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

Science, Naturally is an independent press committed to increasing science and math literacy in early childhood education. Check out our latest edition of the popular Mystery of the Month series! MYSTERY OF THE MONTH Mystery of the Month is a monthly email that challenges you with one of the mysteries from the books in our One Minute Mysteries series . These award-winning books feature one-page, literature-based math and science brainteasers. Lee esta pagina en español Each story takes just one minute to read and challenges a kid’s knowledge in a variety of science and math disciplines. The brainteasers can be used as independent reading for kids, a guessing game for families, a springboard for school projects, a bell ringer for teachers, or an assessment tool for math and science knowledge and literacy. Educators embrace the mysteries because they help kids extract the important data needed to solve science, math, and logic problems while strengthening and rewarding reading skills. Parents embrace them because they keep their kids excited about learning. Kids embrace them because they are fun! Check out the most recent Mysteries of the Month by clicking the buttons below: May Mystery June Mystery July Mystery Sign up here to get the Mystery of the Month delivered straight to your inbox:

Can you solve this month's mystery? Spring had turned the corner and twins Frances and Fiona were pleased that they could start spending time outside in the back yard. 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... April Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Take a Hike The students were pleased with the weather on the day of their field trip. It had rained the previous day and night, but this morning it was only cool and cloudy as the kids walked to the Visitors’ Center. The class was learning about different ecosystems, and had taken a bus to a park with a meadow, a pond, and woods. They were divided into three groups to collect samples and take pictures. They had walkie-talkies to keep in touch because cell phones didn’t work there. One group walked down a long, steep path to Frog Pond with Mr. Wysor. Marcel and Tucker’s group hiked across to the meadow with Ms. Smith, while the third group took on the task of studying the woods on a hillside with Mrs. Hammerick. After an hour or so, Ms. Smith’s group was finished. They walked back to the Visitors’ Center, but neither of the other groups had returned. Ms. Smith asked Marcel to check on them. “We’re finished in the meadow and can leave any time. How are you guys doing? Over,” he said into the walkie-talkie. “We have our samples and are just taking the last of the pictures. We will start walking back in a couple of minutes. Over,” a voice replied. “We’re getting samples, but it’s so foggy here that the pictures won’t be any good. Give us another 20 minutes. Maybe the fog will lift. Over,” another voice responded. “I didn’t recognize those voices. Which group needs more time?” Tucker asked Marcel. REVEAL ANSWER

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.

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.