Search this site

Explore Quality Books at The First Book Marketplace | Affordable Educational Resources for Kids of All Ages | Platypus Media's Contributions to This Program | Grab Your Favorite Sets, Including STEM Collections and Bilingual Titles at Discounts! The First Book Marketplace makes quality books available to organizations that serve families in need. The First Book Marketplace offers educators and program leaders new titles at 50-90 percent off retail price for kids from birth to 18, including award winning and culturally inclusive books, teacher resources, and other educational products. Platypus Media is honored to be a part of this wonderful program. Many of our books are for sale on the First Book Marketplace at a steep discount for qualifying buyers : Book Sets 101 Things About Science and Math Collection (30 paperbacks) $173.48 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science! (15 copies) 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math! (15 copies) Animals and Habitats (28 paperbacks) $161.91 This Is the Sun (7 copies) This Is How I Grow (7 copies) Look Up to See What the Weather Will Be (7 copies) If My Mom Were a Platypus (7 copies) Math Madness Collection (30 paperbacks) $173.48 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math! (15 copies) 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! (15 copies) Science Explorations Collection (25 paperbacks) $144.56 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science! (5 copies) 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Science! (5 copies) 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! (5 copies) Leonardo da Vinci Gets a Do-Over! (5 copies) Ghost in the Water (5 copies) One Minute Science & Math Mysteries Collection (30 paperbacks) $173.48 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! (10 copies) 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! (10 copies) 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! (10 copies) Book Sets Available in Spanish & Spanish/English Bilingual Animales y sus hábitats (Animals and Habitats Spanish Collection) (Spanish paperback) $166.81 Este es el Sol (7 copies) Así crezco (7 copies) Mira hacia el cielo y verás cómo el tiempo estará (7 copies) Si mi mamá fuera un ornitorrinco (7 copies) One Minute Science & Math Mysteries Bilingual Collection (English/Spanish paperback) $173.48 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! / ¡Misterios cortos que resuelves con matemáticas! (5 copies) More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! / Misterios de un minuto: ¡Más misterios cortos que resuelves con ciencias! (5 copies) Nurtured and Nuzzled Bilingual Collection (English/Spanish paperback) $141.98 Cuddled and Carried / Consentido y cargado (15 copies) Babies Nurse / Así se alimentan los bebés (15 copies) Las mujeres en CTIM (Women in STEM Spanish Collection) (Spanish paperback) $173.48 Las mujeres en la biología (5 copies) Las mujeres en la química (5 copies) Las mujeres en la física (5 copies) Las mujeres en la ingeniería (5 copies) Las mujeres en la medicina (5 copies) Las mujeres en la botánica (5 copies) Single Title Bundles Available in Multiple Languages Cuddled and Carried / আদরে ও আলিঙ্গরে Bilingual Collection (English/Bengali paperback) $131.48 Cuddled and Carried / আদরে ও আলিঙ্গরে (30 copies) Cuddled and Carried / Karese'm epi pote'm Bilingual Collection (English/Haitian Creole paperback) $131.48 Cuddled and Carried / Karese'm epi pote'm (30 copies) If My Mom Were a Platypus Collection (English paperback) $86.74 If My Mom Were a Platypus (15 copies) If My Mom Were a Platypus Spanish Collection (Spanish paperback) $86.74 Si mi mamá fuera un ornitorrinco: Los bebés mamíferos y sus madres (15 copies) My Community Loves Me Collection (English paperback) $520.58 My Community Loves Me (110 copies) Spheres All Year / Las esferas todo el año Bilingual Collection (English/Spanish paperback) $173.48 Spheres All Year / Las esferas todo el año (30 copies) This Is the Sun / Este es el Sol Reversible Bilingual Collection (English/Spanish paperback) $194.48 This Is the Sun / Este es el Sol (30 copies) Twinkle, Twinkle, Daytime Star Collection (English paperback) $462.60 Twinkle, Twinkle, Daytime Star (80 copies) Twinkle, Twinkle, Daytime Star / Brilla, brilla, estrellita del día Bilingual Collection (English/Spanish paperback) $462.60 Twinkle, Twinkle, Daytime Star / Brilla, brilla, estrellita del día (80 copies) Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky Collection (English paperback) $462.60 Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky (80 copies) Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky / Brilla, brilla, cielito de la noche Bilingual Collection (English/Spanish paperback) $462.60 Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky / Brilla, brilla, cielito de la noche (80 copies) Looking for titles not yet available on the Marketplace? We're happy to offer discount pricing for customers who are First Book eligible. Please contact Ali@PlatypusMedia.com .

Science, Naturally! publishes award-winning, bilingual STEM books for kids. Trusted by educators, librarians, and homeschoolers. Free teacher’s guides available. ORDER NOW Best Sellers Mara Plants A Seed Price $18.95 The P Word: A Manual for Mammals Price $18.95 NEW RELEASE This Is the Ocean Price $16.95 NEW RELEASE C Is for Crime Scene: A Forensics A to Z Book Price $18.95 How Do You See the World? Price $18.95 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! Price $12.95 The Super Volcano: A Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park Price $21.95 "These books encourage a lifetime of curiosity about the world around us!" Julie Edmonds , PhD, Carnegie Academy for Science Education Check Out Our Blog 1 2 3 4 5

Can you solve this real-world math mystery? Spring had turned the corner and twins Frances and Fiona were pleased that they could start spending time outside in their backyard. The family's yard was sheltered by trees with long branches, perfect for the girls' hobby of bird watching.  ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... May Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Finding A Solution Spring had turned the corner and twins Frances and Fiona were pleased that they could start spending time outside in their backyard. The family's yard was sheltered by trees with long branches, perfect for the girls' hobby of bird watching. Frances had the job of mixing sugar in water for their hummingbird feeder. In the past, the girls noticed that more hummingbirds came to the feeder when they used a more sugary mix. This year Frances had decided to make the mix as sweet as possible. In the kitchen, she added sugar to hot water until sugar started collecting in the bottom of the pot even while she was stirring it. Then she filled the feeder with the water solution. "I just love it when we get to see so many hummingbirds!" Frances said as she screwed the lid onto the feeder. The girls hung the feeder on a tree branch where they could watch from their deck. It took a few days for the hummingbirds to start coming, and when they did, the birds left almost instantly each time. The girls went out to check the feeder. "I think I see the problem," Fiona said, scraping powder from the feeding holes. "Where did that come from?" Frances asked. "The birds can't get the mix out of the feeder," Fiona said. "This powder clogging the holes is sugar." "I didn't put any sugar on the outside," Frances protested. "And I stopped adding sugar to the water when the sugar started collecting at the bottom of the water even when I was stirring it. I know that when there's as much sugar as the water can hold, the water is saturated and can't dissolve any more sugar. Isn't that right?" REVEAL ANSWER

Written by Kit Jones-Painter Designed by Kit Jones-Painter Edited by Eileen M. Halpin, Faith Lustig, and Chloe Sutton It’s that time again! The school year is kicking into gear. It’s time to load fresh notebooks into backpacks, clean-out lunch boxes, and set those early morning alarms. It can be a stressful time for the whole family as that first day of school looms ever-closer on the horizon. But it doesn’t have to be! Ease the transition between summer fun and school focus by reading books that excite your kids about learning. Luckily, those are the kinds of books we specialize in at Science, Naturally! Encourage a passion for learning with any of these back-to-school reads for your youngster. Keep reading to see three highlights from our catalog, all of which have received awards and stellar reviews from Reader Views. Women in Botany This title is part of the Science Wide Open series by Mary Wissinger covering trailblazing women throughout history that have made an impact in the STEM field. It is a fantastic and impactful collection of six books featuring women from across the globe who contributed to various fields of science. It’s a great blend of accessible science education, history, and female empowerment for a diverse audience. Women in Botany traces how a single seed can flourish into a world of difference. Likewise, the minds of young readers will flourish with a passion for plants. The beauty of the message is that it is straightforward, accessible, and inspiring—“the ecosystem has many moving parts that have to work efficiently and effectively to benefit those who depend on it.” And we are one part of that ecosystem! After reading, your kids will be prepped to participate in the ecosystem like a botanist following the path paved by a long history of women. Not only is this book educational, but it inspires young girls everywhere to chase their STEM dreams. As Reader Views put it, “the impact that this book will have on girls who read it can’t be underestimated. Anyone, however, can marvel at how they used their intelligence, skills, and talents to change botany forever.” How Do You See the World? Chances are, you’ve met someone who needs glasses to see. Maybe that person is you! A good chunk of the world’s population has some sort of vision impairment—roughly 2.2 billion people globally, according to 2026 WHO statistics. How Do You See the World gives readers the chance to view the world through fresh eyes, as author Noureddine Melikechi teaches readers about the various conditions that impair vision, with visual representations illustrated by Michelle Simpson. Big words like astigmatism and myopia are made approachable through kid-friendly definitions and colorful illustrations. By the end, readers will be optometrists in the making. Due to its educational content, Reader Views reports that they can “easily see this book being used in school curriculum or even a doctor’s office to help children better understand their own eye health.” But it’s no sterile textbook. “Michelle Simpson’s illustrations help make this learning journey evocative at every twist and turn, providing clear and easy visuals for how someone with eye issues such as astigmatism, nearsightedness, farsightedness, etc., might see the world.” This is explored through a blurry left-side page and a corrected right-side page viewed through a pair of glasses, normalizing glasses as a corrective aid. Between the educational content and the artwork, How Do You See the World is “an excellent book and strikes a great balance of attention-grabbing and educational.” This makes it the perfect book to kick off a semester of curiosity and learning. Tiny Tern Takes Flight Going back to school can be scary, but Tiny Tern Takes Flight transforms the prospect of a daunting task into a terrific adventure. By witnessing a young tern who makes the journey to the arctic for the very first time, little ones will be inspired to return to a new class through a surprisingly relatable story. Author Donna B. McKinley follows this resilient bird on an extraordinary tale, which flies from pole to pole and back again every year seeking warmth and food, making it the longest migration of any animal. Tiny Tern’s tale is rich with emotion and courage. “The journey is arduous, filled with moments of tension and resilience, but it’s also a story of triumph—showing the power of perseverance and the incredible strength found in even the smallest creatures.” Fiona Osbaldstone’s illustrations add “exquisite detail and a sense of wonder” that pulls readers in and helps them “feel the wind under Tiny Tern’s wings and the determination pushing it forward.” And of course, it has wonderful educational value as well. McKinely sprinkles “fascinating facts into the story… These nuggets of science are blended seamlessly, offering a gentle introduction to STEM concepts like biology and migration.” Reader Views says it best: “Tiny Tern’s incredible feat of endurance is inspiring, and highlights the resilience, determination and the beauty in our natural world. If you’re looking for a story that combines adventure, heart, and science, ‘Tiny Tern Takes Flight’ is a must-read.” Readers of all ages can close the book with the confidence that they, too, can overcome the trials of a new season. If Tiny Tern can fly across the world, then kids can ace the next grade, no sweat! From the soil, to the skies, to our own human eyes, natural wonders abound! Nothing inspires the spirit of discovery like a good book, and these are three excellent ones to gear up for the new school year. Whether your kiddo is fascinated by plants, animals, or anatomy, these books will encourage curiosity, expand knowledge, and empower readers to explore the vast world we live in. And if none of those topics catch your eye, never fear. There’s a wide variety of STEM topics, many more of which can be found in the rest of our Science, Naturally! catalog. We have something for everyone. By the time you turn the last page, your child will be ready to tackle the new school year like the budding scientist they are.

Written by Chloe Sutton Designed by Faith Lustig Edited by Kit Jones-Painter July 29th is International Tiger Day! There’s no better way to celebrate than with the story of Zoya. Zoya is an Amur tiger—the same tiger subspecies that International Tiger Day was started for. She is also the star of our book A Family For Zoya (and our hero). This book shows modern conservation in practice through the true story of how Zoya’s life was saved by the Philadelphia Zoo and Oklahoma City Zoo teams. Zoya’s impact doesn’t end with her rescue as a cub. Zoya has had two litters of her own, helping her species’ endangered status. Go Zoya!!! It helps that she and her cubs are adorable. Speaking of adorable, let’s talk about Zoya’s youngest fans at the Oklahoma City Zoo... Photo Credit: OKC Zoo One Little Earth has awarded a grant to the Oklahoma Zoological Society, a non-profit organization that supports the Oklahoma City (OKC) Zoo. With this grant, the Oklahoma Zoological Society has already begun distributing A Family for Zoya and planning events to benefit the community with the book. Currently, they have introduced Zoya’s story into three programs! The story of one little tiger (who isn’t so little anymore) is teaching the importance of conservation to children and creating an early interest in wildlife. Read about the three programs below with quotes from Oklahoma Zoological Society! Photo Credit: OKC Zoo Nature Explorers Preschool Program “We recently received A Family for Zoya for my 4-year-old, and it has quickly become a favorite in our home. The story shares a meaningful message about love, belonging, and family. The illustrations are beautiful and engaging and we’re so grateful to have this special book as part of our collection!" —Kate, parent of Nature Explorers Preschool Program “OKC Zoo’s Nature Explorers Preschool is a program designed to focus on developing the whole child in their cognitive, physical, social, emotional, and creative development through the Zoo’s natural setting. Using the generous grant from One Little Earth, this year’s graduating preschoolers each received a copy of A Family for Zoya, a great connection of the lessons learned about empathy and conservation in their early school days at the Zoo.” Oklahoma City Zoo Summer Camp “The OKC Zoo hosts summer camps annually for ages ranging from kindergarten to upper middle school. Each week of curriculum is themed in a fun way connecting and engaging students with studies of animals and conservation actions. A Family for Zoya is perfect for this year’s themed week of “Tiny Tails and Little Paws,” showcasing the Zoo’s animal babies like Luca, a critically endangered Sumatran tiger cub. Reading about Zoya and watching Lola with her latest cub couldn’t be a better pairing to illustrate Zoya’s incredible story.” Animal Awareness Days, Cat Day “It was extra special to have Debra Kim Wolfe participate in the OKC Zoo’s International Cat Day celebration and host a virtual story time featuring her book, “A Family For Zoya”. The OKC Zoo is incredibly proud to be part of this story about the Zoo’s Sumatran tiger Lola becoming a surrogate mother to Amur tiger cub, Zoya, and successfully raising her with her own cubs. Today, Zoya is thriving and has welcomed her own cubs. Debra’s inspiring book is an incredible testament to the power of collaboration among AZA accredited members and their experts, and a “purr”fect fit for International Cat Day!” —OKC Zoo “Each year, the OKC Zoo celebrates a series of Animal Awareness Days from May to October featuring various animal groups from across the Zoo. On July 4, 2026, the Zoo will focus on several feline favorites during its International Cat Day celebration. The Zoo’s big and small cat species will be showcased including Sumatran tiger mom, Lola, and her youngster, Luca. This is the perfect opportunity to share with guests the amazing story of Lola’s adopted Amur tiger cub, Zoya, by giving away several copies of A Family for Zoya as part of International Cat Day.” Photo Credit: OKC Zoo Through these programs, families will benefit from this book and from the generosity of One Little Earth and the Oklahoma Zoological Society. We are so glad that our title, A Family for Zoya, not only highlights an inspiring story, but also highlights the people whose involvement made it possible. We can’t wait to see what else the Oklahoma Zoological Society will do and where Zoya’s story will reach next. We have our fingers crossed that this is only the beginning of her impact on the tiger conservation effort! Despite a tough start, Zoya has made huge strides forward. She was rightly named Zoya, meaning “life” in Russian, and what a life she has given to the future of the world’s tigers! Zoya embodies the spirit of this international celebration and empowers future generations of conservationists. Photo Credit: OKC Zoo Read A Family for Zoya for yourself:

Calling all parents of tiny tinkerers! This past Sunday marked the start of one of the biggest STEM celebrations of the year: National Engineering Week ! In the United States, February 22–28 recognizes engineers of all kinds— civil , chemical , mechanical , electrical , and more —and celebrates their discoveries and innovations that have shaped our world. From the bridges we cross to the clean water we rely on and the technologies that keep us connected, engineering touches nearly every part of our daily lives. To spotlight the week, we at Science, Naturally! invited civil engineer Kira Harrison to our blog to share a behind-the-scenes look at her career. In her interview, Kira shares the inside scoop on what her job is really  like, reveals how she discovered her passion for engineering, and offers advice for kids excited about designing, building, and solving real-world problems. Let’s dive in! Q: What first inspired you to want to become an engineer?   A:  Growing up, I loved puzzles, brain-games, and building intricate structures with LEGO bricks. I was always drawn to activities that challenged me to think critically and create something from scratch. My family later introduced me to civil engineering, and once I realized how limitless the field was, I was hooked. The idea that I could help design cities, strengthen communities, and make a positive, lasting impact on people’s lives truly excited me! Q: Who are some female engineers that you look up to? A:  I’ve always looked up to Mae Jemison. She was a chemical engineer and also the first Black woman to become an astronaut. I also greatly admire Katherine Johnson, whose groundbreaking work at NASA helped send astronauts into orbit and safely to the moon. You might recognize her story from the featured film, Hidden Figures ! Most of all, my mom, Joycelyn Harrison, has always been my biggest inspiration. She’s a chemical engineer who worked at NASA, and growing up, I loved hearing about her research and accomplishments. Watching her passion for science and innovation first hand made engineering feel both exciting and attainable. Q: In your words, what is engineering, and what does it mean to you? A: At its core, engineering is about problem-solving—finding creative, innovative solutions to real-world challenges. I love that engineering combines imagination with action. You can work on exciting projects like designing skyscrapers or developing rockets, but you can also make a direct, meaningful difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s designing water systems to remove harmful lead pipes or improving city infrastructure to address food deserts, the impact of engineering is tangible. You can see and feel the change you help create. Q: What skills does an engineer need to have? A: Engineers need to be creative thinkers and strong team players! Solving complex global challenges requires looking at problems from new perspectives and thinking outside the box. Collaboration is also key. Great ideas often come from working together and learning from others. Passion is essential, too. Engineering projects can be demanding and take years to complete, so perseverance and genuine curiosity help engineers push through obstacles and turn ambitious ideas into successful solutions. Engineering is more than a career—it’s also a way of observing, creating, and improving the world around us. As we celebrate National Engineering Week , we hope Kira’s story inspires the little learners in your life to stay curious, embrace challenges, and imagine the many ways they can make a difference.  For those eager to discover even more trailblazing role models, our book Women in Engineering   by Mary Wissinger offers an inspiring look at the female engineers throughout history who have shaped—and continue to shape—the world through innovation and perseverance. Spark your child’s imagination and read along to meet Electrical and Aerospace Engineer Sandra Cauffman, who worked at NASA and helped design and build satellites that gather data about space and our planet. Or hop into a time machine and blast into the past to meet Mechanical Engineer Huang Daopo, who built the world’s first spinning wheel— 500 years ahead of her time!  Whether it starts with a puzzle, a set of LEGO bricks, or a powerful role model, the path to being an engineer is universally paved with curiosity, passion, and a drive to help others. This week, let’s encourage children everywhere to think bigger , tinker bolder , and let their STEM adventures unfold from whatever curiosity sets them in motion.              Meet the book that inspired this post:              Women in Engineering Explore engineering through the eyes of a spunky, curious girl whose questions spark engaging, scientifically accurate conversations. Along the way, meet six determined women—from ancient times to the modern day—whose imagination and innovations have shaped history! Covering civil, biomedical, aerospace engineering, and more, these inspiring stories show how one person’s ideas can leave a lasting impact. The fourth installment in the Science Wide Open  series, Women in Engineering  is designed to spark creativity and encourage bold problem-solving in kids.