STEAM-related books bring the spirit of inquiry, discovery, and creative problem-solving to your learners while engaging them in rich literacy experiences.
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Follow #STEAMTeamBooks to catch all the info on the new STEAM/STEM children's books heading your way. |
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Meet Our Books and Creators
~shown by release month below~
Most books are available
for pre-order or order now!
January release
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Everyone seems to have an idea for the science fair except for Yasmin! After some failed experiments, Yasmin's snack break with Nani inspires an idea. Together they use kitchen science for sweet success! Pakistani American Yasmin is a plucky, spirited, and curious second-grader. Saadia Faruqi has skillfully interwoven Pakistani customs and Urdu words into the 16+ early reader texts. Yasmin uses her creativity and intelligence to explore, have adventures, and overcome dilemmas. Yasmin's issues and problems, such as in this book finding a science fair protect that can be done in her mother's kitchen, are ones universally experienced by elementary-aged kids. The back matter includes discussion questions about science fair projects, perseverance, and independence; Urdu Glossary; Pakistan fun facts; and a fizzy lemonade recipe. ISBN: 978-1515882602
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February release
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★ “…entertaining tale… A science-centric winner, especially for young dinosaur lovers.” Kirkus starred review
Did you know that you have a little bit of dinosaur in you? And it’s your mother’s fault. She fed you that cheese sandwich, which had a calcium atom that used to be in the bones of a T. rex. This humorous story follows a calcium atom as it journeys from dry bones to your jawbone – and beyond! This story is inspired by the classic environmental book, A Sand County Almanac, by Aldo Leopoldo, which beautifully discusses how man and nature are interconnected. This amazing circle of life—or the conservation of mass—is illustrated in this story with humor and a touch of empathy. Sisters Elleen Hutcheson and Darcy Pattison team up to bring Leopoldo's circle of life to kids. Each is shaking her finger at their mother wondering why she fed them that cheese sandwich. PURCHASE Elizabeth Elleen Hutcheson was a Biology and Anatomy/Physiology instructor for thirty years. She has her National Board Certification in Science. Hutcheson has taught elementary science students for museum programs and Audubon camps. She has received many grants and was awarded the Christa McAuliffe Fellowship for Arkansas, and a Fulbright Memorial Fund Fellowship for a three-week program in Japan. She has traveled extensively to study science and nature, including Costa Rica, the Amazon rainforest, the Galapagos islands and across the U.S.
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, and two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature. |
February release
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Meg Lowman or ‘Canopy Meg’ is a true hero, a courageous explorer, who made amazing discoveries high in the forest canopy. The Leaf Detective captures the magic of that little-known world with its clear, informative text and fabulous illustrations. Young readers everywhere will be fascinated and inspired to learn more about nature.” –Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace Margaret Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head. The colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. As a scientist, Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rainforest tree canopies. To be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms. The high canopy was difficult to get to. And worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg Lowman never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. PURCHASE ISBN: 978-1684371778
Heather Lang loves to write about extraordinary women who never gave up on their dreams. Her award-winning picture book biographies include Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark, Fearless Flyer: Ruth Law and Her Flying Machine, and Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump. Heather’s research has taken her up to the skies and down to the depths of the ocean, and, for this book, to the treetops of the Amazon. When not writing at her home in Lexington, Massachusetts, she enjoys going on adventures with her husband and four children. Visit Heather at heatherlangbooks.com. |
February release
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Red, White, and Whole is a middle grade novel in verse set in 1983 about the 13-year-old daughter of Indian immigrants who feels torn between the worlds of her parents and community and her friends and1980s pop culture. Then her mother falls ill, and she's torn in a different way. It's a story about heritage and fitting in, science and poetry, Hindu mythology and 80s pop music, holding on and letting go. PURCHASE
Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area with her wonderful family and impossibly cute dog. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she spends her time writing novels and picture books when she’s not practicing medicine. Her book topics range from science, math, and medicine to immigration, family, friendship, and food, and some of her stories even have a touch of magic. Her recent books include Midsummer's Mayhem, an Indian-American maship of A Midsummer Night's Dream and competitive baking; and Seven Golden Rings, a picture book set in ancient India featuring a math puzzle and an explanation of binary numbers.
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February release
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Science meets subtraction in this fresh and funny STEM picture book. A swarm of thirteen flies buzzes along, losing one member to each predator along the way. Whether the unfortunate insects are zapped or wrapped, liquefied or zombified, the science is real--and hilariously gross. Includes a guide to eating bugs, complete with nutritional information for a single serving of flies. ISBN 9781939547637 PURCHASE
Sue Heavenrich is a curious naturalist and is particularly amazed by the diversity of insects that visit her garden. After years as a journalist she traded in her reporter’s notebooks to write for children. When not writing, Sue counts pollinators in her garden. Her recent titles include Diet for a Changing Climate, Sky Spies, and Are Ants Like Plants? |
February release
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Herbaria: A Guide for Young People leads you on a discovery of who loves dead plants. Learn about famous historical plant collectors and the paths they established investigating plants. Join today’s field botanists as they go far and wide to discover new species. See in the herbarium how specimens are mounted and organized for everyone to use and enjoy. Locate herbarium museums around the globe. Visualize yourself as a botanist gathering, preserving, and unlocking the mysteries of plants. ISBN: 9781935641216
Author/illustrator Kelly LaFarge was born and grew up in rural Indiana. Her family farmhouse was next to agriculture fields, thick woods, and a big muddy river. It was the perfect location to observe all nature had to offer- texture, light, and vivid colors. As a personal mission for her writing Kelly returns to these important experiences and focuses on lessoning the disconnect between today’s children and Mother Nature. |
February release
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P-22, the famed “Hollywood Cougar,” was born in a national park near Los Angeles, California. When it was time for him to leave home and stake a claim to his own territory, he embarked on a perilous journey—somehow crossing sixteen lanes of the world’s worst traffic—to make his home in LA’s Griffith Park, overlooking the famed Hollywood sign. But Griffith Park is a tiny territory for a mountain lion, and P-22’s life has been filled with struggles. Residents of Los Angeles have embraced this brave cougar as their own and, along with the scientists monitoring P-22, raised money to build a wildlife bridge across Highway 101 to help cougars and other wildlife safely expand their territories and build new homes—ensuring their survival for years to come.
Meeg Pincus is the author of numerous acclaimed nonfiction picture books about “solutionaries” who help people, animals, and the planet—including the award-winning, starred-reviewed Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery and Miep and the Most Famous Diary: The Woman Who Rescued Anne Frank’s Diary. She has also authored 19 leveled readers for educational publishers. Meeg is a long-time nonfiction writer/editor (from newspapers and magazines to books), educator (from university and elementary classrooms to homeschool), and diverse books advocate (highlighted on her website/blog www.DiverseKidlitNF.com). She lives with her family in Southern California and can be found online at www.MeegPincus.com. |
February release
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After sketching and plotting and planting, Maxine and Leo know they've made The Greatest Garden Ever! But they're not the only ones who think so. Soon, all sorts of animals make their way in, munching on carrots and knocking over pots. When Leo and Maxine can't agree on a way to deter these unwelcome critters, it looks like there's more on the line than saving their garden--they just might need to save their friendship too. ISBN 978-0399186301
Ruth Spiro is the author of the Baby Loves Science board book series, published by Charlesbridge. There are 21 current and forthcoming titles including Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering, Baby Loves Coding and Baby Loves Gravity. This spring she continued her signature style of introducing complex subjects to little listeners with Baby Loves Political Science: Democracy!, a new series perfect for election year and beyond. Ruth’s STEM-themed picture book series, Made by Maxine (Dial), is about an inspiring young Maker who knows that with enough effort, imagination and recyclables, it’s possible to invent anything. Made by Maxine sold at auction as a three-book series, the second book will be published in February 2021. A frequent speaker at schools and conferences, Ruth’s previous presentations include the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Colorado Book & Arts Festival, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the World Science Festival. Ruth hopes her books inspire kids to observe the world, ask questions, and when it comes to their futures, DREAM BIG! |
February release
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Do babies and toddlers do math? You bet! From building block towers to playing Candyland to baking cookies, math is all around us! Written in rhyming verse with illustrations depicting a host of adorable, diverse little mathematicians, this board book reminds the youngest readers (and their grown ups) that math is everywhere. PURCHASE
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February release
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Babies will love learning about all the different types of music they can groove, dance, march, and boogie along to, as well as being
introduced to instruments such as cellos, pianos, trumpets, saxophones, and more! Written in rhyming verse, this board book has illustrations depicting a band of adorable, diverse little musicians and music-lovers. |
Laura Gehl is a former science teacher who has written about science for all ages, from babies to adults. She brings STEAM themes into many of her books for young readers, including One Big Pair of Underwear (math), I Got a Chicken for My Birthday (engineering), the Baby Scientist series (highlighting different scientific disciplines), and Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer (a picture book biography about the woman who made the Hubble Space Telescope a reality). Laura's 2021 STEAM releases include the first two board books in the Brilliant Baby series (Brilliant Baby Does Math and Brilliant Baby Plays Music), Who Is a Scientist?, which shows kids who much they have in common with 14 scientists working in different disciplines today, and Odd Beasts, in which readers meet some of nature's weirdest creatures. Laura loves visiting schools to talk about her love of STEAM!
March release
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Mary Golda Ross designed classified airplanes and spacecraft as Lockheed Aircraft Corporation's first female engineer. Find out how her passion for math and the Cherokee values she was raised with shaped her life and work. Cherokee author Traci Sorell and Métis illustrator Natasha Donovan trace Ross's journey from being the only girl in a high school math class to becoming a teacher to pursuing an engineering degree, joining the top-secret Skunk Works division of Lockheed, and being a mentor for Native Americans and young women interested in engineering. In addition, the narrative highlights Cherokee values including education, working cooperatively, remaining humble, and helping ensure equal opportunity and education for all. PURCHASE
Cherokee Nation citizen and award-winning author Traci Sorell writes fiction and nonfiction books, short stories and poems for children. A former federal Indian law attorney and advocate, Traci lives with her family in northeastern Oklahoma where her tribe is located. Find out more about her work online at www.tracisorell.com or @tracisorell via Twitter and Instagram. |
March release
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The world is full of people who are a little different in one way or another. Our uniqueness is what makes us stand out and makes us who we are. You can never judge someone on something you can not see or even on the things you can see. We are all special. We are all unique. We are all 'different; not less'. A collection of true stories about inspiring people and famous figures from around the world, all with something that makes them physically or neurologically diverse. Reflective of our diverse society, this anthology features figures including Simone Biles, Selena Gomez, Temple ISBN: 9781787418486 PURCHASE
Louise Gooding is a children's non-fiction author, based in Switzerland. As a neurodiverse writer herself, Louise is a keen advocate for more own-voice neurodiverse writers and mental health representation in Children's Literature. She is one of the founding members of Disabled Creatives Universe, a mentoring program to help lift neurodiverse and disabled voices in the publishing industry. Her debut book, Just Like Me, is a collection of forty stories, about neurodiverse and disabled individuals from around the world. Each who have defied other people's expectations, shown they are more than just a label and challenged stereotypes! From Scientists to Gymnasts, TV Personalities to Business men and women. Louise also co-runs the Writers, Illustrators and Bookish people of Zurich group, organising weekly meetups and creative opportunities for writers and illustrators from all genres. When she is not writing, she is busy Book Fairying around Switzerland and further afield, spreading the joy and magic of reading by leaving books for others to find, read and share again with others. |
March release
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This book tells the exciting story of how a cryptographer helped capture rum runners and break up Nazi spy rings. The back matter shows kids how they can crack the code and exchange secret messages with their friends. Scattered throughout the book’s illustrations are hidden messages for kids to find and decode. For those who want to learn more, the back matter also includes a description of how codes and ciphers work, as well as information about cryptography today. Readers will learn how to keep their information safe, whether shopping online, surfing the web, or simply texting. ISBN=9781939547637 PURCHASE
Award-winning author Laurie Wallmark writes picture book biographies of women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). Her books, such as Grace Hopper: Queen of Computer Code and Ada Byron Lovelace and the Thinking Machine have earned multiple starred trade reviews, been chosen as Junior Library Guild Selections, and received awards like Outstanding Science Trade Book, Crystal Kite Award, Cook Prize Honor, and Parents’ Choice Gold Medal. Laurie has an MFA in Writing from VCFA and frequently presents at schools as well as national professional conferences (NSTA, NCTE, ALA, TLA, etc.). She is a former software engineer and computer science professor. You can find Laurie on the Web at www.lauriewallmark.com and @lauriewallmark.
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March release
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"Books like this one help lead the way to a better climate future for all inhabitants of Mother Earth. We are all in this together!" ― Jeff Bridges, Academy Award winner and environmentalist. A little more than 70 percent of Planet Earth is ocean. So wouldn’t a better name for our global home be Planet Ocean? You may be surprised at just how closely YOU are connected to the ocean. Regardless of where you live, every breath you take and every drop of water you drink links you to the ocean. And because of this connection, the ocean’s health affects all of us.
Dive in with author Patricia Newman and photographer Annie Crawley―visit the Coral Triangle near Indonesia, the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest, and the Arctic Ocean at the top of the world. Find out about problems including climate change, ocean acidification, and plastic pollution, and meet inspiring local people who are leading the way to reverse the ways in which humans have harmed the ocean. Planet Ocean shows us how to stop thinking of ourselves as existing separate from the ocean and how to start taking better care of this precious resource. ISBN: 978-1541581210 PURCHASE Patricia Newman’s books inspire young readers to seek connections to the real world. She writes about social justice issues such as the environment and equal access to education to encourage readers to use their imaginations to solve real-world problems and act on behalf of their communities. Titles include Planet Ocean (March 2021); Neema’s Reason to Smile; Sea Otter Heroes; Plastic, Ahoy!; Zoo Scientists to the Rescue; and Eavesdropping on Elephants. She is the recipient of a Robert F. Sibert Honor from the American Library Association, and her books have received starred reviews, Green Earth Book Awards, a Parents’ Choice Award; been honored as Junior Library Guild selections; and been included on Bank Street College’s Best Books lists. You can find out more at www.patriciamnewman.com.
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March release
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With a multicultural cast of characters and STEAM-related content, GROW is a celebration of the wondrous ways young animals and people grow into unique individuals.
JoAnn Early Macken is the author of six picture books, including Grow (spring 2021), Baby Says “Moo!”, and Flip, Float, Fly: Seeds on the Move. She has also written more than 130 nonfiction books for educational publishers, and her poems and articles appear in many magazines and anthologies. A graduate of the M.F.A. in Writing for Children and Young Adults program at Vermont College of Fine Arts, she has taught poetry, writing, and poetry writing at four Wisconsin colleges and in numerous visits to schools, libraries, and conferences. Visit joannmacken.com. |
March release
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A joyful celebration of the nature-inspired work of architect Antoni Gaudí: Carmen Batlló and Dragon, her imaginary salamander friend, love exploring the woods behind their home. But when Carmen’s family announces a move to the city, Carmen is miserable. Not only will she lose her connection to nature, she will also lose Dragon. After all, the city is no place for salamanders. As she watches her family’s new house take shape under famous architect Antoni Gaudí, Carmen discovers Gaudí also has a passion for the natural world. Walls curve and rise like a cave, mosaic flooring sparkles like lilies on a pond, and a fireplace shaped like a mushroom keeps the house warm. Best of all, there’s even a place for Dragon! Inspired by the real Batlló family and the house Gaudí designed for them, this picture book encourages readers to find inspiration in their surroundings and keep their hearts open to change. Stunning watercolor illustrations bring Gaudí’s inventive designs to life. An author’s note provides more information about the real story behind the house and Gaudí’s lifelong passion for nature. PURCHASE
Susan Hughes is an award-winning writer of more than 30 children's books, including picture books, chapter books, young adult novels, non-fiction for all ages, and even a graphic non-fiction book. Some of her titles include WALKING FOR WATER: HOW ONE BOY STOOD UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY (tbp June, 2021), CARMEN AND THE HOUSE THAT GAUDI BUILT (Owl Kids, Mar 2021), OFF TO CLASS: INCREDIBLE AND UNUSUAL SCHOOLS AROUND THE WORLD (2011), and CASE CLOSED: NINE MYSTERIES UNLOCKED BY MODERN SCIENCE (KidsCan 2010). Susan is a freelance editor who works with educational publishers to develop student books on topics from social studies history to science and Aboriginal studies for a variety of grade levels. She is a writer of commissioned children’s materials. She critiques manuscripts and provides services as a writing coach. She has hosted a global bookmark exchange, juried several children’s writing competitions, and mentored authors in Liberia and Sierra Leone for the non-profit CODE. Susan was a 2012-2013 Writer-in-Residence with the Toronto District School Board. Susan lives in Toronto, Canada. You can learn more about her at www.susanhughes.ca. She is active on both Facebook and Twitter (@childbkauthor). |
March release
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From the shore, the ocean looks like clear, sparkling blue but look closely at a small scoop and you'll find the ocean looks more like soup! Our oceans are filled with plastics, from water bottles and take-out containers to the teeny tiny plastic particles you need a microscope to see. But who exactly cooked up this stinky soup? And, more importantly, what is the recipe for getting (and keeping) our oceans clean? This bouncing, rhyming story pulls no punches about how we ended up in this sticky mess but also offers hope and help for cleaning up this ocean soup.
Meeg Pincus is the author of numerous acclaimed nonfiction picture books about “solutionaries” who help people, animals, and the planet—including the award-winning, starred-reviewed Winged Wonders: Solving the Monarch Migration Mystery and Miep and the Most Famous Diary: The Woman Who Rescued Anne Frank’s Diary. She has also authored 19 leveled readers for educational publishers. Meeg is a long-time nonfiction writer/editor (from newspapers and magazines to books), educator (from university and elementary classrooms to homeschool), and diverse books advocate (highlighted on her website/blog www.DiverseKidlitNF.com). She lives with her family in Southern California and can be found online at www.MeegPincus.com. |
March release
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Gina Loveless remembers going through puberty with reverence and joy. Oh, wait . . . puberty? Scratch that. Puberty was totally awful, awkward, and full of embarrassing moments. (And frankly, adulthood hasn't been much different.) She used her background as a fact checker for Men's Health and Women's Health magazines, her MFA in creative writing from California Institute of the Arts, and her memory of how much puberty was gross, but also really awesome, to put together this book and help kids realize that puberty may be weird, but at least it's weird for everyone. Gina is also the author of the Diary of a 5th Grade Outlaw series and pens profiles and pieces on mental health for Men's Health. Find her at lovelesswriting.com and on Instagram @lovelesswriting.
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March release
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We are all like trees, fueled by air and sun, sharing food and shelter; trees teach and inspire us to be better people. Together, we can be forests, caring for each other. Ages 4-8. PURCHASE
Maria Gianferrari has climbed fig trees in Italy, stood under stately coastal redwoods and twisted Torrey pines, marveled at mitten-shaped sassafras leaves, colorful coral trees and sawtooth oak acorn nests. She lives with her family, including dog, Maple, in a house encircled by trees. |
Board books by Laura Perdew releasing in March:
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The moon is one of the smaller celestial objects in the universe, but it has some very important jobs. Without it, Earth would be a very different place! Narrated by the character of the Universe, The Moon: Small-but-Mighty Neighbor offers up clear scientific explanations designed to gets kids excited about astronomy, covering topics such as the moon’s phases, eclipses, and humans’ long history of watching the moon. A hands-on project, fun facts, and a poem offer more opportunities for learning and language connections, while two alien commentators make the whole package delightful and hilarious. Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers, with a glossary to support language development.
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Earth is our home, but do we really know about this planet? Quite a lot! In The Earth: One-of-a-Kind Planet, the narrator, who just happens to be the universe, explains where Earth is located in the solar system, how Earth was created, how life evolved on Earth, and more. Universe uses a friendly, relatable tone to engage young readers and explain complex science content in ways kids can understand and relate to. And the alien commentators are hilarious for both kids and adults! Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers, this book includes a hands-on activity, glossary, and a poem!
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The Universe is full of hundreds of billions of twinkling stars. For thousands of years, humans have used stars to tell stories, navigate, and make wishes. But what is a star made of? How long will its light last? In The Stars: A Gazillion Suns, the character of the Universe takes us on a journey among the stars and explains how they are born, what makes them twinkle, how many there are, and even how they will come to an end. Through a hands-on science activity, fun facts, a poem, and a glossary, kids are invited to explore a world previously out of reach! Perfect as a read aloud or for beginner readers.
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There are trillions of stars in the universe, but one is particularly important to people on planet Earth—our sun. What’s the sun good for, anyway? Find out as the Universe explains just what makes the sun so important to planet Earth in The Sun: Shining Star of the Solar System. In this nonfiction picture book, children ages 5 to 8 learn how the sun creates the days, seasons, and years we experience on Earth and even affects our weather and water. Funny aliens provide a running commentary on the Universe’s clear explanations of complex science topics and a hands-on activity provides an extra layer of learning. Plus, a poem at the beginning offers a language-based introduction to science details. A great choice as both a read aloud and for early readers.
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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 30 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.
April release
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What exactly is the universe? Is it brilliant stars, distant galaxies, and giant black holes? What about the sun, the moon, or the planet Earth? The universe is all these things―and more! But where did it come from? How did we get here? And where is it all going? Explore these questions and more in The Universe: The Big Bang, Black Holes, and Blue Whales. In this book, readers ages 12 to 15 embark on an exciting journey that starts with the Big Bang and takes them all the way to the end of the universe, with many thrilling stops in between. Take a look billions of years into the past and discover the mind-bending early moments of the universe, the rise of the first stars, and the formation of the earliest galaxies. Explore the birth our sun and solar system and the formation of the only place in the universe known to support life: the earth. Finally, we’ll zoom billions of years into the future to learn about the death of the sun, a colossal collision of galaxies, and even the fate of the universe itself. PURCHASE
Matthew Brenden Wood is a writer of several well-received science books for young readers. A former math and science educator, Matthew is a passionate advocate of STEAM education and outreach and is available for speaking engagements and classroom visits. He and his partner Melissa live in Phoenix with their daughter Charlie and two difficult pets. |
April release
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Calling all curious young scientists, artists and makers! Come into the workshop and find out How to Build an Insect. While you are inside, discover different insect body parts —from head to cerci — and how they go together. At the same time, explore how human body structures compare to those of insects through playful illustrations. The workshop in the book has so much to offer, once you come through the doors, you might not want to leave. Once you do, however, crank up your creativity and build your own insect model. ISBN-10 : 1541578112
ISBN-13 : 978-1541578111 PURCHASE Roberta Gibson is an entomologist and book lover. She worked for a number of years as a research specialist before she caught the writing bug. Her picture book How to Build an Insect is slated for release by Millbrook in April 2021. She lives in Phoenix, Arizona with her husband and son. In her spare time she gardens, takes photographs, and writes for way too many blogs. You can visit her at https://robertagibsonwrites.com/ on Twitter @RobertaGibson or Instagram @RobieGibson.
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April release
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For the Hindu holiday of Raksha Bandhan, Bina is determined to make beaded bracelets for her brothers all by herself. She finds out which colors her brothers like and dislike and sets to work. Working with her every-other-one beading pattern causes Bina to discover something new about patterns--and her brothers.
This is part of the Storytelling Math series. Storytelling Math celebrates children using math in their daily adventures as they play, build, and discover the world around them. Joyful stories and hands-on activities make it easy for kids and their grown-ups to explore everyday math together. Developed in collaboration with math experts at STEM education non-profit TERC, under a grant from the Heising-Simons Foundation. PURCHASE Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area with her wonderful family and impossibly cute dog. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she spends her time writing novels and picture books when she’s not practicing medicine. Her book topics range from science, math, and medicine to immigration, family, friendship, and food, and some of her stories even have a touch of magic. Her recent books include Midsummer's Mayhem, an Indian-American mashup of A Midsummer Night's Dream and competitive baking; and Seven Golden Rings, a picture book set in ancient India featuring a math puzzle and an explanation of binary numbers.
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April release
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Writer Jennifer Swanson and artist John D. Dawson invite you to rewild your life! With metal corners and 448 full-color, highly-illustrated pages, Outdoor School: Rock, Fossil & Shell Hunting by Odd Dot is an indispensable tool for young explorers and rock collectors. Make every day an adventure with the included:
- Immersive activities to get you exploring - Write-in sections to journal about experiences - Next-level adventures to challenge even seasoned nature lovers No experience is required―only curiosity and courage. PURCHASE Speaker. Author. Teacher. Science Rocks! And so, do Jennifer Swanson’s books. She is the award-winning author of over 40 nonfiction books for children, mostly about science and technology. Jennifer’s love of STEM began when she started a science club in her garage at the age of 7. While no longer working from the garage, Jennifer's passion for science and technology resonates in all her books but especially, BRAIN GAMES (NGKids) and SUPER GEAR: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up (Charlesbridge), Astronaut-Aquanaut, and Save the Crash-test Dummies. Her books have received many accolades including the Green Earth Book Honor Award, a Florida Book Award, and multiple California Reading Association awards, and National Science Teaching BEST STEM awards.
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April release
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How big is a blue whale? Why does a sloth crawl from the safety of a tree to the ground once a week? How does a vampire bat feed? Young nature enthusiasts will find answers to these questions and learn all sorts of fascinating facts about mammals in this full-color, interactive book. Mammal Mania explores what makes mammals unique, as well as their anatomy, behavior, and conservation needs. Thirty hands-on activities promote observation and analysis, writing and drawing, math and science, and nature literacy skills. Readers will learn to build a squirrel feeder, write a putrid poem, make an animal tracking station, and much more. This useful resource includes a glossary of scientific terms, a list of mammal orders, and a teacher's guide to initiate classroom discussion. PURCHASE
Lisa Amstutz is the author of more than 150 children's books, including Plants Fight Back (2020) and Amazing Amphibians (2020). She specializes in topics related to science and agriculture. Her work has also appeared in a wide variety of magazines and newspapers. Lisa’s background includes a B.A. in Biology and an M.S. in Ecology/Environmental Science. When she's not writing, you may find Lisa hiking in the woods or enjoying a cup of tea and a good book. She lives with her family on a small-scale farm in Ohio.
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April release
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Have you every wondered what happens to a whale after it dies? When 30 tons (or more) of whale sinks to the bottom of the ocean? No one knew for sure until a serendipitous discovery in 1987. Whale falls (that’s what scientists call a whale carcass on the ocean floor) are a food bonanza for thousands of animals living in the ocean depths. Diners at the Whale Fall Cafe include such engrossing characters as zombie worms, hagfish, sleeper sharks and giant roly-poly bugs. Nothing is wasted. Even the bones - filled with nutrient dense fats - are a feast for the denizens of the deep. Whale Fall Cafe introduces young readers to this unique ecosystem where scientists are discovering new species almost daily. Dan Tavis's colorful and playful illustrations make this trip to the abyssal plain a delightful adventure. Back matter includes further information about the animals found on whale falls and the scientists studying them.
Jacquie Sewell was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin, probably with a book in her hand. She is an author and a retired children's librarian. She loves kids and thinks reading books to them and writing books for them is the best job EVER!. She loves God and all of His creation and is passionate about sharing stories about the natural world (like whales, and hagfish, and zombie worms) and the amazing people who live in it (like David Steinman, Edward Wilson, Anna Coleman Ladd, and Madame LaFramboise) with children. Her picture book Mighty Mac, The Bridge That Michigan Built, helps children appreciate the people and the science undergirding the building of the Mackinac Bridge. Her newest book, Whale Fall Cafe, takes readers to the bottom of the ocean where they will meet a bizarre group of "diners" who form a unique ecosystem on a whale's carcass on the ocean floor. Jacquie currently lives in Holland, MI with her husband and doodle-dog Minnie.
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April release
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Rewild your life with Odd Dot's series of Outdoor School activity books, perfect for young explorers and nature lovers! With its metal corners and 448 full-color, highly-illustrated pages by Emily Dahl, Mary Kay Carson's Outdoor School: Animal Watching is your indispensable guide to the wilderness. Make every day an adventure with the included: - Immersive activities to get you exploring, write-in sections to journal about experiences, next-level adventures to challenge even seasoned nature lovers. ISBN: 9781250230836 PURCHASE
Mary Kay Carson is an author of books for young people about wildlife, space, weather, nature, and history. After studying biology in college, and a stint in the Peace Corps, she began her writing career working on the Scholastic classroom magazine SuperScience. Her books have received more than a dozen starred reviews, as well as multiple awards, including the 2019 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books for Alexander Graham Bell for Kids. She's written six titles in HMH's acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, including and The Bat Scientists, an ALA 2011 Notable Children's Books for Middle Readers and The Tornado Scientist, a State Library of Ohio Choose To Read Ohio (CTRO) title for 2021-22. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio, with her husband in a century-old house surrounded by urban greenspace, deer, hawks, woodchucks, and songbirds. www.marykaycarson.com |
April release
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Girl Warriors: How 25 Young Activists Are Saving the Earth tells the stories of 25 global climate leaders under age 25 who are the front lines to reverse the damage we’ve done. PURCHASE
Rachel Sarah is a writer and journalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. She shifted the focus of her writing to the climate during the devastating California wildfires of 2018. She's also the mother of two daughters. You can find Rachel here on Twitter, and here on Instagram. |
April release
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From bloomers to boxers, everyone wears underwear! One part humor, one part history, A Brief History of Underpants explores the evolution of fashion's most unmentionable garment. Gain a whole new understanding of underthings as you:
• Learn which ruler was buried with over 100 pairs of underwear. • Discover how people kept their underclothes from falling off before elastic was invented. • Find out why some underwear was made from feathers. • And much, much more! Zany illustrations add to the humor, and step-by-step instructions teach real dyeing and washing techniques used hundreds of years ago. Interact with the topic directly by turning the reveal wheel on the front cover to see underwear evolve through the ages. PURCHASE Christine Van Zandt hasn’t found fossilized underwear, but she loves uncovering interesting historical facts that make great books for kids! She lives in Los Angeles, California, with her husband, daughter, two cats, and a monarch butterfly sanctuary. Visit her online at christinevanzandt.com. |
April release
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A year in the life of a sloth is revealed in this stunningly illustrated nonfiction picture book, the latest in the popular The Secret Life series. Meet Perezoso, a brown-throated three-fingered sloth who lives in a rainforest habitat. Young readers will be fascinated as they learn all about her life — how she searches for food, keeps herself safe from prey, and gives birth to a baby. Gorgeous realistic illustrations celebrate these intriguing creatures, and the story is filled with important facts and terms. The back matter at the conclusion of the book provides more in-depth information, a glossary, and further resources.
Growing up, when Kate Garchinsky wasn't outside climbing trees, watching birds, or squirrels, or catching fireflies, she she could be found in her room drawing what she had seen in her yard. As an adult, Kate continues to study the natural world, and her drawings have been printed in books. The Secret Life of the Sloth is her fifth book, and the most recent title in THE SECRET LIFE Series (Boyds Mills and Kane) of narrative non-fiction picture books with lauded science author, Laurence Pringle. These titles, as well as Kate's chapter book, BELLE'S JOURNEY: An Osprey Takes Flight (Charlesbridge), written by ornithologist Rob Bierregaard, have earned awards and recognition from the Academy of Natural Sciences at Drexel University in Philadelphia, National Science Teacher's Association, Delaware Valley Ornithological Club, California Reading Association, Outdoor Book Awards, and in 2017, a nomination for the Jack Ezra Keats Award. Kate enjoys interacting with young artists and naturalists while teaching nature journaling and drawing lessons near her home in Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, and beyond. Visit her website at PenguinArt.com, and her twitter and instagram accounts @katesnowbird. PURCHASE |
May release
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A comprehensive exploration of sound for young children that's friendly, fun and easy to digest. From a cat's purr to a thunderstorm's clap, from a friend's voice to a school bell's clang, sounds can lull us, entice us or call us to action. But how does sound happen? How do we hear it? What makes some sounds loud and some soft? Some high pitched and some low pitched? How do humans and animals use sound to communicate? Which sounds happen naturally, and which are created for a specific purpose? This charming picture book explores all of these questions in child-friendly language, offering readers a gentle introduction to how sound works that will encourage them to stop and listen. PURCHASE
Susan Hughes is an award-winning writer of more than 30 children's books, including picture books, chapter books, young adult novels, non-fiction for all ages, and even a graphic non-fiction book. Some of her titles include WALKING FOR WATER: HOW ONE BOY STOOD UP FOR GENDER EQUALITY (tbp June, 2021), CARMEN AND THE HOUSE THAT GAUDI BUILT (Owl Kids, Mar 2021), OFF TO CLASS: INCREDIBLE AND UNUSUAL SCHOOLS AROUND THE WORLD (2011), and CASE CLOSED: NINE MYSTERIES UNLOCKED BY MODERN SCIENCE (KidsCan 2010). Susan is a freelance editor who works with educational publishers to develop student books on topics from social studies history to science and Aboriginal studies for a variety of grade levels. She is a writer of commissioned children’s materials. She critiques manuscripts and provides services as a writing coach. She has hosted a global bookmark exchange, juried several children’s writing competitions, and mentored authors in Liberia and Sierra Leone for the non-profit CODE. Susan was a 2012-2013 Writer-in-Residence with the Toronto District School Board. Susan lives in Toronto, Canada. You can learn more about her at www.susanhughes.ca. She is active on both Facebook and Twitter (@childbkauthor). |
May release
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Everyone knows about animals that hibernate in the winter. But it's time to discover animals that sleep all summer long! All science classrooms discuss animals that hibernate during winter months, but few know about animals that estivate--a prolonged sleep during hot or dry periods. Dual layers of text awaken readers to the reasons estivating animals become dormant--whether it's because warm weather threatens food supply or to avoid increased body temperatures. From the ladybug to the salamander, from the lungfish to the desert hedgehog, twelve estivating animals and their habits--both when sleeping and awake--are explained through clear text and elegant watercolor illustrations that create a scrapbook feel. PURCHASE
Melissa Stewart has written more than 180 science books for children, including the ALA Notable Feathers: Not Just for Flying, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen; the SCBWI Golden Kite Honor title Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis; and Can an Aardvark Bark?, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Steve Jenkins. She 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. Melissa maintains the award-winning blog Celebrate Science and serves on the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators board of advisors. Her highly-regarded website features a rich array of nonfiction writing resources.
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May release
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One hundred unusual animals try to squeeze into the pages of this raucous rhyming tale. But will there be room to fit a whole blue whale? The humorous ending features an expansive double gatefold and educational endnotes list the 100 animals in the book. ISBN: 978-1-64686-163-7 PURCHASE
Karen Yin is a debut author whose first picture book, WHOLE WHALE (Barefoot Books, May 2021), is a #DVpit success story. The founder of Conscious Style Guide, Karen grew up in a public library and spends her days dreaming up better worlds. She lives with her partner and their cat friends on a mountain not too far from Los Angeles. WHOLE WHALE is illustrated by award-winning artist Nelleke Verhoeff. Find Karen at KarenYin.com. |
May release
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The castle is crawling with wayward alligators, and the clueless king doesn’t know how to fix it. Lila, Margaret, and Harriet have lots of ideas, but their father won’t listen! According to him, the Princesses should be focusing on proper pursuits like drawing, jewelry, and music. When the three girls start falling asleep during the day, the King sends the Prince to investigate …What he discovers is that the three princesses are gathering at night to use their knowledge of the six simple machines to invent an ingenious alligator removal contraption in their secret workshop. This STEAM-focused take on the classic fairy tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses includes fun illustrations bursting with hilarious detail (and alligators), zany characters, and three inspiring princesses who know that they have what takes to save the day. PURCHASE
Tracy Marchini is thrilled to spend most of her time immersed in children's books as both a Literary Agent and author. Her debut picture book, CHICKEN WANTS A NAP, received a starred review from Kirkus and was a 2019 Bridge to Reading Picture Book nominee. PRINCESSES CAN FIX IT! (Page Street Kids, 2021) is based on her favorite fairytale as a child - The Twelve Dancing Princesses - but with a STEM twist! She holds an M.F.A in Writing for Children from Simmons College and a B.A. in English from Binghamton University. Find out more about Tracy at her website: www.tracymarchini.com, on Twitter: @tracymarchini and Instagram: @tracymarchini |
May release
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Fish have fins and gills and tails. All fish swim and most have scales. . . but not all fish are alike. From zapping, stinging, even singing, to playing dead or having a see-through head, discover the funky and freaky ways fish look and act to survive in the waters they live in. PURCHASE
Debra Kempf Shumaker loves weird and fascinating facts. When she isn't reading or writing, Debra enjoys cooking, gardening, and watching jeopardy. She lives in Northern Virginia with her husband, three sons, and two cats—who miss the days the youngest son owned an aquarium full of fish. Freaky, Funky Fish is her debut picture book. Visit Debra online at www.debrashumaker.com. |
May release
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Where did the first animals come from? Young readers find answers in this lively, beautifully illustrated journey into the prehistoric past that boils a complex subject down to its lyrical essence. Billions of years ago, early microbes emerge in the vast, empty seas. These simple cells give rise to a wild diversity of sea life—but land lies bare until plants invade and animals come ashore. Over millions of years, animals continue to change, and some creatures of land even return to the sea. Out of the blue and back again! ISBN-13 : 978-1536214109 Reading age : 6 - 9 years Purchase
Elizabeth Shreeve grew up in a family of writers and scientists along the Atlantic coastline. The author of picture books and chapter books, she enjoys hiking, reading, digging in the garden, and cooking blackberry jam. Her upcoming STEM books celebrate the origins and diversity of life on Earth, combining well-researched science with kid-friendly narratives. Elizabeth lives in northern California with her family, including Hector the Dog. Visit her online at https://elizabethshreeve.com/ Curiosity, discovery, learning! |
May release
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A science biography that examines the life and work of Leonardo da Vinci and offers kids the opportunity to make their own designs and inventions with hands-on activities. In The Science and Technology of Leonardo da Vinci, readers ages 9 through 12 explore the life of one of the world's most amazing minds. They discover what it might have been like to live in the fourteenth century, when work, entertainment, medicine, travel, and food were very different. They ponder the same kinds of questions that drove Leonardo to tinker and experiment endlessly, even while creating artwork that influenced entire generations who came after him. What is the inside of the body like? How might humans fly? How can geometry be used to design strong buildings? His dedication to invention, experimentation, and art, along with his insatiable curiosity, gave the world new insight into anatomy, botany, engineering, and much more. Kids gain these same insights through hands-on STEM activities, essential questions, text-to-world connections, and links to online resources, including primary sources, that encourage readers to take a closer look at the world of the Renaissance. PURCHASE
Elizabeth Pagel-Hogan is a children’s author from Pittsburgh, PA. She is the author of The Science and Technology of Leonardo da Vinci (2021) and a dozen fiction and nonfiction books and graphic novels. She’s also written for textbooks and online educational resources. She writes fiction, non-fiction, crafts, and recipes for magazines including Highlights for Children, Spider, and Muse. She is the Regional Advisor for SCBWI Pennsylvania: West. She was the 2016-2017 Pen Parents Fellow and won an SCBWI Merit Award in 2020. Elizabeth lives with her family and pet schnoodle. She loves board games, birding, and baking. She’s a lifelong runner and avid community scientist. Her kids say she has a loud laugh. |
May release
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Hummingbirds exist only in the Western Hemisphere. When explorers from Spain saw them for the first time, they were amazed at their colorful iridescent plumage and called them joyas voladoras, flying jewels. They are the smallest of all birds, but they can be ferocious. When another bird or a large insect invades their territory, they fight. Follow one little Ruby-throated Hummingbird as it makes its way south for the winter, gets lost, and ends up in Florida, where it stays until spring.
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June release
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The stage was set for a showdown: Man v. Machine. On March 9, 2016, the AlphaGo artificial intelligence computer program played the board game, GO, against the world champion, Lee Sedol. The Game: Go is the oldest board game in the world. Games are perfect tests for A.I because they keep score. It’s easy to see when the A.I. is improving. The Man: Korean Lee Sedol was the world’s top Go player. He expected to win all five games of the match. Could the A.I. teach him anything? The Machine: Developed in 2014, AlphaGo was a computer artificial intelligence program designed to play Go by using deep learning to recognize patterns in the game. It had already beaten the European champion. Could it defeat Sedol? The exciting historic meeting of minds unfolded across five difficult games. This story introduces concepts of artificial intelligence and helps kids understand the challenges and the promise of working with A.I. 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, and two NCTE Notable Children’s Book in Language Arts. She’s the 2007 recipient of the Arkansas Governor’s Arts Award for Individual Artist for her work in children’s literature. |
June release
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Trish Das moves to the town of Comity, MA and finds herself on the same summer baseball team as her math competition rival, Ben. The two 12-year-olds have to set aside their dislike for each other in order to help their team win, but the team is terrible. When a booklet of math puzzles claiming to reveal the “ultimate answer” arrives, Trish and Ben start solving them, and the team’s luck seems to turn around…or is that because of the unusual snacks they’re getting from the new snack shop in town, the Salt Shaker? When excitement then leads to tragedy, can Trish and Ben find the answer to the ultimate puzzle, or will they strike out when it counts the most? This companion novel to Midsummer’s Mayhem combines math, baseball, food, and magic. PURCHASE
Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area with her wonderful family and impossibly cute dog. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she spends her time writing novels and picture books when she’s not practicing medicine. Her book topics range from science, math, and medicine to immigration, family, friendship, and food, and some of her stories even have a touch of magic. Her recent books include Midsummer's Mayhem, an Indian-American maship of A Midsummer Night's Dream and competitive baking; and Seven Golden Rings, a picture book set in ancient India featuring a math puzzle and an explanation of binary numbers. |
June release
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Layla and the Bots are building a SWEET new invention! Blossom Valley is opening a new community center! But they need to generate buzz for the grand opening. Layla and the Bots know how to help: they will build a cupcake machine for the party! But will their invention be a piece of cake... or a recipe for disaster? With full-color artwork on every page, speech bubbles throughout, and a fun DIY activity that readers can try at home, this early chapter book series brings kid-friendly STEAM topics to young readers! 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. Her goal is for her books to inspire computer literacy for a wide range of kids—while letting their imaginations run wild with the possibilities of technology! She is the author of nine new and upcoming STEAM 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.
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July release
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Why does a football spiral? How do some athletes jump so high? The answer is science! The Secret Science of Sports helps kids better understand concepts of science, technology, engineering, and math through the sports they love to play and watch. PURCHASE
Speaker. Author. Teacher. Science Rocks! And so, do Jennifer Swanson’s books. She is the award-winning author of over 40 nonfiction books for children, mostly about science and technology. Jennifer’s love of STEM began when she started a science club in her garage at the age of 7. While no longer working from the garage, Jennifer's passion for science and technology resonates in all her books but especially, BRAIN GAMES (NGKids) and SUPER GEAR: Nanotechnology and Sports Team Up (Charlesbridge), Astronaut-Aquanaut, and Save the Crash-test Dummies. Her books have received many accolades including the Green Earth Book Honor Award, a Florida Book Award, and multiple California Reading Association awards, and National Science Teaching BEST STEM awards. |
July release
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Twelve million years ago, rhinos, elephants, and giraffes roamed North America. They would gather at nearby watering holes―eating, drinking, and trying not to become someone else’s lunch. But one day, in what we now know as Nebraska, everything changed. The explosion of a supervolcano a thousand miles away sent a blanket of ash that buried these animals for millennia. Until 1953, when a seventeen-year-old farm worker made an unbelievable discovery. Rhinos in Nebraska tells the story of the Ashfall Fossil Beds, where more than two hundred perfectly preserved fossils have been found. Step into the past with author Alison Pearce Stevens and uncover the mysteries of Ashfall through RHINOS IN NEBRASKA. PURCHASE
Alison Pearce Stevens is a former duck wrangler, beekeeper, biologist, and forever science geek who specializes in writing about science and nature for kids. She writes for Science News for Students, Highlights, ASK (Arts and Sciences for Kids) magazine and National Geographic Kids' Books. Her next book, RHINOS IN NEBRASKA (Godwin Books/Henry Holt), comes out in 2021. When she’s not researching and writing, Alison can be found in her yard, checking out the critters that call it home. She lives in the Midwest with her husband, their two kids, and a small menagerie of cuddly (and not-so cuddly) critters.
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July release
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When a David Attenborough-esque narrator explains that turtles are found everywhere except Antarctica, one determined turtle sets out to prove him wrong. After recruiting other non-Antarctic animals along the way—much to the narrator's dismay—the turtle and his adventurous friends travel through fields, forests, and cross an entire ocean to reach their goal. But what exactly do they do once they get there? Perfect for anyone who's ever gone a little too far to prove a point, this nature-documentary-gone-wrong is a gleefully funny lesson in determination and the beauty of having a contingency plan. ISBN: 9781728233260 PURCHASE
Todd Sturgell always stops to (safely) help turtles cross the road and often wonders where they’re going. He lives, hikes, draws, and watches nature documentaries in the North Carolina mountains with his wife, daughters, and dog Max (named for a certain famous picture book character). He has not yet been to Antarctica. |
July release
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Welcome to Manú National Park in Peru, where an astonishing fourteen different species of monkeys live together. That’s more than in any other rain forest on Earth! How can so many species survive together in place? Find out in this playful, rhyming picture book that explores each monkey’s habits, diet, and home territory, illustrating how this delicate ecosystem and its creatures live in harmony. From howler monkeys to spider monkeys to night monkeys, young readers will love getting to know these incredible primates and discovering the amazing ways they share their forest. Screen reader support enabled. PURCHASE
Melissa Stewart has written more than 180 science books for children, including the ALA Notable Feathers: Not Just for Flying, illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen; the SCBWI Golden Kite Honor title Pipsqueaks, Slowpokes and Stinkers: Celebrating Animal Underdogs, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis; and Can an Aardvark Bark?, illustrated by Caldecott Honoree Steve Jenkins. She 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. Melissa maintains the award-winning blog Celebrate Science and serves on the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators board of advisors. Her highly-regarded website features a rich array of nonfiction writing resources. |
July release
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Born at the stroke of midnight during a lightning storm, Nikola Tesla grew up to become one of the most important electrical inventors in the world. But before working with electricity, he was a child who loved playing with the animals on his family’s farm in Serbia. An inventor since childhood, Tesla’s patents encompassed everything from radar and remote-control technology to wireless communications. But his greatest invention was the AC induction motor, which used alternating currents ( AC) to distribute electricity and which remains the standard for electric distribution today. Tesla’s love of animals also remained constant throughout his life and led to his anointment as the Pigeon Charmer of New York for his devotion to nature’s original wireless messengers. Exploring his groundbreaking inventions against the backdrop of his private life, A Life Electric introduces Nikola Tesla to young readers unlike ever before. Azadeh Westergaard’s lyrical debut brings compassion and humanity to the legacy of the brilliant inventor, while the esteemed illustrator Júlia Sardà deftly brings him to life. PURCHASE
Azadeh Westergaard (ah-zah-dé) is an Iranian-American writer and illustrator based in New York City. She received her BA from Harvard University in Visual & Environmental Studies and her MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults at Vermont College of Fine Arts (VCFA). She loves books and family in equal measure, which is why you’ll usually find her at home, happily surrounded by her beloved picture book collection, dashing husband, three delightful boys, and one extra large and extremely fluffy golden doodle. |
August release
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Why does tomato sauce taste different from fresh tomatoes? Why does pasta go limp when you cook it in boiling water? What makes ice cream melt? In The Chemistry of Food, middle school readers learn the science behind the food they love to eat as they explore the chemistry within the meal, how nutrition works, what creates flavor, and why texture is important. What better place to learn the fundamentals of chemistry than in the kitchen? This book offers detailed explanations of five ways chemistry is part of the food they eat. Hands-on, science-minded investigations, links to online resources and media, career connections, and text-to-world questions all create a delicious learning experience for ages 12 to 15. Plus recipes!
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. |
August release
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Over the centuries, women, people from underrepresented communities, and immigrants overcame prejudices and social obstacles to make remarkable discoveries in science-but they weren't the ones to receive credit in history books. People with more power, money, and prestige were remembered as the inventor of the telephone, the scientists who decoded the structure of DNA, and the doctor who discovered the cause of yellow fever. This book aims to set the record straight and celebrate the nearly forgotten inventors and scientists who shaped our world today.
Ella is the author of CAN YOU CRACK THE CODE? (Bloomsbury, 2019), STOLEN SCIENCE (Bloomsbury, 2020), IS IT OKAY TO PEE IN THE OCEAN? (Bloomsbury, 2020) and MAKE THIS! (National Geographic Kids, 2019). She is also a featured writer for National Geographic Kids magazine. In addition to writing books, Ella is a cybersecurity warrior interfacing with the U.S. federal government on strategic technology initiatives. She has a bachelor's and master's degree in engineering from Columbia University. When she's not working, writing, or training to run a marathon, she volunteers on outreach initiatives to promote women in science and improve science literacy. Ella lives on Long Island, New York with her husband and three sons. |
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Baby discovers the science behind Christmas lights! Accurate enough to satisfy an expert, yet simple enough for baby, this clever board book explores electricity, circuits, and electrical safety. Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby's sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well.
Baby discovers the science behind spinning a dreidel on Hanukkah! Accurate enough to satisfy an expert, yet simple enough for baby, this clever board book explores angular momentum, torque, friction, and gravity. Beautiful, visually stimulating illustrations complement age-appropriate language to encourage baby's sense of wonder. Parents and caregivers may learn a thing or two as well. Ruth Spiro is the author of the Baby Loves Science board book series, published by Charlesbridge. There are 21 current and forthcoming titles including Baby Loves Aerospace Engineering, Baby Loves Coding and Baby Loves Gravity. This spring she continued her signature style of introducing complex subjects to little listeners with Baby Loves Political Science: Democracy!, a new series perfect for election year and beyond. Ruth’s STEM-themed picture book series, Made by Maxine (Dial), is about an inspiring young Maker who knows that with enough effort, imagination and recyclables, it’s possible to invent anything. Made by Maxine sold at auction as a three-book series, the second book will be published in February 2021. A frequent speaker at schools and conferences, Ruth’s previous presentations include the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, Colorado Book & Arts Festival, National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the World Science Festival. Ruth hopes her books inspire kids to observe the world, ask questions, and when it comes to their futures, DREAM BIG! |
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September release
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A rhyming picture book introduction to DNA that explains the idea of genetics, but also touches on the limits of genes and how our choices also determine who we become.
Rajani LaRocca was born in India, raised in Kentucky, and now lives in the Boston area with her wonderful family and impossibly cute dog. A graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Medical School, she spends her time writing novels and picture books when she’s not practicing medicine. Her book topics range from science, math, and medicine to immigration, family, friendship, and food, and some of her stories even have a touch of magic. Her recent books include Midsummer's Mayhem, an Indian-American mashup of A Midsummer Night's Dream and competitive baking; and Seven Golden Rings, a picture book set in ancient India featuring a math puzzle and an explanation of binary numbers. |
September release
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Robo-Motion: Robots That Move Like Animals: It's a bird, it's a plane, it's a . . . robo-hummingbird? Meet robots engineered using bio-mimicry that are built to move like animals. These robots are changing the way we live today and shaping the way we'll live in the future. On spreads pairing photos of robots with the animals they mimic, you'll discover robots that race through water like fish, run like cheetahs, jump like a kangaroo, swarm through the sky like honeybees, and more! ISBN 978-1541581265 PURCHASE
Linda Zajac is an award-winning science writer and former computer programmer, systems analyst, and consultant. She writes about cutting-edge science, technology, and biotechnology and how they're used to save wildlife, advance medicine, and protect the environment. Linda is a Tassy Walden winner and a recipient of the PEN New England Susan P. Bloom Discovery Award. |
September release
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Perfect for fans of Catherine Hapka -- a heartwarming story about a girl who must find her voice, with lots of manatee and dolphin fun along the way! PURCHASE
Sylvia Liu is a children's author inspired by oceans, ghost crabs, and kraken. She grew up in Caracas, Venezuela, attended Yale College and Harvard Law School, and practiced environmental law for a decade at the U.S. Department of Justice and the nonprofit environmental group Oceana. Her picture book, A Morning With Grandpa, illustrated by Christina Forshay (Lee & Low Books 2016) was a New Voices Award winner. She lives in Virginia with her husband, two daughters, and cat. |
September release
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Bats have wings, but do cats? No, of course not! In this entertaining early nonfiction book designed to both instruct and delight, young audiences encounter actual animal traits paired with impossible ones. Or what if they're not all far-fetched?
Laura Gehl is a former science teacher who has written about science for all ages, from babies to adults. She brings STEAM themes into many of her books for young readers, including One Big Pair of Underwear (math), I Got a Chicken for My Birthday (engineering), the Baby Scientist series (highlighting different scientific disciplines), and Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer (a picture book biography about the woman who made the Hubble Space Telescope a reality). Laura's 2021 STEAM releases include the first two board books in the Brilliant Baby series (Brilliant Baby Does Math and Brilliant Baby Plays Music), Who Is a Scientist?, which shows kids who much they have in common with 14 scientists working in different disciplines today, Bat Wings! Cat Wings?, which introduces the youngest picture book readers to animals and animal parts, and Odd Beasts, in which readers meet some of nature's weirdest creatures. Laura loves visiting schools to talk about her love of STEAM! |
September release
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In each of 25 chapters, there’s a synopsis of the featured fairy tale followed by a scientific question, such as:
Would glass slippers survive an evening of ballroom dancing? Could Rapunzel’s hair support the weight of a prince? Information about the science followed by hands-on, kid-tested experiments. Sarah Albee is the New York Times bestselling author of nonfiction books for kids. Recent and forthcoming titles include Accidental Archaeologists: True Stories of Unexpected Discoveries: North America: A Foldout Graphic History; Dog Days of History; POISON: Deadly Deeds, Perilous Professions, and Murderous Medicines; and Alexander Hamilton: A Plan for America. Other nonfiction titles include Why’d They Wear That? Bugged: How Insects Changed History; and Poop Happened: A History of the World from the Bottom Up. She lives in Connecticut with her family. She loves visiting schools and presenting to kids of all ages. www.sarahalbeebooks.com |
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September release
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Earth’s water, rocks, and plants display amazing colors. Discover the science behind what gives these natural wonders their vibrant hues.
Marie-Therese Miller is an author of nonfiction books for children and teens. Her books include The Dog Tales series about working dogs and Rachel Carson. Her most recent publications are Teens and Cyberbullying, the Many Ways series, and books about respect, empathy, and generosity in the Sesame Street Character Guides series. Miller earned her Ph.D. in English from St. John’s University, where her academic focus was James Thurber and humor. She teaches writing and children’s literature at Marist College. She and her husband have five children and a grandson. |
September releases
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Laura Gehl is a former science teacher who has written about science for all ages, from babies to adults. She brings STEAM themes into many of her books for young readers, including One Big Pair of Underwear (math), I Got a Chicken for My Birthday (engineering), the Baby Scientist series (highlighting different scientific disciplines), and Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer (a picture book biography about the woman who made the Hubble Space Telescope a reality). Laura's 2021 STEAM releases include the Brilliant Baby board book series (Brilliant Baby Does Math, Brilliant Baby Plays Music, Brilliant Baby Fights Germs, and Brilliant Baby Explores Science), Who Is a Scientist?, which shows kids who much they have in common with 14 scientists working in different disciplines today, Bat Wings! Cat Wings?, which introduces the youngest picture book readers to animals and animal parts, and Odd Beasts, in which readers meet some of nature's weirdest creatures. Laura loves visiting schools to talk about her love of STEAM! PURCHASE
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September release
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This comprehensive yet accessible exploration of water will help young readers understand many aspects of one of our planet's most precious resources - and how they can protect it. A friendly water droplet character guides children through topics ranging from melting and freezing to the ways in which water literally shapes the Earth. The engaging format includes gatefolds and booklets with hands-on activity ideas for learning about and protecting water. Topics covered include: The importance of water to life; Freezing, melting and evaporation; The water cycle; Uses for water, including water as a source of renewable energy; Water conservation and how to keep water clean.
Christy Mihaly has written more than 25 children’s books, mostly nonfiction. She has degrees in policy studies, environmental studies and law from Dartmouth College and the University of California, Berkeley. She writes for young readers because she believes that our best hope for the future is raising kids who love to learn. Her 2021 picture book, WATER: A Deep Dive of Discovery, shares the wonders of this most ordinary, extraordinary substance. Other recently published books include Free for You and Me: What Our First Amendment Means, which introduces our First Amendment freedoms to young readers through poems and stories; Diet for a Changing Climate: Food for Thought (co-written with Sue Heavenrich), about how our diet affects the earth; and Hey, Hey, Hay! (A Tale of Bales and the Machines That Make Them, a Bank Street Best Book of the Year. Christy lives in Vermont, where she enjoys walking her dog in the woods and playing the cello (though not simultaneously)." |
September release
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Did you know manatees swim using farts? Or that herrings communicate by passing gas? Butts are used for breathing, eating, swimming, talking, and even killing in the animal kingdom. Focusing on ten different animals and their derrières, and offering fun facts about their origin, habitat, and "posterior power," this hilarious book captures the wonder of our ecosystem. Which animal has the coolest butt power? That's up to you to decide! ISBN: 978-0762497775 PURCHASE
Jocelyn Rish is a writer and filmmaker who never imagined her cheeky sense of humor would lead to a book about animal butts. When she's not researching fanny facts, 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 booty-ful dogs. Find out more about Jocelyn at: Website: www.jocelynrish.com, Twitter: @JocelynRish, Instagram: @jocelynrish |
September release
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English explorers locked in ice and Inuit tales of their demise. A naked king of England dumped under a carpark. Cannibalized remains and a girl named Jane. Battles of the bones and so much more….. Discover creepy and true facts about skeletal remains found around the world in the newest installment of the acclaimed Creepy & True series from Kerrie Logan Hollihan.
Kerrie Logan Hollihan is the Wondering Woman of nonfiction for young readers. When she meets with middle graders, she asks them to sit quietly for a minute to think, encourages them to unplug, and suggests they take time to wonder, just as Isaac Newton did. Often she finishes her books and presentations with “What if?..” What’s more, she says, “narrative nonfiction is an art form! I work to make my words sing, and I love to share my joy in writing with students of all ages.” I ‘tell it like it was.’ I put the past in context, and I tackle tough topics: segregated America, religious persecution, women’s rights, the bleakness of war. I explain the ‘whys’ as well as the ‘whats’. For older kids and teens, I deal with young people at turning points in their lives, which helps my readers build links to the past and to young people who felt every bit as modern as today’s teens see themselves.” www.kerriehollihan.com/ Tweet @kerriehollihan |
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September release
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Night becomes day. Flower becomes fruit. Nature is always at work, transforming. Change can be small or big, slow or quick. Ocean waves shift beaches. Rivers carve canyons. A pumpkin tendril reaches skyward. An acorn cracks open and sends down a root. Lyrical text and stunning photographs invite readers to explore the transformative power of nature all around us. Back matter delves deeper into the science of change. ISBN 978-1-5415-8124-1 PURCHASE
Cynthia Argentine spent much of her childhood in a canoe or sailboat, exploring the creek behind her house in Virginia. There were plenty of changes in nature to observe, from the wind and weather to the tides and trees. A former environmental consultant, Cynthia has a degree in English and environmental science from the College of William & Mary and a degree in environmental law from Vermont Law School. She and her husband live in Indiana and have three young-adult children (all in different states!) whom they love to visit. Learn more about Cynthia's books and articles at www.cynthiaargentine.com. |
September release
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Why are you able to jump so much higher from a trampoline than from the ground? What forces are at work when you do an ollie on a skateboard? How does a counter rotation work on a snowboard? The answer is: Physics! In The Physics of Fun, kids ages 12 to 15 explore the science behind awesome activities that kids love. What do skateboarding, snowboarding, trampolining, singing in a band, and playing video games all have in common, besides being fun? They are all made possible with physics! From Newton’s laws of motion to the behavior of electrons, the science of physics is an integral part of any amusement park, play center, trampoline park, or home gaming center. The Physics of Fun offers detailed explanations of the science behind five familiar pastimes, along with hands-on investigations that use the scientific and engineering design methods to enable kids to apply their learning to a wide array of science challenges. Projects include using a skateboard to demonstrate inertia, investigating the transfer and conservation of energy on a trampoline, observing sound waves with water, and building a guitar to explore the sound waves made by its strings.
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. |
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October release
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Who Is a Scientist introduces kids to fourteen diverse scientists, including their work (in a large range of disciplines from rocket science to paleontology) and their hobbies. Young readers will see that scientists are real people who like junk food and dogs and art, who watch movies and listen to music and play soccer, just like them!
Laura Gehl is a former science teacher who has written about science for all ages, from babies to adults. She brings STEAM themes into many of her books for young readers, including One Big Pair of Underwear (math), I Got a Chicken for My Birthday (engineering), the Baby Scientist series (highlighting different scientific disciplines), and Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer (a picture book biography about the woman who made the Hubble Space Telescope a reality). Laura's 2021 STEAM releases include the first two board books in the Brilliant Baby series (Brilliant Baby Does Math and Brilliant Baby Plays Music), Who Is a Scientist?, which shows kids who much they have in common with 14 scientists working in different disciplines today, and Odd Beasts, in which readers meet some of nature's weirdest creatures. Laura loves visiting schools to talk about her love of STEAM! |
October release
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In this quirky tale with a STEM foundation, Chicken Frank wants to convince his barnyard friends that he is a dinosaur. Cluckity-roar! But when results of a DNA test inspire Frank to hold a family reunion with toothy relatives, will Frank become a tasty chicken nugget? Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! offers a perfect blend of humor and information in its exploration of evolution, extinction, and scientific debate. This comic-book style picture book will appeal to dinosaur and animal lovers everywhere. PURCHASE ISBN: 978-0807511411 .
S.K. Wenger is an award-winning writer and teacher who enjoys the warmth of sunshine while hiking, swimming, and gardening. With roots in the woods and lakes of New Hampshire, she’s lived in northern Utah for nearly thirty years where the mountains have provided a beautiful backdrop for raising three children with her husband. As an author who loves weaving science-y tidbits into stories with humor and heart, she is delighted to share her first picture book. Find out more at www.skwenger.com. Twitter: @SKWenger |
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November release
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Is that a fishing pole sticking out of that fish's head? Why does that turtle have such a long neck? Can you see the organs through that frog's transparent skin? Odd Beasts introduces young readers to some of nature's weirdest creatures. Simple rhyming main text pairs with beautiful illustrations, while backmatter gives additional information and photographs of each animal.
Laura Gehl is a former science teacher who has written about science for all ages, from babies to adults. She brings STEAM themes into many of her books for young readers, including One Big Pair of Underwear (math), I Got a Chicken for My Birthday (engineering), the Baby Scientist series (highlighting different scientific disciplines), and Always Looking Up: Nancy Grace Roman, Astronomer (a picture book biography about the woman who made the Hubble Space Telescope a reality). Laura's 2021 STEAM releases include the first two board books in the Brilliant Baby series (Brilliant Baby Does Math and Brilliant Baby Plays Music), Who Is a Scientist?, which shows kids who much they have in common with 14 scientists working in different disciplines today, and Odd Beasts, in which readers meet some of nature's weirdest creatures. Laura loves visiting schools to talk about her love of STEAM! |