The Natural Genius of Ants by Betty Culley from Crown Books for Young Readers [Giveaway]

The Natural Genius of Ants by Betty Culley  (5/10/22; Crown Books for Young Readers; ISBN: 9780593175774; Hardcover $16.99; Ages 8-12; 240 pg)

In The Natural Genius of Ants, Harvard’s dad is a doctor, caring for the smallest and sickest babies in the hospital where he works. After a mistake leads to tragedy, Dad isn’t the same, but a summer trip back to his hometown of Kettle Hole, Maine, could be just what the doctor ordered.

In the small town where he grew up, Dad seems more himself. Especially once the family decides to start an ant farm–just like Dad had as a kid! But when the mail-order ants are D.O.A., Harvard doesn’t want Dad to experience any more sadness. Luckily, his new friend Neveah has the brilliant idea to use the ants crawling around the kitchen instead. But these insects don’t come with directions. So the kids have a lot to learn–about the ants, each other, and how to forgive ourselves when things go wrong.

Culley draws on her time as a pediatric nurse in Maine, as well as keeping her own ant farm and caring for a carpenter ant queen, in this lyrical coming-of-age story about forgiveness, moving forward, and coming home. The Natural Genius of Ants is a perfect summer read for budding scientists, as well as fans of her first award-winning middle grade novel.

NOTE: To get a glimpse of the book, go to Amazon (click here) and read a few pages in the hardcopy version. Book is available in kindle, audio, and hardcover.

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 28

Ends May 24 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I was provided a complimentary copy of this book. I have not yet read it and therefore can not verify or comment on it's content. Winner's prize copy if provided and shipped directly to the winner by MMPublicity or publisher. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes.  

Weather: Pop-up Book by Maike Biederstadt [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Hardcover $25.00
Prestel Publishing
Ages 7 - 17

My thoughts:  As I write this review, there is a major Category 4 hurricane hitting the Gulf Coast of the USA specifically in the Louisiana area. This type of storm (or weather) is monstrous, destructive, life threatening and people need to be aware of the dangers. Therefore, introducing children and teens to the study of The Weather should begin early so they can understand what is happening in the World around them.

The book we have today is a beautiful pop-up book that is packed with information describing Earth's weather systems and illustrated with delightful, awesome, pop-ups that are stunning.

The very first pages explain "Why the weather is the way it is" and shows the Earth with it's covering of clouds and swirling arrows indicative of the air flow and wind currents. The effect of the Earth's rotation on the wind and driving force the Sun is on our weather. 

Then the "pop-up" pages begin with short explanations. 

The artistry of paper-cut art work provides intriguing dimensional interest as well as attention to detail. 

This introduction to weather study doesn't forego the opportunity to present the effect of mankind on the Earth and how climate change has an affect on the weather. 

This book is probably not suitable for public or school libraries, but it certainly is appropriate for home school book shelves, private collections, and anyone interested in pursing early introduction to weather studies.

About the book: From raucous stormy seas to a welcomingly vivid rainbow, weather's most exciting moments come to brilliant life in this fantastic new pop-up book.

In her hugely successful books Creatures of the Deep and What's in the Egg, as well as her enormously popular series of greeting cards for the Museum of Modern Art, Maike Biederstaedt has established herself as one of the preeminent paper artists working today. Now Biederstaedt takes book engineering to new heights as she immerses readers in five electrifying weather scenarios. As each spread unfolds, a meticulously designed landscape emerges--a freighter balances like a nutshell between high waves in the sea; a tornado takes terrifying aim at a truck trying to outrun it; a rain-spewing storm cloud towers like a skyscraper over a farm house. Nature's delicate beauty emerges in the intricate shapes of a snowflake and in the luminous arc of a rainbow. Each page features an informative description of its weather event and the book closes with sobering commentary on the effects of climate change. A wondrous introduction to weather for budding climatologists, this is also an artistic tour de force that collectors will treasure.

GIVEAWAY

Begins August 30

Ends September 27 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA & CANADA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. Winner's book prize is provided and shipped directly to the winner from publisher, publicist, or author. Chat With Vera is not responsible for lost or misdirected prizes. 

Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes by Trudi Trueit (Book #4 in series) [Giveaway 4-Book Series]

For EA, a spotlight is terrific and yes, a giveaway of all 4 books would be great!

National Geographic Kids Books has always been the gold standard when it comes to making learning fun for kids.  During this time of widespread and extended school closures, their books are not only fantastic boredom busters that will keep kids engaged for hours, but they are also trusted resources that weave in important topics like science, technology, conservation, culture and codebreaking in a FUN way.

Continue the adventure with Explorer Academy: The Star Dunes by Trudi Trueit, the fourth book in the popular fact-based fiction series (National Geographic Kids’ Under the Stars; March 2020, ages 8-12).   Deemed “captivating” by the editors at Parenting.com and “exciting, fast-paced” by Booklist, the series is filled with thrilling adventures, high-tech cadets, cool science, far-away lands, and codes to crack.

Follow 12-year-old Cruz Coronado during his time at the prestigious Explorer Academy, where he and 23 kids from around the globe are training to become the next generation of great explorers. In addition to making new friends and attending cool classes, Cruz must also work to unlock clues to his family’s shadowy past if he is to solve the mystery of his mother’s untimely death.   

In this exciting follow-up to The Double Helix, a major discovery catapults Cruz and the Explorer Academy team into the limelight and they head off to Africa.  Cruz and his fellow recruits tackle challenging missions to dispense life-saving medications to gorillas, thwart pangolin poachers and capture images of the last known cheetahs in Namibia — all the while discovering that protecting the world’s threatened species is dangerous business! 

After yet another strike from Nebula, someone close to Cruz ends up on the brink of death, leaving the ship in turmoil and Cruz and his team down a major player.  The discovery of his mom’s next clue leads Cruz to a vast desert — and just when he thinks he’s run out of leads for solving the mystery of her tragic disappearance, an unlikely ally helps him pursue another piece of the ongoing puzzle. Can Cruz and his team stay one step ahead of Nebula and find the next piece of the hidden cipher?

With four critically acclaimed titles in this series now available, two companion nonfiction activity books and literally hours and hours of videos, games, and info on real-life explorers at ExplorerAcademy.com, Explorer Academy is the perfect way to keep kids learning, reading and engaged.   An illustrated spread from The Star Dunes can be viewed here and Read the first chapter from The Star Dunes. CLICK HERE
 

GIVEAWAY

Begins April 1

Ends April 30 @ 12:01 EDT

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a copy of The Star Dunes to facilitate this post. Winner's prize of 4 books is provided and shipped directly to the winner by the publisher or publicist.

Explore science of the seasons through adventure! The Acadia Files: Autumn Science [Review and Giveaway]

ISBN: 978088448646
Hardcover $13.95
Grades 4-7, 88 pages

My thoughts: This is such a fun book. It involves "Acadia," a delightfully precocious child, who throughout her day finds things to explore and learn about. Written in a style that will engage the listener to whom the book is read aloud, or the reader who reads and discovers for themselves. This is a fun and entertaining story of how Acadia questions aspects of a changing season and discovers answers.

Reading these five chapters about Acadia's venture into the realm of seasonal science is fun and the author makes scientific discovery likeable and understandable. I particularly liked the chapter on water and the cycle that is never ending. The author, or Acadia and her parents, put a new perspective on it which is a bit funny when you think about water from this framework.

The illustrations are at the end of each chapter and focus on the information discussed (the story) and the scientific explanation. The conclusion is like that of a scientific journal as handwritten by Acadia. She also has questions for which there are no answers given as a means for further contemplation.

I heartily recommend this series. The Acadia Files: Book One, Summer Science has previously been published and Book Three, Winter Science, will be published later.

About the book: The Acadia Files: Book Two, Autumn Science presents five stories of fall, each one followed by Acadia’s science notebook pages with her simple explanations and lively, whimsical drawings of natural phenomena. The Acadia Files is a fun introduction to the wonders of science, using real-world scenarios to make scientific inquiry relatable and understandable. Parents and educators can use The Acadia Files to let kids discover for themselves what it’s like to be curious about the world and to satisfy that curiosity with scientific thinking.

Acadia Greene wants answers. What happened to the frogs she used to see at her favorite local pond? Why do leaves change color in the fall, and why don’t evergreen needles do the same? What is the water cycle, and what is transpiration? How do time zones work, and why does the sun set at different times in different places within a single zone? How do germs infect us? Acadia doesn’t mean to do science, but she has questions and her parents refuse to simply give her the answers. “Conduct an experiment,” they tell her. “Use the scientific method.” So Acadia makes hypotheses, designs experiments, analyzes data, and draws conclusions. Acadia does science.

The author, Katie Coppens writes a recurring column for NSTA's middle school magazine Science Scope on science and literacy called "The Integrated Classroom.”

GIVEAWAY

Begins October 10

Ends October 31 at 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA and CANADA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own alone and are freely given. Winner's copy is provided by and mailed/shipped directly to the winner by MMPublicity or publisher.

StarTalk Young Readers Edition by Neil deGrasse Tyson (National Geographic Kids Books) [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781426330872
Softcover $17.99 ~ 224 Pages
National Geographic

My thoughts:  This is one of those books that has a lot of information geared for the young mind of a seeking child who will glean so much information that will not only pique his interest but will also enrich his understanding and grasp of a variety of topics related to space, the universe, and other related topics including humanity.

There is not a lot of deep science in this book but enough to capture the young readers attention for browsing or more in depth reading.

The book presents in four segments: 1) Space, 2) Planet Earth, 3) Being Human, and 4) Futures Imagined. The information is provided in bites and snippets, side bars and illustrations ranging from simple drawings to actual photographs.

The text is intended for the young reader, though not necessarily first or second graders. Place it on the coffee table or other place that is readily available for when moments to snatch a quick read present themselves. This is not something that the average child will read cover to cover but will grab for those moments when they just need a book in their hands to fill the time. And what better way to fill the time than that of a "mind-fill-up"?

I see one drawback. The text on some of the pages is printed in a light grey on white background and this can be tiring to read. Future printings might consider an ink change. Otherwise, a good book to look for in the library or to purchase for that young reader in your life.

About the book: For decades, beloved astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson has interpreted science with a combination of brainpower and charm that resonates with millions of fans around the globe. In 2009, he founded StarTalk, the wildly popular Emmy-nominated talk show on the National Geographic Channel. This Spring, Tyson takes the greatest hits from the airwaves to the page to create StarTalk Young Readers Edition (National Geographic Kids Books, $17.99, ages 10+), a smart, richly illustrated, and at times irreverent compendium filled with science, pop culture and comedic commentary.

StarTalk reimagines science's most challenging topics — from how the brain works, to the physics of comic book superheroes, to the pros and cons of traveling the universe on an asteroid — in a relatable, humorous way that will attract curious young readers.  Inside, the pages are peppered with the voices of guests who have appeared on the podcast and television show, including actors, comedians, politicians, astronauts, entrepreneurs, millionaires, physicists, neurologists and biologists providing explanations, thoughtful commentary and one-liners alike. Divided into four sections —  Space, Planet Earth, being Human, and Futures Imagined — each section reveals the mystery behind black holes, real ideas for tackling climate change, what makes humans “tick” and the amazing science behind science fiction.

Perfect for curious young teens and tweens and a thoughtful graduation gift for the science-obsessed, this is one book that contains everything you need to know about space travel, sci-fi, the human race, the universe and beyond!

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 20

ENDS July 12 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA addresses only

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own, alone and are freely given.

Adventures in Science: The Human Body [Review & Giveaway USA/CANADA]

Silver Dolphin publishing has a real talent for producing quality books and project items or kits that are absolutely wonderful, providing inspiration to pursue further research and study into the subject. I find that the Adventures in Science: The Human Body ($21.99; ISBN:978-1684121298; Ages 5+; 40 pages) book and kit to be just such a product. Be sure to enter the giveaway offered below and open to USA/CANADA entries.

ISBN:978-1684121298
$21.99 Ages 5+; 40 pages

My thoughts: When my children were growing up I purchased a variety of kits for them so they could increase their knowledge of the human body, the skeleton, the eye, etc. They loved these kits. In Adentures in Science: The Human Body the child has an opportunity for a different experience.  

The boxed kit contains a variety of materials of which the two main items (in my opinion) are the 40-page paperback book and the plastic skeleton that they can put together.  I am quite impressed with this entire package of informative materials that can be of such enjoyment to the precocious child and provide hours of exploration into the workings of the human body. This will provide an opportunity to begin conquest of the study of human biology and physiology.

The 40-page paperback book is colorful and offers much information and opportunities to learn.

The kit contains a book, 2 pages of stickers, a two-sided poster to which the stickers can  be afixed, and the plastic skeleton.

About this book and kit: Which part of the brain is in charge of creativity? What is the smallest human muscle? Take a trip inside the human body and discover the amazing systems that allow us to move, breathe, and speak. After reading about everything from the digestive tract to the cornea, kids can assemble their own plastic skeleton and view the systems of the body in a layered cardstock model. With 20 fact cards, 2 sticker sheets, and a double-sided poster, this interactive kit is a perfect primer for learning about how the human body works.

About the Author: Courtney Acampora holds a B.A. in art history from San Diego State University and a M.A. from the University of Arizona. Currently working in publishing, Courtney's lifelong love for both art and books fused together and gave her the opportunity to write and create engaging books for kids. Courtney lives in San Diego, California.

• Age Range: 6 and up, Grade Level: 1 - 2
• Publisher: Silver Dolphin Books; Box Pck St edition (December 12, 2017)
• Language: English: ISBN-10: 1684121299; ISBN-13: 978-1684121298

GIVEAWAY

Begins March 7

Ends March 29 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA and CANADA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary product via MMPublicity on behalf of Silver Dolphin Publishing and the author to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and are freely given. Prize is provided by publisher or publicist and sent by them directly to the winner.

National Geographic Kids has 3 super STEM & STEAM titles for those precocious kids [Review/Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781426328671
Hardcover $18.99
Published January 2018
National Geographic Kids

Astronaut-Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact 

My thoughts:  Two vast areas waiting for exploration that are vastly different yet somewhat similar are Earth's ocean depths and the Universe's vast expanses. In Astronaut Aquanaut: How Space Science and Sea Science Interact the young reader and student is introduced to these areas of science with information and pictures of discoveries and anticipated ways to pioneer scientific discoveries these two vast areas contain.

The contrasts of living under the water or in outer space in a habitat created for that area and the requirements to do so are very interesting and well presented. The need for special equipment and how it was discovered and created plus how it is also incorporated into other uses is explained.

An interesting and educational book for young readers that will excite and challenge them about the possibilities of man's exploration of these two vast areas. A superb addition to libraries at home, school, or public.

About the book: The forward of this book — cowritten by the environmental pioneer and Aquanuat, Fabien Cousteau, and the first American woman to have walked in space, Astronaut Kathryn Sullivan — perfectly sets the stage to examine how space science and sea science interact as award winning author Jennifer Swanson takes readers on a journey from the edges of the solar system to the deepest trenches in the sea.  Space and the ocean — you don't think they go together? Well think again!  Both deep-sea and space explorers have to worry about pressure, temperature, climate, and most importantly, how to survive in a remote and hostile environment. Readers learn just what it takes to explore these extremes — and discover the surprising similarities between them.  With a strong tie into STEM topics — such as making connections, making comparisons, and recognizing patterns across content areas — readers will discover the amazing science and incredible innovations that allow humans (and sometimes only machines) to survive in these harsh environments.

ISBN:9781426327988
$12.99 Paperback Ages 8-12
Published January 2018
National Geographic Kids

Dr. E’s Super Stellar Solar System - New Series Alert!  

My thoughts: Having been a "young adult" when the USA landed a man on the moon for that "giant step for mankind," I am totally amazed to pick up a book like Dr. E's Super Stellar Solar System and see just how big that giant step has become. It is simply amazing to see a mass of information presented in a method that is both easy to understand, engaging to the reader - young and old"er", and educational.

 The pictures both drawn in a fun and exciting "comic book" manner and photographs are amazing. The extent of information covered reaching from under one's own feet to the farthermost reach of the solar system is fantastic.

I can highly recommend this book for personal, school, and public libraries. Science class book shelves will need this book placed there as well. A good choice to have available for expanding minds that explore and investigate.

About the book: The first in the new Science Superheroes series, this stellar book introduces kids to the solar system's wildest, most astronomical geology with comic book flair.  Readers follow Dr. E,  a planetary geologist, and her lovable robot sidekick, Rover, as they undergo exciting missions and encounter and explore spectacular storms, icy worlds, water on Mars, and giant impact craters.  Dr. E's conversational and funny explanations of the solar system and planetary geology will pull kids in like gravity. The pairing of fun, graphic novel stories with science facts makes big concepts accessible and interesting to boys and girls of all levels, from STEM science fans to reluctant readers alike.  A unique, hybrid graphic novel and science book featuring an adventure-seeking dynamic duo, each chapter begins with 2 pages of the story of Dr. E’s adventures and 6 pages of images and graphics illustrating the wonders of the solar system.  Topics covered include space exploration; robots, rovers and other awesome technology; planets, dwarf planets and moons; plate tectonics and space volcanoes; what space teaches us about Earth; and biographies of renowned scientists.The real-life author of this book, Dr. Ehlmann (Dr. E)  is a Rhodes Scholar, a 2013 National Geographic Emerging Explorer and member of the NASA Mars Curiosity Rover team.

ISBN: 9781426328633
Paperback $16.99 Ages 10+
National Geographic Kids

Try This! Extreme: 50 Fun & Safe Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You by Karen Romano Young 

My thoughts: Having raised my own family and seen the desire and the academic need to experiment and explore, I definitely see a real need for this expansive book that takes the young scientist into the realm of scientific discovery. Who knows where a simple "kitchen experiment" will lead in the life of a child? Will they become a bio technician, discover a vaccine that will save a village, create new products that generations of consumers will enjoy? The task for the parent is to put tools into the hands of the young so their minds can explore and expand.

Try This! Extreme: 50 Fun and Safe Experiments for the Mad Scientist in You can surely provide just such a tool. Replete with fabulous photographs of experiments in process. Simple experiments such as standing in doorway and pressing arms against doorjamb and how it produces "magic arms" and the understanding of this phenomena to understanding how the signal of a remote control can pass through materials or be blocked by other materials.

 I recommend this book for families with young children and for school and public libraries.

About the book: Science facts and basic principles are explained as a first step to launching these creative (and safe) science projects — from experiments that mimic ultraviolet reindeer vision, to morphing marshmallows, to making "blubber gloves." Dynamic photos and art clearly highlight each step so kids can conduct all 50 of the experiments with confidence and accuracy. Projects involve kid-friendly subjects like force and motion and temperature and freezing points, and most experiments are based on materials easily found at home (and how you can even include Fido or Fluffy in on the fun). Bonus projects throughout encourage curious kids to dig deeper and specific tips, pointers and experiments for science fair success are also included.

• A 2018 AAAS Subaru Children’s Science Book Prize Finalist
• Junior Library Guild selection
• "….readers will find a lot of unique, engaging, instructive, fun, and really cool activities. ….Filled with STEM and NGSS alignments and science fair ideas, this is great support for budding mad scientists…” - Booklist

SUPER GIVEAWAY

1 Copy of Each Book in this Review/Spotlight to 1 Winner

Begins March 6

Ends March 28 @ 12:01 EDT

Open to USA addresses only

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy of each book from MMPublicity on behalf of National Geographic Kids to facilitate this review and bookspotlight. Opinions expressed are solely my own and are freely given. Winner's copies will be provided and shipped directly to the winner by publicist or publisher.

Cao Chong Weighs an Elephant by Songju Ma Daemicke and illustrated by Christina Wald from Arbordale Publishing [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 9781628559040 Paperback $9.95
ISBN: 9781628559033 Hardcover $17.95

My thoughts: This joyfully illustrated picture book transports young readers to the year 200 C.E. (or A.D.) into Ancient China and amongst royals as is indicated by crowns and clothing.

The occasion is the presentation of an elephant - the first elephant to ever be seen in their country. Excitement runs high and soon discussion of the huge animal's weight ensues. So they must devise a method to determine its weight.

Cao Chong is a child prodigy recognized in Chinese History and he has a plan. It stumps and amazes the others that this child can know how to accomplish the task.

Arbordale publishes books for children that are school age and their books are attractive and entertaining. However, the main feature, in my opinion, is the capability they have of providing materials at the back of the book that take the reader beyond the limits of the story and engages his or her mind with activities in ways that demonstrate the science or math behind the actual story and even presents new ideas for their perusal.

The back pages for Creative Minds in this book include information about ancient China and modern China even providing maps that show city locations and China's borders for reader comparison. The principal of buoyancy and displacement is presented in understandable and demonstrable methods in the Creative Minds activities.

I highly recommend this book as a fun, entertaining, and highly educational book. Click here to see the Teaching Activities on the Arbordale website.

About the book: How much does an elephant weigh? How do you know? How would you know if you didn’t have a modern scale? Six-year-old Cao Chong, the most famous child prodigy in Chinese history, faced just this problem! Chong watches as the prime minister’s most trusted and learned advisors debate different methods. The principle of buoyancy and a little bit of creative thinking help this boy come up with a solution.

GIVEAWAY

Begins January 2, 2018

Ends January 23 @ 12:01 a.m. EST

Open to USA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from Arbordale Publishing to facilitate this review of my own opinions which are freely given. Giveaway copy is provided and shipped directly to the winner by Arbordale Publishing.

Science Encyclopedia: Atom Smashing, Food Chemistry, Animals, Space, and More! by National Geographic Kids [Review & Giveaway]

ISBN: 978-1426325427
$24.99 Hardcover

My thoughts: How do you say "Wow" with super exclamations that go pow and wow? Well, that's what Science Encyclopedia: Atom Smashing, Food Chemistry, Animals, Space, and More deserves.

This is a giant of a book in size (measures 9.5 x 0.9 x 12.2 inches), in pages (304), and in mind-blasting information.

Be prepared to sit for hours, days, months delving into the facts and fun information that is packed inside this real treat of a book for kids ages 8 to 12. Well, older and younger kids and adults will all spend much time sifting through the vast amount of information it contains.

The pictures capture the reader's attention and the occasional side-joke softens the learning a bit. We all know that good teachers are often the ones that bring a bit of levity to the classroom.

I love the index and glossary at the back beause they make investigative reading and learning easier. There are also lists of other materials the reader can source for further study.

This is a superb book for home, school, and public libraries and I can highly recommend it to my readers. Another superb publication from National Geographic Kids.

About the book:  Food chemistry, atom crashing, wave power, food chemistry, and robots! These are just a few of the topics covered in this fantastic new science encyclopedia, which presents a comprehensive overview of physical and life sciences from A to Z. Super smart and kid-friendly, it’s packed with full-color photographs, weird but true facts, amazing statistics, do-it-yourself experiments, plus profiles of scientists and National Geographic's explorers who rock the world of science. Keep up with the changes happening all around us with this stellar science reference book.

GIVEAWAY ~~ FLASH

Begins December 4

ENDS December 12 @ 12:01 a.m ET

Open to USA addresses only.

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DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy to facilitate this review of my own opinions which are freely given without censure. Giveaway copy is provided by the publicist or publisher directly to the winner.

Let's hear from Kell Andrews author of MIRA FORECASTS THE FUTURE [Giveaway - USA/CANADA]

Children's books have found a new niche that renders them an effective educational tool as well as a real piece of entertainment. I've found several along the way and it amazes me how an author can turn education into fun. Kids want to read books like this, but the key is making them interesting, appealing to the visual and mental senses, and capturing their full attention. Here is a bit about Kell Andrews's experience in developing MIRA FORECASTS THE FUTURE.

Mixing Science Fact and Fiction in Mira Forecasts the Future

I was looking for a fun way to write about the sciences, and I thought of the weather. I love kids nonfiction, but I’m a fiction writer. I brainstormed a way to build a story around it, and that story turned into MIRA FORECASTS THE FUTURE.

 When I was growing up, my family was obsessed with the weather, and once we got cable, we watched The Weather Channel every night. Until then, the weather had just been a few square inches of the newspaper or a few minutes of the nightly news. We had a thermometer, barometer, windvanes, and rain gauges, but I didn’t forecast the weather myself -- it was more of a spectator sport.

It doesn’t need to be. Children can observe and track the weather with very few tools -- just a thermometer and their own eyes. And with easy availability of weather apps and satellite photos, they have tools at their disposal that Mira never dreamed of.

Turning Weather into a Story

Kell Andrews, author
Mira Forecasts the Future

So how to make weather forecasting work in fiction ? It occurred to me that predicting the weather is a real-life way of predicting the future using science, and I noticed how interested my own children were in the little paper fortune tellers they folded and made.

From there I came up with Mira, an inept fortuneteller turned weather wonder girl whose predictions her whole beach town comes to rely on. New to fiction/nonfiction hybrids, I studied a lot of texts, and one I liked a lot was Lemonade in Winter: A Book About Two Kids Counting Money, by Emily Jenkins, illustrated by Brian Karas. So I wrote the weather information as backmatter.

Later, when I was working with Sterling Kids, editor Zaneta Jung asked my to incorporate the factual information into the story, and illustrator Lissy Marlin turned into a visual in the middle of the book as Mira researches in the library before she tries her own hand at meteorology.

I hope readers get inspired by Mira’s love of weather -- whether they make their own predictions or get fascinated by another area of science. There’s so much kids can do now to learn about and participate in science -- it’s much easier to forecast the future if you start working towards it now.

 May be purchased at Barnes & Noble

About the book: Telling the future is a gift: you either have it, or you don’t. And Mira, daughter of the famous fortune teller Madame Mirabella, just doesn't. When Madame gazes into the crystal ball, magic swirls. When Mira looks . . . nothing. Then one day Mira gets a pinwheel and a windsock, she finds her own form of “magic” in the science of predicting the weather—and saves the day for everyone! This engaging tale, with a fun touch of science thrown in, helps kids understand that we all have our own special talent.

GIVEAWAY

Begins June 22

ENDS July 13 @ 12:01 a.m. EDT

Open to USA & CANADA addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DISCLOSURE: This guest post was provided by Sterling Children's Books an imprint of Sterling Publishing on behalf of the author, Kell Andrews, to promote this book. I was not compensated for posting this review.
NOTE: This story does incorporate the skills of Mira's mother, Madame Mirabella, who is a fortune teller at the beach and Mira bemoaning the fact that she does not have the fortune telling skill as well. I appreciate Mira's discovering points about predicting the weather and it makes for a cute story.

NeoCell Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid for healthy joints and skin [Review & Giveaway]

I am now trying another great product from NeoCell which is a trusted name in healthy supplements.

We've all read the good news that our beloved blueberries are wonderfully rich in antioxidents. We even planted a blueberry bush in our back yard and have enjoyed wonderful home-grown, organic blueberries. This Hyaluronic Acid is rich in Blueberry Liquid and that makes it a double-whammy of goodness for our bodies.

Since I'm now a lady-of-a-certain-age, I need all the help I can get  protecting and helping my joints and skin. This product promises to really help.

Now I've tried it straight from the bottle and it is good and tasty. Not bad for a quick, easy to take help for skin and joints.

The picture (with the tiny glass) is one-tablespoon Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid mixed into two-tablespoons of water. Tastes delicious!

In the picture (with the tall glass) is one-tablespoon Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid mixed into a lovely mocha chai tea with ice. I did add a bit of honey to sweeten. Delicious!

If you don't care to take pills, this is a lovely way to get some Hyaluronic Acid and blueberry benefits into your daily life. And now the readers here at Chat With Vera have an opportunity to get a bottle by entering the giveaway below. Or you can go ahead a grab a bottle for yourself from iherb (where I shop for my NeoCell products).

GIVEAWAY
Begins April 26

ENDS May 17 @ 12:00 a.m. EDT 
Open to USA  addresses only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Product information (from Neocell)

• Nutrients You Can Trust
• 50 mg Hyaluronic Acid Per Serving
• Quenching Hydration for Supple Skin and Lubricated Joints & Eyes
• Fast-Acting Delicious Liquid
• Dietary Supplement
• Joint Health
• Skin Viscoelasticity
• Eye Health
• Moisture Magnet
• GMP Certified

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is an important disaccharide found in every tissue of the body, in particular as an essential lubricant of healthy joints, skin, and eyes. NeoCell Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid is a natural dietary supplement enhanced with the antioxidant power of pomegranate and green tea, blueberry to help with eye health, and the absorption benefits of ionic minerals. The advanced formula is an easy to take and tasty HA supplement.

Suggested Use - As a daily supplement, take one (1) tablespoon (1/2 fl oz) daily, alone or mixed with six ounces of water, fruit juice or herbal tea.

Other Ingredients - Purified water, citric acid, natural flavors, potassium sorbate (to preserve freshness), and silicon dioxide. Does not contain: Soy, wheat, lactose, starch, yeast, or artificial flavors. Gluten free.

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary bottle of Hyaluronic Acid Blueberry Liquid from NeoCell to facilitate this review. Opinions are my own and were freely given.