Meet the Team Dia L. Michels Founder and Publisher Dia L. Michels founded Science Naturally in 2006. With Platypus Media focusing on attachment parenting, she wanted a vehicle to promote entertaining and accurate ways to engage children in STEM topics. She loves working with the authors and selecting illustrators, and really enjoys developing and licensing world language editions of the books Science Naturally publishes. In addition to editing and publishing manuscripts, she has written or coauthored over a dozen books for children and adults. Her books have been translated into Spanish, Dutch, Bengali, Hebrew, Haitian Creole, and Washoe. A popular speaker, Dia presents at healthcare, parenting, and education conferences across the country. She is the mother of three grown children, who still keep her busy with their crazy lives, and has several cats. Favorite Children's Books: Wilfrid Gordon McDonald Partridge by Mem Fox The Incredible Painting of Felix Clousseau by Jon Agee Tommy at the Grocery Store by Bill Grossman Ali Trujillo Chief Operating Officer Ali keeps Science Naturally running by managing day-to-day operations and logistics. He works with the publisher to implement systems to streamline operations and finances. Ali also works on production coordination, proofreading, and translating Spanish titles. Prior to joining Science Naturally, Ali worked at World Wildlife Fund as senior assistant for the food waste program where he managed contract processes for private sector consultants. At WWF Ali also collaborated in admin meetings with clients and colleagues on conservation efforts. He also worked at R Street Institute, a DC-based think tank as a finance and operations associate. Previously he was a production coordinator at Asia Pacific Offset, an international print management company. Ali lives in Washington, DC. Favorite Children's Book: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry Charlotte's Web by E.B. White Skyler Kaczmarczyk Senior Editor and Art Director Skyler, originally from Chicago, Illinois, now calls Washington, DC, home, where her passion for illustrating and teaching kids' art in after-school programs seamlessly merged into a budding career in children's publishing. Inspired by her studies in Kinetic Imaging at VCUarts, Skyler discovered that her true storytelling calling mirrored the enchanting narratives of her childhood—books! Her dedication to children's literature is fueled by a profound belief in instilling positive messages in young minds. Skyler is particularly drawn to stories that explore the wonders of nature and emphasize the importance of understanding the world around us. At Platypus Media, she feels like she's back in school again, joyfully diving into research for each book, this time in the best way possible. Favorite Children's Books: Where the Sidewalk Ends by Shel Silverstein The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo The Spider and the Fly by Mary Howitt Samantha DeWeese Associate Editor and Marketing Coordinator Samantha is interested in how storytelling shifts across forms. At Platypus Media, she moves between marketing and editorial work, bringing the same attention to voice and tone whether she’s shaping messaging or reading a manuscript. As a marketing major and creative writing minor, she’s especially drawn to the space where strategy and story overlap. Outside of work, she writes poetry and is always thinking about how language can feel different depending on where it lives, such as on a page, in a film, or in a campaign. Samantha attends Fordham University’s Gabelli School of Business, where she is pursuing a B.S. in Marketing with a minor in Creative Writing. Her coursework focuses on consumer behavior, marketing strategy, creative writing workshops, and digital media production. She additionally has a background in accounting and finance. Favorite Children's Books: Where the Wild Things Are The Harry Potter Series Darwin Castillo Information and Technology Coordinator Darwin has many talents that keep the company afloat, like building and repairing computers, troubleshooting technical difficulties, designing and building storage solutions, and generally fixing everyone's problems. He also has experience in graphic design and home renovation. In his free time, Darwin enjoys mountaineering across the US. Favorite Book: Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Interested in joining our team? Learn more about our Editorial and Marketing Internship Program here .

Science, Naturally is an independent press committed to increasing science and math literacy in early childhood education. 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

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.

If you’re anything like me, you probably don’t spend much time thinking about just how incredible our sense of sight really is. Most of us are born with it, and because vision is such a natural part of daily life, we often take it for granted—until one day it isn’t. Maybe you notice your child squinting at a blurry screen or struggling to read a book, and suddenly you realize just how important good vision really is. October 9th marks World Sight Day —a day dedicated to raising awareness about preventable and treatable eye conditions, especially in children. Worldwide, 1.1 billion people live with untreated vision problems that affect everything from learning to playing to growing up confidently. International Agency for the Prevention of Blindness ( IAPB ) established World Sight Day to remind people everywhere to care for their eyes and to advocate for accessible, affordable eye care for all. This year, we at Science Naturally released a beautifully illustrated picture book called How Do You See the World?  —a fun and engaging way to introduce children to the amazing science of eyes and vision. Vision isn’t the same for everyone. Some kids might see clearly, while others might experience blurry or partial vision. Understanding this helps us better support their unique way of seeing and learning. So today, we invite you, parents and caregivers, to take a moment to #LoveYourEyes by focusing on your child’s eye health. Read along with your kids to discover how vision works and learn simple ways to keep their eyes healthy, so they can see the world clearly and confidently. How Does Vision Work? Ever wonder what’s actually happening behind the scenes when you open your eyes—but don’t want to get bogged down in medical jargon? Fortunately, the basics of how vision works are surprisingly straightforward. It all begins with light! Light enters your eye through the pupil , and the iris controls how much light to let in. The cornea and lens work together to bend, or refract, the light so it lands properly on the retina at the back of your eye. The retina contains two types of cells— rods and cones —that absorb light and convert it into electrical signals. These signals are then sent through the optic nerve to your brain, where the occipital lobe processes them into the images you see. Text and Illustrations from How Do you See the World? This seamless chain of events happens in milliseconds, allowing you to recognize faces, read books, enjoy art, and navigate the world. Understanding Vision Impairment When the eye’s internal processes are disrupted, even slightly, it can lead to common vision impairments. Myopia (nearsightedness) occurs when light focuses in front of the retina, making distant objects blurry. Hyperopia (farsightedness) is the opposite—light focuses behind the retina, causing nearby objects to appear out of focus. Fortunately, both conditions are easily managed with corrective lenses, which adjust how light enters the eye so it lands properly on the retina. Text and Illustrations from How Do you See the World? Here’s a quick way to give your child a vision check: Have your little one hold a book or tablet and slowly move it closer and farther away. If they complain of blurriness or eye strain, it might be time for a professional eye exam. Remember, this quick test is no replacement for a proper check-up, but it can help you notice early signs that your child might need help! Living with Low Vision and Blindness Vision impairment exists on a wide spectrum. Some people live with partial sight—often called low vision —where they may see only light, shadows, or indistinct shapes. Others experience tunnel vision or have blind spots in their field of view. Blindness can range from minimal perception of light to no visual input at all. For people with significant vision loss, tools like white canes and guide dogs assist with daily navigation. Assistive technologies, including screen readers, braille displays, and text-to-speech software, help make reading and digital access possible. Human assistance also plays a role—from sighted guides in athletic events like the Paralympics to the everyday support of friends and family. One serious cause of blindness is glaucoma , a condition where increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve. Eye conditions like glaucoma can cause serious vision loss if not caught early. Regular eye exams are the best way to catch problems before they become serious, especially for kids with a family history or other risk factors. Text and Illustrations from How Do you See the World? How to Care for Your Child’s Eyes Understanding vision is only the first step—keeping our eyes healthy is just as important. Here are some tips for how to get started: Schedule regular eye exams.  Kids’ vision can change quickly, so regular check-ups with an optometrist or eye specialist are essential— even if they haven’t complained of problems! Feed their eyes with good nutrition.  Foods rich in vitamins A and C, like carrots, leafy greens, and colorful fruits, help keep eyes healthy. Limit screen time and encourage breaks.  Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds to reduce eye strain. Protect eyes from the sun.  Make sure your child wears sunglasses with UV protection when outside. Use safety gear.  Whether playing sports or helping with projects, kids should wear protective eyewear to prevent injury. Build healthy habits early.  Teaching kids to care for their eyes now sets them up for a lifetime of better vision. Whether it’s putting on sunglasses before going outside or taking screen breaks during homework, small daily actions can make a big difference. Helping your child understand the importance of eye health today empowers them to protect their sight for years to come. Learning More Through Books Our publication How Do You See the World?   is a fun, beautifully illustrated way to introduce children to the science of vision. Designed to be inclusive and accessible , the book explores how eyes work, how people see differently, and how we can take care of our vision over time. Whether you’re reading with your child, your class, or a curious young learner, How Do You See the World?   offers an engaging opportunity to spark curiosity and conversation. It’s a great way to encourage empathy, scientific thinking, and awareness around the topic of vision—especially on World Sight Day . A Clearer Vision for the Future On this World Sight Day , we encourage you to take a moment to think about how vital your vision is—and how you can protect it. Schedule that eye exam. Eat your greens. Read a book about the science of sight. Help the kids in your life understand how their eyes work and why their vision matters. Let’s see what we can discover together! Featured in the 2025 Outstanding Science Trade Book Awards How Do You See the World? What is it like to see the world through someone else's eyes? If you’ve ever been curious about how your eyes work, why some people need glasses, or what it means to be nearsighted, How Do You See the World? has the answers! Discover clear explanations of eye conditions that kids might have or learn about through friends and family, such as amblyopia, astigmatism, color blindness, and glaucoma. Vibrant illustrations show how these conditions might affect what you see. Readers will also learn the science behind how vision works—starting with the basics of light, color, and anatomy. Filled with fun facts, diagrams, tips about eye health, and even information about invisible light, How Do You See the World? aims to help normalize visual impairments and celebrate the tools and technology that help us see more clearly.

Grab your lab coat and sharpen those pencils—it’s National STEM Day ! Every year on November 8th , people across the country celebrate the wonders of STEM education and careers. But what exactly is STEM ? "STEM" stands for: S cience (Like an Astronomer, Doctor, Wildlife Biologist) T echnology (Like a Computer Scientist, Data Scientist, or Cybersecurity Expert) E ngineering (Like a Civil Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, or Aerospace Engineer) M athematics (Like a Mathematician, Data Scientist, or Financial Analyst) These four broad fields are the foundation for countless disciplines that tackle real-world problems and drive innovation. Thanks to STEM professionals, we have modern essentials like indoor plumbing, medicine, cars—and even the very screen you’re reading this on! Just imagine where we’d be if no one ever asked “Why?” At Science Naturally , we like to give this holiday our own twist by encouraging parents and educators to sprinkle a little STEM into kids’ everyday lives. Our mission has always been to create books that blend fun and learning— because who says STEM can’t be exciting? At its heart, STEM isn’t just about science experiments or solving equations (though those are pretty cool!). It’s about curiosity , creativity , and persistence —never giving up, even when things get tough. This November 8th , let’s spark that STEM curiosity in the kids around us. Together we can inspire young minds to build, explore, and discover their place in something far greater than themselves. If your child wonders about the stars, volcanoes, deep-sea creatures, and more... keep feeding that curiosity! Turn their “Huh?”s into “Aha!”s with engaging, fact-filled, beautifully illustrated books that make big ideas feel approachable and fun. Here are a few of our favorite STEM titles that we’re chemically certain  your little scientist will bond with: Recommendation 1: The Super Volcano Ages 6 – 9 Yellowstone National Park has a mysterious superhero—but who (or what) is it? And how are its explosive powers used for good? Told in a comic book–inspired style, The Super Volcano: A Hidden Hero Below Yellowstone National Park   brings the science behind Yellowstone’s geothermal wonders to life. WHOOSH! SIZZLE! BLOOP! Dive into the fascinating forces that power this “super volcano,” from exploding geysers to bubbling mud pots. Learn how Yellowstone sustains a thriving ecosystem, supports conservation, and earned its place as a national treasure. Discover facts about Native American history, the creation of America’s first national park, and the scientists who protect it. Then, take the pledge to help preserve this incredible landscape— and become a Yellowstone superhero yourself! Featured STEM Careers: Biologist · Ecologist · Geologist (Volcanologist) · Geophysicist · Geochemist · Naturalist · Park Ranger Recommendation 2: Science Wide Open Series Ages 7 – 10 Throughout history, women have shaped our understanding of the world through science—but their stories often go untold. This six-book series shines a light on the groundbreaking discoveries and inventions made by women in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, medicine, and botany. Meet over 15 trailblazing scientists and innovators —from Hedy Lamarr to Dr. Angella Ferguson to Ynés Mexía—and explore their contributions to space exploration, conservation, genetics, heart surgery, pharmacology, and more! These inspiring stories celebrate curiosity, confidence, and creativity—empowering the next generation of young readers (especially girls!) to lead the way in STEM. Featured STEM Careers: Engineer (Mechanical, Civil, Biomedical) · Doctor · Surgeon · Nurse · Botanist · Physicist · Chemist · Biologist · Architect Recommendation 3: Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky Ages 2 – 7 “How I wonder what you are…”  Let’s explore beyond our star! Perfect for baby scientists, Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky   is a gentle introduction to space and STEM learning. Inspired by a classic nursery rhyme, this beautifully illustrated book takes young readers on a journey through the cosmos—exploring constellations, the moon and tides, astronauts, galaxies, comets, nebulas, and more. This story helps little learners see the big picture of our universe and appreciate the wonders of the world beyond our own. Featured STEM Careers: Astronaut · Astronomer · Engineer (Aerospace, Robotics, Mechanical) · Astrobiologist · Geologist · Software Developer Recommendation 4: Mara Plants a Seed Ages 2 – 7 How does a handful of seeds turn into a thriving garden? Follow Mara as she transforms an empty lot into a lush green space bursting with life. Along the way, she discovers she’s not the only gardener at work—worms, birds, insects, rain, and neighbors all play a part in nurturing her creation. With lyrical storytelling and vibrant illustrations, Mara Plants a Seed  inspires children to connect with nature and understand how ecosystems and teamwork make growth possible. Featured STEM Careers: Botanist · Researcher · Geneticist · Biotechnologist · Horticulturist · Gardener Want to see more? Visit our shop page HERE  for even more STEM-tastic titles! STEM sometimes gets a bad reputation among kids— “It’s too hard!”  or “It’s boring!”  But this November 8th, let’s reframe it as an adventure . Every great discovery starts with a simple question: “How does that work?”  From there, it’s all about exploration, persistence, and curiosity. So remember your 3 E’s: Encourage , Explore , and Experiment . Happy STEM Day! Shop the titles mentioned in this post: The Super Volcano In a wonder-filled trip through an iconic destination, discover the spectacular powers of the supervolcano hidden below the ground. WHOOSH! SIZZLE! BLOOP! Visit the volcano’s exploding geysers, boiling mud pots, and much more. But what does a hero do best?... Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky How I wonder what you are…let’s explore beyond our star! When we look up at the stars, what we see is only a small piece of our huge universe. What else is out there in the nighttime sky? Learn about constellations, how the moon affects the tides, astronauts and the moon landing, our Milky Way galaxy and the billions more galaxies out in space... Mara Plants a Seed By cleaning up an empty lot and planting fifty sunflower seeds, Mara begins to create a flourishing, wild garden—but she doesn’t do it alone. Little does Mara know, flying insects, digging worms, hungry birds, noisy neighbors, and other secret gardeners are working to help transform the lot into something even more beautiful than she imagined... Women In STEM Book Set With this six-volume set, readers will go on a journey to discover how scientific progress is made. Our curious young protagonist asks questions about the world around her and finds answers through the collective biographies of real-life women in STEM...