Zoey and Sassafras: Merhorses and Bubbles by Asia Citro, Illustrated by Marion Lindsay

We can't get enough of this new STEM-focused fiction series!

Delve into the deep and discover how pollution can affect even a delicate ecosystem right in your backyard!


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I received a free copy of this product from Innovation Press in exchange for writing a review.  All opinions are my own.


The only downside to finishing this third installment in the fabulous Zoey and Sassafras series is that now we have to (not-so-patiently) wait for the next one to come out in the fall!





These fun, science-focused books are easily some of our favorites to read together and just like the previous two books, book #3 inspired Gv to conduct an investigation of her own right after we finished reading it.



I just love how this series draws her in and gets her excited about exploring scientific topics, even at such a young age -- and that it does it in such a natural way, as well!

For example, we learned on a recent hike this summer how to identify several different tree species. Gv has a handful that she can now recognize by name, but there was one that she was most excited to learn:



Sassafras!

Making connections between favorite books and fun new facts is what makes Latticed Learning so much fun!


Gv gets so tickled whenever Zoey's handwriting is in the book -- I really feel this helps readers connect to the story!

In this third book, Zoey and Sassafras head to a nearby stream, only to make a terrible discovery. This situation only gets worse when they learn that not only are typical water creatures in danger, but the magical merhorses, as well!



Zoey and Sassafras (along with Pip, the frog) need to solve the mystery of the stream, but will they do it in time to save all the creatures?

You'll have to read the book yourself to find out, but along the way you'll encounter seamless scientific learning about environmental issues and plenty of Marion Lindsay's lively illustrations, just like in Dragons and Marshmallows and Monsters and Mold.

Like the other books, Merhorses and Bubbles contains a glossary explaining more about the main scientific concepts found within its pages. 


The glossary includes just enough terms to challenge young readers, without being overwhelming!

This volume continues instruction in the scientific method as well as introducing several insects, algae and a pH primer!

Once again, the moment we finished the book, Gv jumped up and began making plans for her own pond investigation!


You've got to have your Thinking Goggles on when you're planning an experiment!

We attend a wonderful free children's program once at week at a nearby wildlife preserve, so she began counting the days until we returned so she could explore the topics in this book further.

Her plan was to collect a water sample from the pond and use her insect-viewer (a portable microscope) to investigate whatever algae or critters it contained.


Getting the sample situated...


Looking for critters...


Wow! Exciting!


Drawing her discovery in her science journal.

She continues to use her science notebook like Zoey does -- we created it after finishing the first book in the series and although I had doubts she would use it much at such a young age, she's already filled a quarter of the pages!


I had doubts that this would be used much, since Gv is still so young, but she insisted on bringing it along on our big summer trip and added many new drawings, leaves and facts to it all season long!


It was another fun go-around with this great little book series and if you haven't already, race those clicking fingers over to pick up a copy of Zoey and Sassafras: Merhorses and Bubbles for your own budding scientists -- and while you're at it, be sure to grab books one and two as well!


We can't wait for the next installment in this series!

Have you been looking for a fun children's book series that focuses on STEM topics like this one?  I'd love to hear!  Either leave a comment below or email me at lisahealy (at) outlook (dot) com.

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11 comments:

  1. How fun is a series? I would have loved to have had books like this when my kids were little. Exploring nature in learning while having fun? That's the best.

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  2. It isn't fair they have so many nice books now for kids. I guess I'll have to wait for the grandbabies although that may be a while.

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  3. Sounds like a perfect science fit - "amen-worthy" even. We homeschooled for 8 years, so my insides are doing a little dance of excitement for you. #chasingcommunity

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  4. These sound like adorable science books!

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    1. Thanks for sharing with us at Love to Learn. Pinned.

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  5. What a great series to inspire young girls in the area of science!Thanks for sharing at The Blogger's Pit Stop! Roseann from www.thisautoimmunelife.com

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  6. Oh congratulations to her for finding a critter. My eldest grand daughter has very recently become very interested in science. This books is perfect for her. Pinning.

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  7. Those books look really good, especially for a homeschool Mom like myself. I am going to have to save them and check them out. Thanks for stopping by #HomeMattersParty I hope you will join us again this week.

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  8. I would of adored these books as a kid I was a science nerd and loved nature most of all

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  9. I picked up the first two of these after reading your first review of them and I've been saving them to read with my 2nd grader and 4-year old this school year for science! We're starting next week, and I can hardly wait!!! Thanks for sharing this at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com!
    Tina

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  10. That really looks like such a fun series. Lisa I am so impressed with your little one that she is so curious and interested in science from such a young age. How old is she now?

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