Nurtured and Nuzzled ▪ Criados y Acariciados

WASHINGTON - Nov. 4, 2015 - PRLog -- Appearing on bookstore shelves this February—when most animals in cold climates are snuggled and nuzzled in for warmth—is Platypus Media’s new, bilingual, early-childhood science book, Nurtured and Nuzzled ▪ Criados y Acariciados. (https://platypusmedia.com/NurturedandNuzzled)

This book won’t ruffle any feathers or fur, but will help parents, educators, healthcare providers and more, adopt new ways of describing and sharing how babies are cared for. With stunning full-page, full-color illustrations of animal mothers tending to their cubs, pups, calves and chicks, this bilingual book reveals to readers a wide range of habitats and behavior.

While this book doesn’t increase your ability to speak dolphin or elephant, it can improve its readers’ English and Spanish. Nationally, nearly
25 percent of all K-12 students are Latino, and the percentage is growing.

“Nurtured and Nuzzled is a richly illustrated exploration of the animal world that promotes attachment and vocabulary in two languages.
As a science educator, I appreciate the variety of animal species depicted with accurate, yet artistically vivid, detail. As a teacher of bilingual, early learners in Mexico, I appreciate the rhythmic and direct bilingual text that will ensure the students are actively reading. The kids will enjoy reading this engaging book over and over again,” explains Brian Lax, American School Foundation of Chiapas, Tuxtla-Gutierrez, Mexico.

For those who enjoy listening to books or would like help with pronunciation, the publisher has developed four audio narrations: English only, Spanish only, Integrated, and a Pronunciation Guide. They can be found at PlatypusMedia.com.

Beyond the linguistic merits of the book, as they see how animal mothers lend a paw, wing, or flipper to care for their young, kids are exposed to healthy choices. The book models warm attachments, breastfeeding, and caretaking.

At the same time, children are introduced to science concepts from ecology to reproductive biology, from lactation to habitats.

“Unlike most animals that only belong in one habitat, this book can thrive in many. Advocates and professionals in maternity or parenting, early childhood, literacy, bilingual language immersion, and science professionals can use this book to engage their audience. It is especially exciting that the Teacher’s Guide is designed to support the Next Generation Science Standards,” said SueAnn I. Bottoms, Assistant Professor, Science Education, Oregon State University.

“The comprehensive Teacher’s Guide contains engaging, thought-provoking, and age-appropriate activities, along with a whole stable of beautiful animal photo flashcards and worksheets,” adds Brian Lax.

The Teacher’s Guide is intended to maximize the book’s effectiveness in the classroom. Written by Sue Garcia, veteran educator and teacher’s guide writer, the 62-page Guide includes additional content, hands-on activities and games, to teach early attachment, develop cognitive skills, and improve literacy. It is available for free download in both English and Spanish.

Early childhood experts and literacy coaches herald Nurtured and Nuzzled. "My boys adore this charming little book!  They think the animal family pictures are so cute and I really appreciate how it normalizes the nurturing relationship between parents and their children,” shares Dr. Sarah Reece-Stremtan, a pediatrician and mother of two in Washington, DC. “It makes cuddling during story time that much sweeter!"

Mike Speiser’s beautiful images of mother and baby animals have regularly appeared on the cover of National Geographic’s Wild Animal Baby magazine. His work can be seen at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum in Wausau, WI. He hopes his art will help protect the natural world for future generations. This is his first book.  He lives next to the Black Hills of South Dakota and can be reached at Mike@PlatypusMedia.com.

Platypus Media was founded over 15 years ago by Dia L. Michels, an award-winning author of early childhood, science, and women’s health books. They create and distribute products that help nurture children and empower parents. Their mission is to offer quality products that have a broad appeal to diverse families, who believe in the importance of family to the full and healthy development of children.

Platypus Media products are available for direct sale. They are distributed to the trade by National Book Network. Library bound editions are distributed by Children’s Plus. Review copies are available upon request. Sample pages, cover scans, the Teacher’s Guide and audio narration files are available at PlatypusMedia.com.

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Nurtured and Nuzzled  ▪  Criados y Acariciados

  Platypus Media  ▪  February 2016

  Written by the editors at Platypus Media; Illustrated by Mike Speiser

  Paperback, full page, full color throughout
   Bilingual: English/Spanish
   Paper ISBN 13:   978-1-930775-80-0 · ISBN 10:1-930775-80-6
   Ebook ISBN 13:  978-1-930775-81-7 · ISBN 10:1-930775-81-4

  Ages 0-5▪  24 Pages ▪  $9.95 (Ebook: $8.99)
   Four Audio Narrations (English only, Spanish only, Integrated)

   and Pronunciation Guide available (listen at PlatypusMedia.com)

  Teacher’s Guide (in both English and Spanish) available for free download

  Coming soon! English/German and English/French editions