13 : ‎ 978-1637391044 PURCHASE

Marie-Therese Miller is the author of nonfiction books for children and teens. Her most recent books include Handling Depression, Crayola Our Colorful Earth: Celebrating the Natural World, It’s All Art: From Drawing to Dress-Up with Sesame Street, and A Dog’s Best Friend: A Sesame Street Guide to Caring for Your Dog. Miller earned her PhD in English from St. John’s University, where her academic focus was James Thurber and humor. She teaches Children’s and YA Literature at Marist College. Miller and her husband, John, have five children and a grandson.

Foxes are so clever! Learn how crafty foxes are when they build dens, hunt for food, escape predators, and much more.

February releases

Dee Romito is an author of books for young readers and a former elementary school teacher. Her middle grade books include The BFF Bucket List, No Place Like Home, Postcards from Venice, and co-authored Best.Night.Ever (Aladdin/S&S). Her debut picture book, Pies from Nowhere: How Georgia Gilmore Sustained the Montgomery Bus Boycott (Little Bee Books) received a starred review from Booklist and a Crystal Kite Award. Her newest release is a chapter book series titled Fort Builders, Inc. (Aladdin/S&S). Dee blogs about writing at WriteforApples.com and is a Co-Founder of Buffalo-Niagara Children’s Writers and Illustrators. While she does her best to be a grown-up most of the time, giggling with her BFFs is still one of her all-time favorite things. You can visit her website at DeeRomito.com.

The kids of Fort Builders, Inc., hunt for the perfect treehouse tree in the fourth story in the fun-to-read Aladdin QUIX chapter book series that’s perfect for emerging readers! Caleb and the rest of the Fort Builders, Inc. group feel like it’s finally time to have their own dedicated workspace! Their big idea? A fort treehouse! But finding the perfect tree for their unique fort is a little tougher than they thought. ISBN 9781534452473 PURCHASE

Vicky Fang is a product designer who spent 5 years designing kids’ technology experiences for both Google and Intel, often to inspire and empower kids in coding and technology. She started writing to support the growing need for early coding education, particularly for girls and kids of color. She is the author of ten new and upcoming books for kids, including Invent-a-Pet, I Can Code, Layla and the Bots, and her author-illustrator debut, Friendbots. Find out more about Vicky by following her on Twitter at @fangmous or on her website at www.vickyfang.com.

Laura Gehl is the award-winning author of nearly thirty books for young readers, including One big Pair of Underwear; Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer; Who Is a Scientist?; and the Baby Scientist series. A former teacher with a PhD in neuroscience, Laura enjoys bringing STEAM themes into many of her books and presentations. Laura lives with her husband, four kids, and large stash of dark chocolate in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Britta visits her two favorite trees, Apple and Magnolia, every day. Though she can't explain it, she's sure they are best friends! Then one day, Magnolia's branches start to droop. Is there anything Britta--or Apple--can do to help? After all, unusual friendships can be the most powerful of all. With a lyrical story and vibrant art, Apple and Magnolia unveils the extraordinary connections between trees and the wondrous bonds between all living things. The book includes an author's note offering facts about how trees communicate with one another. PURCHASE

Catherine Bailey is an award-winning children’s author and youth presenter from sunny Florida. Her recent books include HARBOR BOUND (Disney/Hyperion, 2019), DINO’S DON’T DO YOGA (Sounds True, 2020), and HUSTLE, BUSTLE BUGS (LLBYR, 2022). When Catherine is not writing, or editing, or swatting at mosquitos, she looks after her husband and two children. All three of them are quite sticky, and none like bedtime, but she loves them anyway. Her prior job titles include Lawyer, Sailboat Deckhand, and Cartoon Network Intern. Her hobbies include snacking, reading, and travel. Learn more about Catherine and her work at www.catherinebaileybooks.com.

Ready with their magnifying glass, camera, and scrapbook, two young sisters head into nature to discover all the bugs they can. And these critters are hard at work! From carpenter ants chewing up old trees (like builders clearing a construction site) to butterflies spreading pollen (like gardeners planting seeds) to crickets making beautiful sounds (like musicians playing instruments), bugs belong to a busy world just like people. ISBN 978-0759557406 PURCHASE

March releases

Leslie Bulion creates award-winning science poetry steeped in hands-on learning experiences, field observations, research, humor and imagery in a variety of poetic forms. Her illustrated collections invite readers on multi-layered science adventures exploring spiders, birds, sea creatures, insects, amphibians, entire ecosystems, and even human anatomy! Leslie's graduate science background and her years as a school social worker inform both her poetry and her science-infused novels for young readers. She offers lively and engaging author visits worldwide. Check out her Kirkus-starred, funny science poetry collection, SPI-KU: A CLUTTER OF SHORT VERSE ON EIGHT LEGS (Peachtree, 2021) and her new, lyrical ecosystem exploration, SERENGETI: PLAINS OF GRASS (Peachtree, March 1, 2022).

Monsoon rains fall. Grasses sprout. Flowers blaze. Join the great migration of blue wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles as they return to feast on growing plants in the endless open spaces of the Serengeti short-grass plain. In a series of interconnected verses, SERENGETI takes readers along on the unforgettable journey of a vast ecosystem in motion. Sutnning illustrations evoke the panoramic grandeur of this fascinating area of East Africa and provide close-up details of plants and animals. Brief informational notes on each spread, a glossary, a discussion of conservation issues, and a painted map bring one of Earth's wonders into sharper focus. ISBN 978-1-68263-191-1 PURCHASE

Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, and a 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Books. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature.

In 1963, Ecuador established a national park to protect the Galapagos Islands. When they did a census, scientists found only 14 individuals of the Española Island tortoises. The species was almost extinct. Then, they found one more Española tortoise in the San Diego Zoo, whom they named Diego, and he was brought back to the Galapagos for a breeding program. In 2020, Diego returned to his home island to join over 2500 other Española tortoises. This is the story of one of the most successful breeding programs in scientific history. This amazing giant tortoise species was saved by fifty years of hard work by scientists and hundreds of volunteers. Read the story of Diego, the giant Galapagos tortoise who returned home about 100 years after he was captured. He will now live out his life with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren on the island of his birth.

Children’s book author and indie publisher Darcy Pattison writes award-winning fiction and non-fiction books for children. Her works have received starred PW, Kirkus, and BCCB reviews. Awards include the Irma Black Honor award, five NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books, two Eureka! Nonfiction Honor book, two Junior Library Guild selections, two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, and a 2021 Notable Social Studies Trade Books. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature. With over 25 years’ experience in illustration and design, illustrator Peter Willis continues to be as enthusiastic and passionate about his work as ever. His illustrations have palpable character, bringing them to life through his craft and quirky approach. He lives in northeast England with his wife and daughter. Willis is the illustrator of the Moments in Science series. The first four books have been translated into simplified Chinese; the first six books will be translated into Korean. Peter is also the illustrator of THE NANTUCKET SEA MONSTER: A Fake News Story, a Junior Library Guild Selection, a 2018 NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts, and translated into Korean. Peter Willis brings humor to the story, but he also manages to convey accurate information about matter and its physical properties.

People were dying! Malaria is a deadly mosquito-borne disease that causes fevers, chills and often death. In 1969, the People’s Republic of China created a task force to find a cure. Working in the 1970s, Chinese scientist Tu Youyou reviewed the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) scrolls for ideas on where to start her research. She found 640 traditional treatments, and methodically started extracting compounds and testing them against malaria. Would any of them work? Courage, resilience, and perseverance--follow the struggles of this Nobel Prize scientist as she works to find a cure to malaria. Hardcover: 9781629441955 Paperback: 9781629441962

Sonja Thomas (she/her) writes stories for readers of all ages, often featuring brave, everyday girls doing extraordinary things. She's a contributing author for Good Night Stories for Rebel Girls: 100 Real-Life Tales of Black Girl Magic. Raised in Central Florida—home of the wonderful world of Disney, humidity, and hurricanes—and a Washington, DC transplant for eleven years (Go Nats!), she’s now “keeping it weird” in the Pacific Northwest. Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence is her debut novel.

Sir Fig Newton and the Science of Persistence is about a twelve-year-old scientist named Mira Williams who will stop at nothing to save her sick cat when her parents can no longer afford to treat his diabetes. It’s a story about friendship, family and the power of persistence. PURCHASE

April releases

Carla Mooney loves to explore the world around us and discover the details about how it works. An award-winning author of numerous nonfiction science books for kids and teens, she hopes to spark a healthy curiosity and love of science in today’s young people. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, three kids, and her dog. When not writing, she can often be spotted at a hockey rink for one of her kids’ games.

Does your region get stronger storms and more extreme weather than it used to? Do you have to take steps to conserve water because of drought? Is there more flooding in your area than there used to be? These could all be symptoms of Earth’s climate crisis. In Climate in Crisis: Changing Coastlines, Severe Storms, and Damaging Drought, readers discover how climate change is affecting the human population―from extreme weather and rising coastlines to new migration patterns and disease―through real-life stories and a deep examination of the science driving the phenomenon. Climate change is an enormous topic, but through real-life examples of how climate change affects humans directly, readers can find a relatable foothold from which to explore the dependent relationship between the Earth, the climate, and all living creatures, including humans.

Karen Jameson is a children’s author and poet based in sunny Southern California. Her lyrical picture books include Moon Babies, illustrated by Amy Hevron; Woodland Dreams, illustrated by Marc Boutavant; and Farm Lullaby, illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan. A former classroom teacher, Karen enjoys exploring the wonder of nature and animals through her writing.

Where do endangered animals go to sleep? Immerse yourself in the lush beauty of this bedtime picture book and find out. From the Pacific Ocean to China’s mountains, the Australian outback, and beyond, each baby animal has a warm, safe place to fall asleep. PURCHASE

Annette Whipple celebrates curiosity and inspires a sense of wonder while exciting readers about science and history. She’s the author of ten fact-filled children’s books including The Laura Ingalls Wilder Companion: A Chapter-by-Chapter Guide (Chicago Review Press), The Story of the Wright Brothers (Rockridge Press), and Whooo Knew? The Truth About Owls (Reycraft Books) in The Truth About series. When Annette’s not reading or writing, you might find her baking for her family in Pennsylvania. Get to know her and explore her resources for teachers and writers at www.AnnetteWhipple.com.

Where do frogs live? What sounds do frogs make? How do frogs eat? These and other questions are answered by the author, along with some extra information provided by the frogs themselves.

May releases

Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan loves exploring history and science and has been a science educator on stage and a historical re-enactor at museums. She’s written a dozen fiction and nonfiction books and graphic novels.
Her recent books include The Science and Technology of Leonardo da Vinci (2021) a nonfiction biography for middle grade readers, and Ocean Plastics Problem: A Max Axiom Super Scientist Adventure (2021), a fiction graphic novel for middle grade readers. She is excited to release Animal Allies: 15 Amazing Women in Wildlife Research, a nonfiction book for young adult readers in 2022. Elizabeth is an instructor in the graduate writing program at McDaniel College and for the Highlights Foundation. She is the Regional Advisor for SCBWI Pennsylvania: West and represented by Miranda Paul. In 2021, Elizabeth will complete the Master Birder program with the Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania. She lives with her family and pet schnoodle in Pittsburgh, PA. She loves board games, birding, and baking. She’s a lifelong runner, avid community scientist, and can usually deliver the punchline.

These 15 women work with animals on land, air, and sea. Corina Newsome is saving seaside sparrows while Michelle LaRue uses satellites to study Antarctic birds. Lizzy Lowe takes on what many fear in researching spiders, and Erin Ashe lives out the dream of many studying dolphins and whales. Kristen Hecht chases the elusive hellbender amphibian while Enikö Kubinyi uses robots to get information on wolf pups. These women are working on issues that intersect with biodiversity, species conservation, biology, and more. They stand out for their work in their fields and are also dedicated to science communication to share their knowledge with others. They challenge the assumptions of who a scientist is and what a scientist looks like. These diverse, modern women are pushing the boundaries of their scientific fields while empowering others to pursue their dreams.

Loree writes true stories for curious people and believes deeply in the twin joys of following one’s passion and finding one’s voice. Her science and nature books for children have won many accolades, including American Library Association Notable designations, a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor Book Award, an IRA Children’s Book Award, a Green Earth Book Award, and two Science Books & Films (SB&F) Prizes. Her essays for adults have been published in magazines like Yankee and honored in journals like Flyway. Loree studied biology at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, biochemistry at the University of Massachusetts, and creative writing at Bay Path University. She lives in central New England, where she and her husband, Gerry, raised three children, and where they now garden, tend chickens, and keep bees. She moonlights regularly in elementary, middle/high school, undergraduate, and graduate classrooms, sharing stories of science and the craft of writing.

HONEYBEE RESCUE, filled with eye-popping images by Ellen Harasimowicz, tells the story of beekeeper John Connery and a colony of honeybees that moved out of his backyard hive box and into his ramshackle garage. With a New England winter on the horizon, these bees needed a new home. But how does one relocate 70,000 honeybees and their honeycomb hive? Enter Mr. Jon Nelson, bee rescuer. This is a backyard drama you don’t want to miss.

Karen Jameson is a children’s author and poet based in sunny Southern California. Her lyrical picture books include Moon Babies, illustrated by Amy Hevron; Woodland Dreams, illustrated by Marc Boutavant; and Farm Lullaby, illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan. A former classroom teacher, Karen enjoys exploring the wonder of nature and animals through her writing.

Have you ever noticed the rainbow-like shimmer on certain bird feathers, insect bodies and animal scales? This effect, called iridescence, changes depending on the angle from which it’s viewed, and animals across the globe use the effect to both blend in and stand out. Time to Shine takes a closer look at these creatures and how they use their sparkly “clothes” to thrive and survive in nature. PURCHASE

June releases

Michelle Cusolito is the author of Flying Deep: Climb Inside Deep-Sea Submersible ALVIN, and she has been exploring natural places ever since she was a child growing up on a farm in Massachusetts. She has lived in the Philippines, where she first saw colorful fish while snorkeling, and Ireland, where she and her family hiked the Burren, an otherworldly limestone landscape. She learned how to scuba dive while writing this book and spied on an octopus in its den. www.michellecusolito.com

From snorkeling to freediving, SCUBA, submarines, and Challenger Deep, discover the different technologies scientists use to explore the ocean in this deep-sea STEM picture book. How does ocean exploration work? What kinds of machines and equipment help researchers under the sea? How deep can we dive to find out more about the plants and animals that live in the ocean? For fans of Alvin from Flying Deep, Diving Deep introduces all the ways humans have figured out how to engage with, explore, and learn from the oceans.

Laura Gehl is the award-winning author of nearly thirty books for young readers, including One big Pair of Underwear; Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer; Who Is a Scientist?; and the Baby Scientist series. A former teacher with a PhD in neuroscience, Laura enjoys bringing STEAM themes into many of her books and presentations. Laura lives with her husband, four kids, and large stash of dark chocolate in Chevy Chase, Maryland.

Meet nature’s oddballs in this charming board book about some of the most unique birds in the world. Backyard birds—move over! Odd Birds introduces babies and toddlers to unusual bird species, including the magnificent frigatebird with a bright red throat pouch and the California condor—the largest flying birds in North America! Gentle rhyming verses provide the comforting repetition that little ones crave, even as their minds are opened to new and fascinating creatures from around the world. At the end of the book, readers will find photographs of each bird, along with more detailed factual information. The eight birds featured are the magnificent frigatebird, blue-footed booby, shoebill stork, ostrich, hoatzin, oilbird, California condor, and burrowing owl. PURCHASE

Sue Heavenrich writes about science for children and their families. A long line of ants marching across the kitchen counter inspired her
first article for kids. When not writing, she’s either in the garden or tromping through the woods. Her books include 13 Ways to Eat a Fly, and Diet for a Changing Climate. Visit her at www.sueheavenrich.com. Alisha Gabriel is an elementary music teacher and university professor. Her writing has been published in Highlights for Children and Pockets, and she has written five books for children. www.alishagabriel.com

Fungi live in the coldest corner of Antarctica and on hot, sandy desert dunes. They’re in the air you breathe and the food you eat. But fungi are more than pizza toppings. They form partnerships with plants and help us clean up our planet through bioremediation. Some fungi eat our crops; others protect them. Some fungi cause diseases; others cure them. Some are bigger than you; others are so tiny you need a microscope to see them. And now, people are finding ways to use fungi to make furniture, building materials, and even sneakers.

July releases

Laura Perdew wrote her first STEAM book in sixth grade – it was about conservation. Even though it was only read by her teacher (and probably her parents), her passion for nature, the environment, and environmental issues continued. It not only led her to move to Colorado decades ago, but also steered her to writing for children. To date, she’s written over 40 books for the education market, the majority of which are STEAM books. One of those, BIODIVERSITY: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) is on the Booklist editor’s list of the Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth 2020; this title also earned a starred review from Booklist and is a Junior Library Guild selection. Her first fiction picture book, The Fort (Page Street Kids), was published in April 2020. She hopes to help inspire the next generation of conservationists through books.

All aboard for a journey around the world’s water biomes, where we’ll find lots of plant and animal life in this nonfiction picture book! In Aquatic Adventures: Biome Explorers, kids 5 to 8 embark on a voyage to Earth’s largest biome―water! Our voyage takes us down the mighty Mississippi River to the Mississippi Delta, to the Caribbean, and then out to open ocean. Muck around on the riverbanks, wade into the ocean, and snorkel around a coral reef to discover the huge variety of plants and animals that live in both freshwater and saltwater. But the voyage isn’t over back at the dock―vivid illustrations, fast facts, and a hands-on science activity encourage readers to keep exploring to find out why it’s critical to protect our waterways from climate change and pollution!

Slather on the sunscreen and get ready to journey to the desert biomes of the world in this nonfiction picture book! In Destination Desert: Biome Explorers, kid scientists make the trek to four different types of deserts around the world―a hot and dry desert, a semi-arid desert, a coastal desert, and a cold desert. In each place, explorers discover the adaptations plants and animals such as cacti, shrubs, camels, ibex, and lizards have made to survive in these dry places! Plus, find out what humans can do to keep deserts from taking over too much of the land.

Gear up to tour the world’s forest biomes with trees large and small, creatures short and tall in this nonfiction picture book! In Footsteps in the Forests: Biome Explorers, kids 5 to 8 take a walk on a rain forest canopy walkway, sit quietly to observe temperate forest wildlife, and bundle up to visit a chilly boreal forest. There are more than 3 trillion trees on Planet Earth, so we’ve got lots of exploring to do! Discover leafcutter ants, toucans, squirrels, opossums, ferns, mosses, snowshoe hairs, and much more on our tour of the world’s forests. Plus, learn the role humans play in keeping the forest biome healthy, and why that’s critical to the global environment.

Hello biome explorers! Let’s take a trip to the grasslands! These are wide open spaces of grasses, grazing animals, and swooping birds. In Grassland Globetrotting: Biome Explorers, adventurous readers ages 5 to 8 journey to temperate grasslands and tropical savannas. Be on the lookout for bison and prairie dogs, wildebeests and giraffes! Kids are also introduced to the hardy plants that survive on the grasslands and learn why fire is an important part of grassland sustainability.

Grab a coat to take a trip to the vast, treeless, mostly frozen tundra biome in this nonfiction picture book! In Tour the Tundra: Biome Explorers, science adventurers ages 5 to 8 visit the Arctic, the Antarctic, and the alpine tundras. In these beautiful, remote places, we observe migrating animals, waddle like a penguin, and witness wildflowers in bloom in the mountains above the tree line. Plus, we learn about the impact of human activity on this fragile biome and find innovative ways of helping the plants and animals of the tundra thrive, even with the challenge of climate change!

Erin Twamley is an award-winning children's book author, educator (MEd), STEMinist, and lifetime Girl Scout. She is a former energy education specialist at the Department of Energy, where she led energy literacy efforts for teachers and students. Erin loves to read to her two kids and has lived on three continents. You will find her leading hands-on encounters and writing new children's books.

Joshua Sneideman is the vice president at Learning Blade, an organization focusing on exposing students to STEM careers. A former Albert Einstein Distinguished Educator Fellow at the Department of Energy, he is also the award-winning author of multiple STEM education books and TED-Ed cartoons. Josh loves communicating about science concepts. The father of three amazing daughters, he loves nature walks, sailing, and reading nonfiction.

Katie Mehnert is the founder and CEO of ALLY Energy™, the community accelerating connections, jobs, and skills to drive an equitable energy transition. She's a speaker, author, and ambassador to the United States Department of Energy, and has been published in Scientific American, Forbes, CNBC, and CNN. She's also appeared in Hot Money, a documentary on the financial complexities of climate change. She's passionate about inspiring the next-generation workforce in energy.

How many switches do you flip in a day? How many devices do you plugin? Our world is powered by energy. So who are the people helping to power our planet– energy superheroes! In this book, meet over thirty real-life energy superheroes. They install solar panels, dig wells miles into the ground, connect zigzagging power lines, and drive us into the future with battery-powered cars. Women in Energy Careers is the second book in the Everyday Superheroes series highlighting the colorful careers of women working in energy. Learn how energy is used to light our cities, build our homes, charge our favorite devices, and so much more. ISBN: 978-1-63489-434-0 PURCHASE

August releases

Sophia Gholz is an award-winning children's book author, music lover, magic seeker and avid reader. Sophia enjoys writing fiction with humor and heart. When writing nonfiction, she pulls on her love of science and her strong family background in ecology. Since 2017, Sophia has helped oversee the Henry L. Gholz SEEDS National Field Trip Endowment for The Ecological Society of America, funding ecological field experiences for students from diverse backgrounds. She is also a founding board member of KidLiteracy.org, a nonprofit organization focused on early literacy initiatives. Previously, Sophia worked as an advertising copywriter and made a career working with visual artists in New York City. Sophia’s debut book, The Boy Who Grew a Forest: The True Story of Jadav Payeng, received the Florida State Book Award Gold Medal, a Eureka! Nonfiction Honor Award and was named a 2020 Green Earth Honor Book. When she’s not writing from her home base in Florida, you can find Sophia reading, visiting schools or exploring the great outdoors with her family. For more, visit Sophia at: www.SophiaGholz.com

People have been going potty since, well, since the beginning of people! Ever wonder what humans used before potties or paper? You might be surprised at the clever tools that humans came up with over the centuries. From the great outdoors to ceramic pots, bum brushes and bidets, prepare for an adventure as we explore the interesting and sometimes shocking history of human potty practices! Award-winning children’s author Sophia Gholz and illustrator Xiana Teimoy team up to put a humorous spin on the fun and fascinating facts surrounding the history of toilet paper (and other potty tools) in this delightful book. ISBN: 978-0762475551 PURCHASE

Nancy Castaldo has written award-winning books about our planet for over 20 years. Her love of reading and writing outdoors began in childhood and continued with her studies of science. Her favorite step in the writing process is conducting research. She loves sharing those experiences with her readers. Nancy writes books to inform, inspire, and empower her readers about the world around them. She is a National Geographic Certified educator.

In this exhilarating installment of the award-winning Scientists in the Field series, journey to the isolated islands of Isle Royale National Park where the longest predator/prey study in the world is being conducted along with a controversial genetic rescue to save not only the wolves and moose, but the entire island ecosystem.

September releases

Buffy Silverman is the author of over 90 nonfiction books for children, featuring topics from Angel Sharks to Alligators, and Mars to Monster Trucks. Her most recent book, On a Snow-Melting Day: Seeking Signs of Spring, received a star from Kirkus Reviews and was an NCTE 2021 Notable Poetry Book. Buffy spent many years as a naturalist and environmental educator, and taught biology to college students. Now she enjoys speaking to students about nonfiction, poetry, and writing. She lives near a swampy lake in Michigan where she spends outdoor time with her dog, watches and photographs nature, and writes about the creatures she observes.

As autumn begins, plants and animals begin to change and prepare for winter. Brilliant photos and rhyming text work together in this engaging read-aloud to highlight these changes, and back matter offers more information about each creature and change featured.

Randi Sonenshine grew up exploring the magical world of streams and ponds in a red canoe. Through her books, she hopes to nurture in young readers, writers, and thinkers an appreciation and wonder of the natural world. Her debut picture book, The Nest that Wren Built, appeared on several notable lists, including the 2021 Bank Street College of Education’s Best Children’s Books of the Year and the Chicago Public Library’s 2020 Best Informational Books for Younger Readers. In addition to writing for children, Randi is a literacy specialist and instructional coach in northwest Georgia, where she lives with her husband and two sons. She does her best writing accompanied by birdsong and a good pot of Earl Grey tea. Visit Randi online at www.randisonenshine.com.

Resourceful Beaver and his family work every day to build the perfect lodge in the stream, made from the branches of the shore willow and silty mud from the streambed. Secure and safe from the elements and other animals, the beavers sleep, play, and grow in the dam. Come springtime, the beaver family moves on, leaving behind the remains of the lodge that Beaver built. Gently scientific and accessible, with soft glowing illustrations from Anne Hunter, this lilting poetic companion to The Nest That Wren Built by Randi Sonenshine introduces young children to the engineering feat of dam building and the life cycle of beaver families.

Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 190 nonfiction books for children, including the Sibert Medal Honoree Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. She holds a degree in biology from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University. Melissa believes that nothing brings nonfiction writing to life like firsthand research. While gathering information for her books, she has explored tropical rain forests in Costa Rica, gone on safari in East Africa, and swum with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. Melissa also co-wrote 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books and edited the anthology Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-winning Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing. Her highly-regarded website features a rich array of nonfiction writing resources.

Take a peek into the hidden world inside a tree in this charming nonfiction exploration of creatures that depend on trees for shelter, by day and by night. Whether tree holes are big or small, built by birds or created by wind or lightning, they house an astonishing assortment of wildlife, from black bears and tree frogs to crabs and bobcats. This inviting introduction to a woodland wonder is sure to delight curious kids.

Patricia Newman is grateful for nature’s gifts and is happiest outside near water. When she was a student, her teachers helped her make connections between what she learned in class and what she saw in the wider world. Understanding those connections inspired her to protect nature. As an author, she shows readers how their actions ripple around the world, empowers them to find their own connections to nature, and encourages them to use their imaginations to act on behalf of their communities. Her other distinguished titles include Orbis Pictus Recommended book Planet Ocean; Eavesdropping on Elephants; Sibert Honor Book Sea Otter Heroes; Zoo Scientists to the Rescue; and Plastic, Ahoy! www.patriciamnewman.com

A mighty river. A long history. For thousands of years, the Elwha river flowed north to the sea. The river churned with salmon, which helped feed bears, otters, and eagles. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, known as the Strong People located in the Pacific Northwest, were grateful for the river's abundance. All that changed in the 1790s when strangers came who did not understand the river's gifts. The strangers built dams, and the environmental consequences were disastrous. Sibert honoree Patricia Newman and award-winning illustrator Natasha Donovan join forces to tell the story of the Elwha, chronicling how the Strong People successfully fought to restore the river and their way of life. ISBN: 9781541598706 Purchase

October releases

Shiho Pate started her career as an artist for several indie gaming studios in NYC. In her 10-plus years in that industry, she published many social games and mobile games, but her passion has always been children's book illustration. She is the illustrator of 2 Pirates + 1 Robot, written by Henry Herz. Visit Shiho online at www.shihopate.com or @shihopate on Instagram and Twitter.

From gemstones to fossils and beyond, Animated Science: Rocks and Minerals is the definitive guide to rocks and minerals for grade school readers. In this book, readers will explore the substances that make up our Earth through comic illustrations and hilarious characters. With a narrative nonfiction text, kid-friendly information, and Shiho Pate's engaging illustrations, Animated Science: Rocks and Minerals is a perfect introduction and ready reference, appealing and laugh-out-loud funny. Easily accessible for readers just learning, with more interesting facts and details for older kids honing their knowledge. ISBN-13: 9781338753677 Purchase

Debra Kempf Shumaker loves weird and fascinating facts. When she isn't reading or writing, Debra enjoys watching Jeopardy or hanging outside with her favorite primates—her husband and three sons. She writes from her home in Northern Virginia. Her titles include FREAKY, FUNKY FISH: ODD FACTS ABOUT FASCINATING FISH and TELL SOMEONE. Visit Debra online at www.debrashumaker.com.

All primates climb and breathe in air. They have big brains and hands and hair. . . but not all primates are alike. From funny faces and colored butts, to flossing teeth and thumping chests, discover the peculiar ways primates look and act in this delightful nonfiction follow-up to FREAKY, FUNKY FISH. ISBN: 9780762478217

Elaine Kachala is a new voice in the kidlit scene. Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution is her first book. It will be part of Orca Think, a nonfiction series for middle-grade readers introducing them to issues making the headlines. It encourages readers to question, connect, and take action for a better future. Elaine’s also a health-policy researcher, writer, and adviser. She has over 20 years of writing experience with government and health agencies. Elaine’s curious and hopeful but can’t help being a little worried about how wearables will impact our health, well-being, and equity. With degrees in psychology and sociology from the University of Toronto and a master of environmental studies from York University, she brings a unique perspective to the topic of wearable technology. Elaine lives with her family in Toronto, Ontario.

Super strength, super hearing, super vision, and super connection. Wearable technology is giving humans super powers. Imagine being able to run without getting tired. Or travel to the moon to look at Earth for science class. This technology is closer than we think. In Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution, young readers will discover how technological innovation can help people survive, live better lives and thrive. But what if some people have technology to help them and others don’t? What if super strength results in endless work? What if hackers can read our thoughts? The book asks readers to question the pros and cons of technology and consider if innovation can go too far. Meet the inventors, designers, engineers, scientists, and young people asking these questions and navigating the next tech frontier.

November releases

Melissa Stewart is the award-winning author of more than 190 nonfiction books for children, including the Sibert Medal Honoree Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen. She holds a degree in biology from Union College in Schenectady, NY, and a master’s degree in science journalism from New York University. Melissa believes that nothing brings nonfiction writing to life like firsthand research. While gathering information for her books, she has explored tropical rain forests in Costa Rica, gone on safari in East Africa, and swum with sea lions in the Galapagos Islands. Melissa also co-wrote 5 Kinds of Nonfiction: Enriching Reading and Writing Instruction with Children’s Books and edited the anthology Nonfiction Writers Dig Deep: 50 Award-winning Authors Share the Secret of Engaging Writing. Her highly-regarded website features a rich array of nonfiction writing resources.

It’s time for dinosaurs to step aside and let prehistoric mega-predators like the terror bird and giant ripper lizard take the spotlight! Travel back in time to meet some little-known hunters that once populated our planet. Discover how they lived, what they ate, and what they have in common with animals alive today. Young readers will appreciate the book’s humorous voice as well as the dynamic browsable design and art that’s both playful and scientifically accurate. Mega fact files, infographics, and rich back matter provide a plethora of additional details.

Jocelyn Rish is a writer and filmmaker who loves researching weird and wonderful animals and sharing what she learns. When she’s not writing, she tutors kids to help them discover the magic of reading. Jocelyn has won numerous awards for her short stories, screenplays, short films, and novels and lives in South Carolina with her dogs. You can find activities and other brain bonuses at: www.jocelynrish.com.

Did you know pigs can learn to play video games? Or that some birds can count? Or that octopuses have mini-brains in their arms? Brains are amazing and have developed all kinds of different abilities to help animals survive. There are animals that use tools. Some have magnificent memories. Others can solve complex problems. A few can even talk to us! This book of mind-blowing facts about brains focuses on ten different animals and their impressive intelligence. Which animal has the coolest brainpower? That's up to you to decide!