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 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

In a wonder-filled trip through an iconic destination, discover the spectacular powers of the supervolcano hidden below the ground. WHOOSH! SIZZLE! BLORP! Visit the volcano’s exploding geysers, boiling mud pots, and much more. SPANISH AND ENGLISH PAPERBACK COMING MID-JUNE 2025 A secret superhero lies below Yellowstone National Park… 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? Help others! The Yellowstone Supervolcano doesn’t just dazzle tourists. Learn how its superpowers support a thriving ecosystem, helping feed and protect the unique wildlife year after year. Written by Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw (author of Mighty Mahi and I Campaigned for Ice Cream ), The Super Volcano explains natural science concepts and geological features in a way that builds excitement for learning. Stunning art by Brie Schmida captures the vivid colors and scenic views that make Yellowstone one of the world’s greatest natural treasures. Inspired by comic books, the traditional illustrations meet energetic comic panels and sound effects that leap off the page to engage kids of all ages. Read facts about Native American history, the establishment of the first U.S. national park, conservation efforts, park staff, and visitor etiquette. And finally, take the pledge to help protect the park and become a new kind of Yellowstone superhero! Preorder Preorder Press Release Book details Age r ange 6—9 years Gr a de range 1st Grade—4th Grade Hardcover (ISBN 978-1-958629-17-8) • $21.95 Spanish (Paperback) (ISBN 978-1-958629-79-6) • $18.95 English (Paperback) (ISBN 978-1-958629-78-9) • $18.95 eBook (ISBN 978-1-958629-23-9) • $18 .95 Reviews “Complete with stunning illustrations by Brie Schmida, this book brings readers on a hero's journey in which they learn about the complex science behind Yellowstone National Park in an accessible and engaging way. The world needs more books like this!” — Mattison Shreero, Geoscientist and Park Ranger (@geosplore) “What a wonderful gift for a teacher to bring so much science into a classroom, and then to turn that passion for Yellowstone into a children's book. If I had a teacher like this as a young kid I would've probably been a geologist much earlier in life!" — Elley Ringo, Economic Geologist, & Science Communicator, YouTuber Elley Knows Rocks “This STEM book checks all the boxes for what I think when considering true geoscience inspiration." —Ethan Penner, Geologist & Geoscience Communicator/Educator (@rockmanethan) About the Author About the Illustrator Suzanne Jacobs Lipshaw is an award-winning children’s book author and former elementary school special education teacher who is passionate about growing young minds. Her first two picture books, I Campaigned for Ice Cream and Mighty Mahi , are both based on true stories. Suzanne enjoys speaking to schools about writing, leadership, sea turtles, and how kids can make a difference in our world. The proud momma of two grown boys, Suzanne lives in Waterford, Michigan with her husband and her furry writing companion, Ziggy. Brie Schmida is an illustrator and visual development artist based in sunny California. She has worked for notable clients such as Marvel and Disney. She likes to fill her personal work with inspiration from her family’s farm, and has an ineffable desire to create pieces full of whimsy and light. Color, nature, and the days of old are her muses. When she’s not creating, you can most probably find her picking flowers in a forest or surrounded by goats in a sunlit field.

Did you see us in the November issue of STEM Connections ? Welcome Members! Have you figured out the solution to Turning Up The Volume ? (Didn't see the mystery? Click here .) Click to Reveal Solution Want to see more? Each month we share a mystery on our website. See if you can solve the Mystery of the Month . This mystery was drawn from 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Math . Click on the book cover for more information. We also offer this book in a bilingual edition , perfect for English Language Learners, dual-language students, and anyone looking to expand their language and math skills ¿hablas español? In the holiday spirit, we are happy to offer 25% off and free shipping sitewide to ITEEA members. Use code ITEEA to redeem this offer on ScienceNaturally.com before the end of 2018. Schools and after-school programs across the country use our books. Learn more about our resources below: Click on book covers below for more information. One Minute Mysteries Got a minute? Then we have a mystery for you! Written by a father-daughter team, these literature-based titles make math and science fun. Each mystery takes just one minute to read and features real-world scenarios. The brainteasers challenge kids to use critical thinking skills, while the real-life scenarios help keep the content engaging and relevant. With mysteries in biology, chemistry, physics, earth and general science, these books are as popular with educators as they are with kids. Titles in the series include: bilingual! ages 8-12 ages 8-12 ages 10-14 ages 10-14 ages 8-12 101 Things Everyone Should Know... So many questions! Why do we put salt on roads when they are icy? How do you to measure half of one-third a cup in a baking recipe? These books help simplify and demystify math and science concepts with entertaining real world connections in sports, travel, food, weather, and more. With a fun question-and-answer format, these are the perfect titles for kids, parents, educators, and anyone interested in understanding how math and science affect our lives. ages 10-14 ages 8-12 Blended S.T.E.M. Fiction Math and science abound in our fun fiction adventures! These two blended fiction books combine history, mystery, and more to create an immersive cross-curricular adventure. The perfect blend of entertaining and educational science topics for both the classroom and after school. Each of these books come with a free downloadable Teacher's Guide to extend and expand opportunities for learning. Titles in the series include: What is S.T.E.M. Fiction and why do my students need it? "The great thing about S.T.E.M. fiction is that it takes concepts and explains them, then uses the concepts in story form to reinforce the explanation ... "Just because it's S.T.E.M. doesn't mean the stories won't also delve into the worlds of magical realism, humorous exaggeration, or even science fiction in order to tell a good story. It's fiction for a reason! ... "It's important to put entertaining books into children's hands that will whet their appetites for further exploration." Read more about S.T.E.M. Fiction here . ages 10-14 ages 10-14 wondering how educators use our books? click here for some ideas Find us in Kansas City! Stop by booth 401 to say hi, check out our books, and meet company president and founder Dia Michels. Will you be at the 81st ITEEA Annual Conference? Plus, don't miss teachers present how they use our books in the Showcase! In the holiday spirit, we are happy to offer 25% off and free shipping sitewide to ITEEA members. Use code ITEEA to redeem this offer on ScienceNaturally.com before the end of 2018.

Can you solve this month's real-life math mystery? —¡Vamos alumnos, al pasillo de los dulces! —exclamó la señorita Hanson. Todos se quejaron al saber que estarían en el pasillo de las golosinas sin poder comer ninguna. Estaban en una excursión al supermercado para comprar materiales para un pryecto... Octubre Seleccionado de: One Minute Mysteries: More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! • Misterios de un minuto: ¡Más misterios Cortos que Resuelves con Ciencias! Día de las brujas psicodélico —Oye, tengo una foto vieja de mi abuela vestida como tú, solo que ella no estaba disfrazada —dijo Kassandra cuando Ingrid entró al salón de clases—. Dijo que en su época creían verse muy bien. Normalmente su colegio tenía un código de vestimenta, pero era Halloween, el día de las brujas, y todos habían ido a la escuela disfrazados. Ingrid estaba vestida de hippie. Traía puesta una camisa de colores al batik, cuentas de colores, sandalias, y unas gafas con lentes color naranja en forma de corazones. Ingrid se quitó las gafas durante la clase, pero se las volvió a poner en la tarde a la hora de prepararse para la fiesta. Los alumnos estaban decorando el salón y pintando letreros para el desfile de la escuela. Quan, que pensaba que era muy chistoso, estaba colgando decoraciones al revés. Preston fingía que luchaba a espadas en su disfraz de piratas, y Ricky jugaba con sangre artificial después de ponerse un poco en su disfraz de zombi. Al acercarse la hora del desfile, Kassandra se dio cuenta de que uno de los letreros había sido decorado con una calabaza roja en vez de naranja. —¿A ver, quién es el chistoso? —preguntó Kassandra. Miró alrededor del salón en busca de una cara culpable. REVELA RESPUERTA

The school student council was putting up decorations for the Valentine's Day party later that day in the multi-purpose room. Elinor came into the room ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... February Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! To Catch a Chill “I can’t believe my mother made me wear this heavy coat,” Paige complained as she walked to school with friends one morning. “My mother is the same way,” Tyra said, splashing through a puddle in her heavy waterproof boots. “Hey, wait a minute,” Lin said, picking up the hat that had blown off her head. “Were your mothers listening to that new radio station that plays those old songs all the parents like?” “Yes!” Paige said. “I can’t believe the music they play!” “Some of those songs must be 20 years old!” Tyra added. “It was on at our house, too,” Lin said. “I heard the announcer say that it would feel like 25 degrees Fahrenheit this morning, and that is when my mom handed me these gloves.” “So what?” Paige asked. “I see what Lin means,” Tyra said, jumping from puddle to puddle. “At 25 degrees Fahrenheit, this water would be frozen. Water freezes at 32 degrees and below.” “I think our parents should start listening to a different radio station,” Lin said. “I don’t think that would help,” Paige said. “Why wouldn’t it? The people at that station clearly don’t know anything more about weather than they know about music,” Tyra said. REVEAL ANSWER

These beautifully illustrated books are the perfect holiday gift idea for parents and younger children. Spark an interest in animals and science by exploring the worlds of several different species and how they interact with their environment and each other! Gifts for Budding Scientists These beautifully illustrated, award-winning books are the perfect gift for a budding young scientist (or animal lover)! Babies Nurse Great gift idea for the budding young scientist and/or animal lover! Perfect for parents of young children. This beautifully illustrated book’s overarching theme of breastfeeding inspires conversations about parenting, biology, habitats, survival, and more, making this book an engaging choice for young children as well as elementary school readers. Click Here to View Cuddled and Carried Beautiful images introduce the reader to attachment in the natural world. Watching mothers lend a paw, wing, flipper, or hand to care for their young fosters empathy, kindness, and compassion. Supplemental back matter and a free Teacher's Guide helps parents, librarians, educators, and healthcare providers creatively describe caretaking, while introducing a range of early science concepts. Click Here to View If My Mom Were a Platypus: Mammal Babies and Their Mothers All mammal mothers feed, protect, and teach their young, even though these tasks can challenge their own needs for survival. But a mammal baby’s journey to maturity varies dramatically depending on whether it is a bear or a bat, a shrew or a seal, a hippopotamus or a human. This fascinating look at life cycles portrays the normalcy of birth and breastfeeding and explores how mothers help 14 different mammals navigate the path from helpless infants to self-sufficient adults. Click Here to View

Can you solve this month's real-life math mystery? Max had offered to stay after school to help with the fundraiser. The parents' association was buying new supplies for the three rooms in his grade, and they had divided the cost among all the students. Each student in the three rooms needed to bring in $15.63... ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... September Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! Lawn Ranger “Dad, we really need a new lawn mower,” Murphy said. Of all people, Murphy would know. Since he’d turned twelve, it had been his job to mow the lawn every Saturday morning. The family rule was that it had to be done before any fun activities. Murphy had done it so often that he even knew the exact number of times he had to go up and down the yard: 20 times in each direction. His father looked at the old lawn mower. It was hard to start, ran rough, and left the grass in clumps. “You’re right. Let’s go to the store and see what they have,” he said. At the store, Murphy’s father pointed one out. “Here’s the newest version of the model we have, with the same cutting blade, 60 centimeters across,” he said. “And here’s one with a 75-centimeter blade.” Murphy’s little brother, Hugh, who had come along, said, “Here’s one with a 60-centimeter blade, but it’s a mulching mower. It says its blade spins 20% faster than regular mowers.” “I think we should buy the one that lets me finish the yard in only 4/5 of the time it takes me now,” Murphy said. “Which one is that?” asked Hugh. REVEAL ANSWER

Books Shipping within the United States and U.S. Territories, including PO and APO boxes, is free. Puzzles Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to ship puzzles to PO boxes. For purchases of 1 puzzle, shipping within the continental U.S. is $3.00. For purchases of 1 puzzle, shipping to U.S. territories or states outside the continental U.S. is $6.00. For purchases of $35 or more, shipping is free. ShipPing Abroad We are happy to ship merchandise anywhere in the world. Our website is not equipped to calculate shipping outside of the United States and U.S. Territories. For more information or to place an international order, please contact us: Submit Thanks for submitting! Shipping Policy

Can you solve this month's real-life math mystery? Max had offered to stay after school to help with the fundraiser. The parents' association was buying new supplies for the three rooms in his grade, and they had divided the cost among all the students. Each student in the three rooms needed to bring in $15.63... Septiembre Seleccionado de: One Minute Mysteries: Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! • Misterios de un minuto: ¡Misterios cortos que resuelves con matemáticas! Guardián del césped —Papá, realmente necesitamos una nueva podadora de césped —dijo Murphy. De todas las personas, Murphy es quien más sabría al respecto. Desde que había cumplido los doce años, le correspondía podar el césped todos los sábados por la mañana. La norma familiar era que los quehaceres se tenían que completar antes de cualquier diversión. Murphy lo había hecho tantas veces, que sabía el número exacto de veces que tenía que ir y venir por el jardín: 20 veces en cada dirección. El padre le echó un vistazo a la podadora. Era difícil de encender y cortaba el pasto a alturas desiguales, dejando partes del césped desnivelado. —Tienes razón. Vayamos a la tienda a ver qué opciones hay —dijo. En la tienda, el padre de Murphy señaló una podadora y dijo: —Este es el modelo más reciente de la podadora que tenemos, con la misma navaja de 60 centímetros de ancho —dijo—. Y aquí hay una con una navaja de 75 centímetros. El hermano menor de Murphy, Hugh, que los había acompañado a la tienda, agregó: —Aquí hay una con una cuchilla de 60 centímetros, pero es de las que tritura el césped como abono. Dice que la navaja gira un 20% más rápido. —Creo que deberíamos comprar la que me permita terminar el patio en tan solo 4/5 del tiempo que me toma hacerlo ahora —dijo Murphy. —¿Cuál es esa? —preguntó Hugh. REVELAR RESPUESTA

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: