Books
No polka dot suitcase is complete without some books stuffed inside, right? Check out some of the books I’ve written:
PLANET EARTH: 25 ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS YOU CAN BUILD YOURSELF
Kids can explore their planet with this activity book. In the first half of the book, kids can learn about the natural world, getting up-close with animal life; understanding the power of the wind, water, and sun; and learning about how it all comes together. Then, in the second half, they’ll explore key environmental issues–wind and solar power, pollution, endangered species, global warming, recycling, and more.
But it’s not all about just reading–the fun really starts when kids get to make projects like a wind-powered bubble machine, a worm composting castle, a garbage picker-upper, and a life-cycle habitat.
This award-winning book is available now online and bookstores.
THE HUMAN BODY: 25 FANTASTIC PROJECTS ILLUMINATE HOW THE BODY WORKS
We’re in our skin from the day we’re born, but getting a good look inside and exploring the human body is an amazing adventure in how life really works. From understanding just how that apple turns into energy inside the body to how the “leftovers” exit the body, kids will be amazed at all the action that’s going on right in their own bodies.
This book will engage kids with hands-on activities that will crystallize that information—they’ll see exactly how smoke affects the lungs; how the heart really works as a liquid pump; and how their cells are structured (and then get to eat the results!). Kids will take away a concrete understanding of their bodies—and realize just how amazing they really are.
Available now online and at bookstores.
ENERGY: 25 PROJECTS INVESTIGATE WHY WE NEED POWER AND HOW WE GET IT
Giving kids a hands-on opportunity to see energy in action, these (more than) 25 projects are an exciting introduction to the ways this hot topic affects both world politics and everyday lives. Packed with information about what energy really is, where it comes from, and its alternative sources, the projects range from a steam-powered boat and a solar-powered water heater to geothermal geyser and cow pies (biomass!). The tough topics of energy shortages are covered with enthusiasm in a lively discussion so kids can make educated, positive changes for their future.
This award-winning book is available now online and in bookstores.
AMAZING FOOD PROJECTS INVESTIGATE THE HISTORY AND SCIENCE OF WHAT WE EAT
Coming September 2010…
From the minute life begins, you’ve got to have some kind of food to make you strong, help you grow, and give you energy. But a lot of times that ham sandwich is taken for granted—you don’t give a lot of thought to where it comes from, how it got to you, what’s really in it, or what it does for you. Amazing Food Projects Investigate the History and Science of What We Eat gives kids some “food for thought” as they dive in to exciting projects and activities about the history, science, and culture of food. They’ll learn about how people in ancient times thought about food, and how they got it. They’ll find out how certain foods evolved, and how modern technology plays a part in food production, packaging, and delivery. And they’ll learn about all aspects of food in our daily lives—how vegetarians balance their diet; how some cultures rose and fell based on a single food source; the route from farm to market; how eating locally makes an impact; and much more.
EXPLORE LIFE CYCLES!
Coming in March 2011…
In Explore Life Cycles! kids ages 6-9 will learn about the amazing changes plants and animals experience throughout their lives. Young scientists will discover what happens inside those magical cocoons to transform a caterpillar into a creature as different as a butterfly. They’ll explore how frogs can breathe underwater as tadpoles, then use lungs as an adult. Life Cycles will show kids how mammals, fish, birds, insects, amphibians, plants, and fungus are born, develop, and live their lives. Activities range from edible life cycles of insects to special butterfly habitats. Using an eye-catching combination of cartoons, fun facts, and exciting projects, Explore Life Cycles will bring the mysteries of life right into kids’ hands.