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SCRATCHING THE SURFACE: Exploring Earth's Layers
A lyrical, scientific exploration of what's below our feet, this gorgeously illustrated informational picture book digs into geological discoveries--and embraces the mysteries science has yet to solve. Join "science poet" Kate Allen Fox (Pando, Capstone, 2021--named a Best Book of 2021 by School Library Journal) on a journey to the center of the Earth in this fascinating, wonder-filled investigation of Earth's layers. Illustrated cross-sections and additional nonfiction back matter about the scientific method make this narrative nonfiction a comprehensive and satisfying experience for young scientists.
GO PLAY: How Parents Can Empower Kids to Build their Own Worlds
Why the best thing for your kids is also the most fun!
We live in a society that undervalues play. Increasingly, children lead regimented lives that include commuting, school, and extracurriculars, with little time for the play and exploration that allow them to develop emotionally, socially, and believe it or not, academically. Among many other benefits, open-ended play, more than any other activity, has been shown to improve children's confidence, agency, literacy development, social and emotional skills, and problem-solving abilities. Play quite literally changes the structure of the brain and is a key building block for children's social and emotional well-being. And it's fun!
When our children build their own worlds through play, they develop their brains, learn new skills, and increase emotional regulation. Our kids are already primed to play and learn. All we have to do is let them.
Armed with the knowledge in this book, parents will see how play can unlock many wonderful possibilities—and unexpected joys—for their families. Because there's no such thing as "just play." Play isn't just anything; it is everything.
SUMMER SOLSTICE WISH
On the longest day of the year, during the summer solstice, flowers explode like tiny fireworks of joy.
A community comes together to savor the golden days of summer and celebrate the summer solstice, by gathering in a large community flower garden. Children pick flowers and weave flower crowns, symbolizing their friendship and connection to the earth, spreading happiness and kindness. Summer Solstice Wish is a joyful celebration of the glorious long days of summer that seem to pass all too quickly.
In the spirit of their picture book Winter Solstice Wish, author Kate Allen Fox and illustrator Elisa Paganelli have returned with another luminous solstice story. This gorgeous book is set in the Pacific Northwest and inspired by a Scandinavian tradition of making flower crowns to mark the summer solstice. Back matter includes information about what's happening, scientifically, during a summer solstice and suggestions for how to make a flower crown.
WINTER SOLSTICE WISH
On the shortest day of the year, people reach out for light--and one another--in this luminous, lyrical winter solstice story.
Today we stretch the daylight as much as we can, trying to make it last.
On the shortest day of the year, when daylight slips by like sand through one's fingers, people savor the light. As night falls, a community builds a bonfire of hope. Winter Solstice Wish is an ode to the winter solstice, human connectedness, and the hope of renewal.
Reviews
"The language has a powerful forward momentum and is rich with imagery and metaphor.... The setting, with palm trees and sunshine, is a unique choice that refuses to equate darkness with cold. Contemplative, joyful, and informative, this book is recommended for school and public libraries."
School Library Journal, starred review
"A bright spot of hope on a day where darkness is dominant."
Kirkus Reviews
"Poetry meets the planetary as Fox's free verse describes a beachside celebration of the winter solstice.... Shimmery sunset hues add ribbons of light to Paganelli's inky indigo nightscapes, communicating a sense of celestial connection."
Publishers Weekly
A FEW BEAUTIFUL MINUTES
A poetic and exquisitely illustrated tribute to the solar eclipse and the magic of togetherness, seen through the eyes of a child.
What happens during a solar eclipse? The sun vanishes. Light becomes dark. Day animals sleep, and night animals wake. The moon takes over the sky. People stop what they’re doing and together, they look up. The whole world changes for a few beautiful minutes.
Celebrating a favorite wonder of the universe, A Few Beautiful Minutes encourages young readers to (safely) discover each stage of a solar eclipse, and to experience how this incredible phenomenon can connect us to one another.
PANDO: A Living Wonder of Trees
Named One of the Best Books of 2021 by School Library Journal!
Pando: A Living Wonder of Trees is an inspiring tribute to a Utah grove of quaking Aspen trees connected by their roots to form one of the world's oldest and largest living things. Author Kate Allen Fox engages readers’ senses to help convey the vastness of Pando, the challenges it faces, and how we all can be part of the solution. With lyrical poetry, Fox summarizes the science, action, and compassion needed to save this wonder of nature.
Want to learn more about the real Pando and contribute to efforts to save it? Check out the Friends of Pando website and donate to support their important work here.
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