Love books about girls in science? Then, you have to check out Zoey and Sassafras by Asia Citro and illustrated by Marion Lindsay. Zoey isn't exactly a veterinarian, but she is a budding scientist who finds herself in a position to help sick animals--actually magical animals that only her and her mom (and, of course, Sassafras) can see. Though this series of early chapter books is geared toward ages 5-9, it is appealing to younger children as a read aloud. My daughter loved the playful aspects of Zoey's character and related immediately to her "thinking goggles" and the slightly grumpy Sassafras. ​Dragons and Marshmallows introduces young readers to scientific concepts, such as controlling variables in an experiment and keeping a scientific journal, in simple, accessible ways. With its mix of fantasy, science, and mystery, there is something for every curious child to love. We will definitely be picking up more books in this series!

It was one of those glorious days at the Oregon coast. The kind of day where you eek out every moment of sunlight, watching the kids sprint circles in the sand and splash in the warm, salty pools until they collapse. And you eat sandy sandwiches because you cannot bear to leave, even for lunch. And you turn into a kid yourself and try a cartwheel for your nephew (even though your body doesn’t do that anymore) and dig your hands into the hot-baked sand just to feel the warmth. For me anyway, there is no better day and no better place on Earth. Today reminded me of how much I have enjoyed sharing the discovery of marine life in the tide pools and estuaries with my daughter, niece, and nephew. Sea anemones, sculpins, sea stars, hermit crabs, mussels, clams, sea lions and harbor seals…there are so many miracles to wonder about through the eyes of a child. So, I wanted to share a list of ten of my favorite stories about the ocean, beach and seashore (old and new, in no particular order). They are wonderful reminders of all the time I have spent here and all the wonderful things I have learned, and they are some of my favorite books to read to the children in my life. If you have any favorite beach/ocean books, please leave a comment!

1. Secrets of the Seashore by Carron Brown and Illustrated by Alyssa Nasser
https://www.amazon.com/Secrets-Seashore-Shine-Light-Book/dp/1610673093 

2. Sally Goes to the Beach by Stephen Huneck
https://www.abebooks.com/first-edition/Sally-Goes-Beach-Huneck-Stephen-abrams/8683839185/bd
 
3. When the Tide is Low by Sheila Cole and Illustrated by Virginia Wright-Frierson
https://www.amazon.com/When-Tide-Low-Sheila-Cole/dp/0688040667

4. Ladybug Girl at the Beach by David Soman and Jacky Davis
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/308484/ladybug-girl-and-bingo-by-jacky-davis-illustrated-by-david-soman/9780803735828/ 

5. Stella, Star of the Sea by Mary Louise Gay
https://www.amazon.com/Stella-Star-Sea-Sam/dp/0888999925

6. The Boy and the Whale by Mordicai Gerstein
https://www.amazon.com/Boy-Whale-Mordicai-Gerstein/dp/1626725055
 
7. The Maggie B by Irene Haas
https://www.amazon.com/Maggie-B-Irene-Haas/dp/0689500211
 
8. Pout Pout Fish by Deborah Diesen and Don Hanna
https://www.amazon.com/Pout-Pout-Fish-Deborah-Diesen/dp/0374360979

9. The Snail and the Whale by Julia Donaldson Illustrated by Alex Scheffler
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/288495/the-snail-and-the-whale-by-julia-donaldson/9780142405802/
 
10. Following Papa’s Song by Gianna Marino
​https://www.amazon.com/Following-Papas-Song-Gianna-Marino/dp/0670013153

"Bent paper... is something to celebrate!"

Beautiful Oops by Barney Saltzberg is the perfect book for the little artist (especially one who might also be a little perfectionist, like mine)! Its playful flaps and innovative construction will help your child (and you) see the beautiful possibilities that can come from all those frustrating art moments (and life moments). I love how it allows the child a chance to imagine what she might do with the mistakes before the reveal. And now when I hear..."Noooo!" emanating from the art table, we have a starting place to work through the frustration. Not only is this a fun book, but it also teaches kids a valuable skill--seeing the opportunity in mistakes.

“You are not my mother, said the wolf pup.
I am not your mother, said the polar bear, but I can cuddle you and keep you safe.”
 
If you’re like me, you’re always wondering how to balance protecting your children and exposing them to the necessary realities of life…. in the right way AND at the right time. Pup and Bear by Kate Banks and Naoko Stoop (illustrator) is a beautiful and moving story that gently reveals the cycle of life while showing how the kindness of a stranger can lead to a powerful cycle of its own. A stranded Arctic wolf pup is found by a mother polar bear who cares for him until he is ready to go out on his own. The “wondrous wheel of life” turns round and round, but the Arctic wolf never forgets this extraordinary act of love.
 
This question provoking story had my daughter and I talking about how a small act can change your heart for a lifetime and about giving kindness in a forward way. This would also be a beautiful book for families who have adopted or found children in a non-traditional way.

​hotheaded mountain
Loses its cool, spews ash cloud--
igneous tantrum

​Looking for something different for a curious kid that loves non-fiction? You’ve got to check out this innovative book by Sally M. Walker and William Grill. Earth verse is a combination of haiku, gorgeous art, and earth science. The haiku section encourages kids to think about earth’s processes from new, playful perspectives. Who knew rocks could be so relatable? Even my 3-year-old loved the concept of earth’s layers as a hard-boiled egg! The haikus are accompanied by accurate illustrations, skillfully showing familiar concepts from fresh angles. At the end, there are deeper explanations about the earth, minerals and rocks, fossils, earthquakes and volcanoes, and water in all its forms. It would be a great aid in the classroom, but it is also a beautiful book to have at home. Just leave it lying around to inspire curiosity and awe about our planet.

​“Wild is tiny and fragile and sweet-baby new. It pushes through cracks and crannies and steals back forgotten places…”
 
My daughter and I revisited Finding Wild by Megan Wagner Lloyd and Abigail Halpin today while preparing for our first camping trip of the season. Filled with questions, wonder, and gorgeous language, it challenges children to think about the concept of ‘the wild’ in a multi-sensory way. Raised in an area bursting with wild spaces, it sings the beauty of all the hidden and secluded spaces I cherish. But it also dares us to look for wild in the places we least expect and to never underestimate its strength, even when it seems to have disappeared. Go out and discover it today... 

​Right now, we are loving this picture book by Antoinette Portis…Now. Fitting, since the story is all about celebrating the joy of the present moment. It beautifully captures a child’s gift to be all in, loving most the activity she is doing right now. Loving best the taste he is tasting right now. No comparing. No planning. Just this wonderful moment. This lovely story also reminds us to join our children in that moment, heart, body and soul…even as we read the book. That was my daughter’s favorite part. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did!