If My Mom Were A Platypus... What would my life be like?

Newly re-released! Creative Child Magazine Book of the Year & “NSTA Recommends” Title
 
WASHINGTON - March 13, 2014 - PRLog -- If My Mom Were A Platypus: Mammal Babies and their Mothers will be re-released in April 2014 - 13 years after its original publication. Now published by a different press, the 64-page, full-color book will be available in both paperback and e-book formats. Long embraced by families, teachers, librarians and museums, the new release will introduce this delightful classic to a new generation of children. It has been extended and expanded with new content, available online, to support its use by educators and homeschoolers.

The platypus is one of 14 mammal babies that narrate their own stories,from birth to maturity—including growth, knowledge, eating habits, and fun facts. Kids are naturally curious about where they came from. If My Mom Were A Platypus introduces them to the process of moving from total helplessness to self-sufficiency and independence. Its science-through-literature approach challenges them to extract the important science content while strengthening and rewarding reading skills. The content aligns directly with the Common Core State Standards and the Next Generation Science Standards, as well as both primary and middle school curricula.

This fascinating introduction to the world of mammals sensitively captures the universality of the life cycle. Its delightful presentation has been described as “Completely engrossing” [Foreword Magazine] and “As engaging visually as it is verbally!” [Carnegie Academy for Science Education].

“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,” explains author Dia L. Michels, award-winning science and parenting writer. “No baby on this planet is born more helpless than the human. Like all other mammals, children must acquire the experiences and skills to help them grow to independence. The magic in this book is that it helps children see themselves as living beings on a journey—a journey shared with many other fascinating living beings.”

The book contains sweet tales of mothers and babies – and so much more! The stories convey significant scientific insight. Sensory perception, infant identification, habitats, life cycle, adaptations, ecology, metabolism, anatomy, biomes and classification are just some of the topics addressed in the animal stories.

“When we discovered the role the book could play in science education,” Dia explains, “we began working with teachers to create supplemental materials to support the book’s message.” The result is the teacher-written Activity Guide and the Hands-On Demonstrations Guide, which are available as free downloads at the publisher’s website. Teachers also appreciate the glossary and metric measurements.

“This is one of the most engaging nonfiction books I have ever read! It correlates so well with our science curriculum and the supplemental resources are especially teacher friendly,” exclaims Sonya Smith, Science Coordinator for the ATOMS2XP (Advancing Teachers of Middle School Science) and IMPACT2 (In-depth Mathematical Practices and Content Teacher Training) programs at Mississippi State.

“The timing of this release is perfect!” explains Laura Gonzales, a public librarian in Washington, D.C. “Libraries using the theme of the national reading program, Fizz, Boom, Read! have one more fabulous resource available to them.” The book is also available in Spanish, Hebrew and Dutch, bringing the content to children of different cultures.

Birth centers, departments of health, and maternal/child health centers were first to embrace the book, sharing it routinely with expectant parents and families with young children. The Spanish edition of the book (June 2011), was commissioned by the state of New Mexico for a program designed to promote family life, parenting and literacy. At that time, the book was still being produced by its original publisher.

Dia L. Michels lives in Washington, DC with her husband and three kids. She has written and/or edited over a dozen books for children and adults. Her book, 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Science (2006, Science, Naturally!), is an NSTA Recommended and Best Books Award Finalist that Science Magazine says “should be on everyone’s bookshelf!” A popular speaker, she presents across the country on mammal reproduction, family science and parenting.

Andrew Barthelmes is a talented illustrator and graphic designer. He is the designer behind the award-winning One Minute Mysteries series of science and math books. His work has appeared in the New Yorker and other publications. He lives in Peekskill, NY with his wife and three kids.

Science, Naturalyl! is an independent press committed to increasing STEM literacy, with a focus on science and math, in fun and engaging ways. Their books, e-books and apps are designed to help readers gain a better understanding of how science and math affect everyday life. All of their titles have earned the coveted “NSTA Recommends” designation by the National Science Teachers’ Association; all of their math books have been endorsed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Science, Naturally! titles are available to the book trade through National Book Network. Catalogs that
sell their books include Museum Tour, Educational Innovations, EAI Education and ETA hand2mind.
Library bound editions are distributed by Children's Plus.

Review copies available upon request. Sample mysteries, cover scans, and the articulation of content to the NSF Science Standards are available at www.ScienceNaturally.com.

If My Mom Were A Platypus: Mammal Babies and Their Mothers
Paperback          ISBN 10: 1-9384921-1-0  ▪ April 2014  ▪  Full Color  ▪  64 Pages  ▪  $12.95
Ebook          ISBN 10: 1-9384921-2-9  ▪ April 2014  ▪  Full Color  ▪  66 Pages  ▪  $11.99
Spanish paperback    ISBN 10: 0-9700106-8-0  ▪ June 2011  ▪  Full Color  ▪  64 Pages  ▪  $  9.95
Also available in Dutch and Hebrew
Ages 8-12 for independent reading (used routinely with younger kids as a read-a-loud)

[Originally published in hardcover by Platypus Media, LLC, April 2001, ISBN: 1-930775-02-4]

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