It is really hard trying to find interesting and engaging books for our boys to read. We have recently been given a copy of the first book of the Zoey and Sassafras Series which, I’m happy to say, captivated both of our boys.
Written by a former science teacher, Asia Citro, these books (three so far!) incorporate science with a little mix of magic and amazing illustrations by Marion Lindsay.
In the first book of the series, Dragons and Marshmallows, Zoey first learns of her scientist mother’s amazing ability of being able to see magical creatures. As sad as Zoey is that her mother is leaving town for a few days, she is eager to take fill in for her mum and help any injured creatures that ring the special barn doorbell.
It doesn’t take long before Zoey hears the ring and quickly runs out to see who may be in need of her help. She finds a small, sick dragon is waiting inside. But how is Zoey going to help a dragon? With the help of her cat, Sassafras and her thinking googles, Zoey uses the scientific method to research, design and carry out experiments. She learns about cold-blooded reptiles and tummy aches in the process, and ends up helping this tiny creature become healthy enough to go back into the wild. During this process, Zoey keeps all her notes in a scientific journal, just like her mother has done with all the animals she has helped in the past.
This has been a very inspiring book for our boys. Asia has done an amazing job of incorporating science and fantasy with interesting characters that will have all kids engaged and eager for more. Being captivated and encouraged by this book to do their own experiments, I decided to create a Scientific Journal for our boys to record all their findings in too.
This journal includes:
- A ‘Cover’ Page
- A ‘Table of Contents’ Page
- A ‘Things I Want to Learn’ Page
- A page for recording their ‘Question, Research and Hypothesis’
- A page for recording their ‘Materials, Procedure and Observations’
- A page for recording any ‘Sketches and their ‘Conclusion’
- As well as a page for recording their notes
These pages can be printed out numerous times and bound together to create their own special Scientific Journal.
*** Zoey and Sassafras – Printable Scientific Journal ***
Currently there are 3 books available in this series:
- Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows
- Zoey and Sassafras: Monsters and Mold
- Zoey and Sassafras: Merhorses and Bubbles
Disclosure: I was given a copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing. All opinions on this blog are my own and were not in anyway influenced by the product provided or by the company.