Zoey and Sassafras Introduction [Book Review + Activity]

I’ve said before, blogging about kid’s literature has a few incredible perks. The biggest one is the chance to check out incredible new books- sometimes before they’ve even launched yet! I recently had the privilege of checking out the first book in a brand new science-inspired series set to launch in March. I’m excited to introduce you to “Zoey and Sassafras“‘!

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post (at no additional cost to you), which allows me to continue providing free content on the blog. I received a free copy of the book and a ‘parent launch kit’ to facilitate this review. All opinions here are my own. 

The Basics

The “Zoey and Sassafras” series is an upcoming creation from The Innovation Press. The books are a series of short(ish) chapter books for kids around 5-9 years old. The stories, written by Asia Citro, focus on young Zoey and her trusty buddy- her cat Sassafras. Together, Zoey and Sassafras encounter magical and mythical creatures who come to her family for help when they are ill. In order to help the fantasic animals, Zoey uses legitimate scientific principles to experiment and find solutions that work. Marion Lindsay’s whimsical illustrations of the wide-eyed characters will capture the attention of readers.

Up First- Dragons and Marshmallows

Asia was kind enough to send me the first book in the series, Dragons and Marshmallows. In this tale, Zoey’s mother reveals a secret to the curious girl. Since she was young, Zoey’s mother has been able to see and communicate with magical animals, and helps them when needed. Her mother leaves this responsibility with Zoey while she’s away, and Zoey jumps in head first. Zoey’s first mythical visitor is a baby dragon, and Zoey must determine how to keep her young charge happy and healthy. Through age-appropriate hypotheses and experimentation, Zoey’s first challenge is ultimately a success.

Young readers will enjoy Zoey’s character and likely identify with her eagerness to think independently and find solutions on her own. Zoey is a curious girl, the sort who is always thinking. That trait resonated with me in comparison to my oldest. I’m sure other readers, young and old, will make the same connection. Parents will be thrilled with the inclusion of ‘true’ science, making the book a perfect introduction to further experimentation and learning. Children will likely not even know they are learning about science while they read. The educational slant of the book is disguised behind the fantasy of helping dragons. There’s nothing dry or ‘school-like’ about this reading, although it does align with common core standards. This makes the book ideal for reluctant readers as well.

One feature of these books that I love is the role of Zoey and her mother as the heroes of the books. Zoey’s mom is employed as a scientist, and Zoey looks up to her for her intelligence and capability. Historically overlooked in science and technology roles in both the ‘real world’ and children’s literature, these books help to normalize the idea that women can be successful in science. Young girls will identify with Zoey and likely find a role model in Zoey’s mom. Additionally, Zoey is successful in her mission based on her thoughts and follow through with experimentation. There’s no mention of what you find in a lot of literature marketed to young girls- shopping, boys, etc. (I’m not saying that ‘girly stuff’ doesn’t have a place in kid’s reading, it certainly does. But balance is a good thing, and that’s what this series provides).

Young boys will have the opportunity to normalize the importance of women and girls within technological fields. The impact on young male readers especially is not likely to be overt. In the way that exposure to an idea over and over normalizes it, reading these books will very gradually remove the distinction between the roles of men and women in science. [And that’s a great thing, in my opinion!] #thebigone read the book, and he had no complaints about it being ‘for girls’. This is a series that will appeal to a wide audience, and benefit a wide audience.

Zoey and sassafras- building on books

Each book/series from Innovation Press has a website that provides ideas for extension activities to help the reading come alive. Discussion guides are also available, to make sure comprehension is strong. Inspired by the book, we set out to create some props to aid us in our future scientific endeavors. If you’re going to be a scientist, you’d better look the part, right?!

Thinking Goggles
When Zoey really needs to think, she wears her Thinking Goggles. We grabbed a pair of safety goggles for ourselves and decided to make them a little bit fancier. (Mainly because we never pass up an opportunity to get a little crafty!) We used puffy paint to add some color to our goggles , and then set them aside for a chance to dry thoroughly. We even added a little ‘thinking’ motivation to ours, but yours will be a blank canvas for your little scientists to fill. (Helpful hint… Steer clear of the vent holes in the goggles!) 

Science Journal
Zoey records her hypotheses, variables, and outcome of experiments in her science journal. We decorated some simple notebooks with permanent markers, science cutouts, and science themed stickers. There’s a lot of flexibility in this project, so do what works for you. Cutting and pasting words or images from magazines would be another great way to decorate your journals. Don’t forget to write your name on the front!

Pair these two accessories with an old white adult size button down shirt (lab coat, anyone?). Your little scientists look the part and be ready to start experimenting! Keep your eyes peeled for dragons!

Gotta Have it?

The “Zoey and Sassafras” series is currently set to officially launch in mid-March. Until then, you can pre-order the books online from Amazon via the links below. While you’re there, check out some of the other exciting titles from The Innovation Press. Additionally, the series is available at Indie Bound.

Standard Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. I may receive a commission from purchases you make through the links in this post (at no additional cost to you), which allows me to continue providing free content on the blog. I received a free copy of the book and a ‘parent launch kit’ to facilitate this review. All opinions here are my own.

How do you get your kids excited to read about science?