Asia Citro

As we have previously established, I am as close as I ever get to being a fan of Zoey and Sassafras. I love the mixture of magic and science, the experiments, the adorable kitty, the diversity, and just the whole thing! Seeing this latest addition to the series inspired me to start planning a Zoey and Sassafras, Magic and Science, program next year where I plant combine unicorn slime and cute crafty caterflies, microscopes and magic!

The quick rundown of the basic plot; Zoey and her mom can show more see magical creatures, which come to their barn for help. In each book Zoey works on helping a different magical creature using science. Her mom is usually there to help and advise, but Zoey tries most things on her own. She's experimented with removing mold from a monster's fur, what to feed a baby dragon, how to safely melt ice and feed caterflies, and much more.

In this title, we meet what might be the most impressive creature yet - a unicorn! Did you know that unicorns are GIANT? Neither did Zoey! Even though he's just a baby, Tiny is taller than the trees! Tiny has a cut on his leg and Zoey needs to figure out how to safely treat it and keep it from getting infected. Luckily, she and her mom were already experimenting with live cultures, making yoghurt, and they use the same principles to isolate and treat the bacteria in Tiny's injury. The book includes entries in Zoey's journal that walks readers through the experiments and a glossary of science terms in the back.

Verdict: These beginning chapter books are just exactly what I, and my readers, want on so many levels. Kids love to read them on their own, they love the magical creatures, they appeal to kids who love science, and I have many parents who read them aloud as well. I look forward to more adventures from Zoey and Sassafras!

ISBN: 9781943147472; Published October 2018 by Innovation Press; Purchased for the library; Review copy provided for Cybils show less

I accidentally started this series with the second book, Monsters and Mold, but then I went to ALA and got a signed copy of the first book! Of course I had to read it and fall in love all over again.

Zoey is watching her mom work one day when she sees a picture...that shines! Zoey's mom is delighted when she finds out that Zoey can see magical creatures and she tells her the story of how she first came to be friends with and help magical creatures. When Zoey's mom goes out of town, Zoey gets show more her chance to help some magical creatures on her own and the first one she meets is a sick dragon! With some scientific experiments and the support of her cat, Sassafrass, Zoey figures out what's wrong with the baby dragon. Until it all goes wrong! Can she help the baby dragon or will she have to call her mom back home?

Sigh. So perfect. Zoey is bright, curious, and ready to experiment. She makes mistakes and knows when it's time to ask for help, but she's also an independent girl with plenty of determination and scientific smarts. The magical creatures are delightful and the cute drawings are an additional bonus.

Readers and teachers who love science will enjoy the mix of experiments, scientific method, and the helpful glossary of scientific terms.

Verdict: Still in love with this series! I can't wait to use them in book club and I strongly recommend that every library add them.

ISBN: 9781943147090; Published 2016 by Innovation; Review copy provided by author at ALA; Purchased for the library show less

I accidentally picked up the second title in this series instead of the first, but I quickly picked up on the plot. It's similar to Kallie George's Magical Animal Adoption Agency or Pip Bartlett's Guide to Magical Creatures but at a beginning chapter level and with a science-y twist! I have a lot of Citro's nonfiction science books and was skeptical that she could turn her hand to beginning chapters, a totally different animal, but I was quickly won over!

In this second adventure, Zoey is show more waiting eagerly for the doorbell to ring and bring another magical creature to her (and her mom) for help. Having assisted a baby dragon in the first story, she is hopeful that something equally cute will show up. Meanwhile, she fiddles around with her moldy bread experiments and plays with her cat Sassafras. But when the doorbell does ring, she gets a big surprise! It's a monster! A monster with a problem - moldy fur! Zoey tries one thing after another but nothing seems to work and Gorp is scared of Sassafras and absolutely sure he'll never get to go to the monster ball. Will Zoey be able to come up with a scientific solution in time?

Black and white illustrations show Zoey with big, round eyes, wild curls, and dark skin. Gorp is a fluffy but miserable monster with cat-like stripes and woeful big eyes. Zoey's house, barn, and science experiments are all shown in clear, simple pictures that move the text along briskly. There is a glossary included, but most of the science is seamlessly woven into the text, including experiments and scientific thinking. Zoey's experiments are written up in a wobbly, handwritten font and the text is about intermediate for a chapter book - just right for a Magic Tree House reader.

Verdict: Why, oh WHY did I not discover these last December when I order all my new beginning chapter series for the next year?? Now I have to wait until December 2017! I love that Zoey is both a girl and diverse, doing science! The friendly, cozy nature of the story, the seamless integration of the science into the story, the hint of magic - it's all just perfect. I can't wait to add these to my collection! Highly recommended.

ISBN: 9781943147137; Published 2017 by Innovation Press; Borrowed from another library in my consortium show less

Zoey loves to explore with her cat Sassafras and one day before her mom leaves town they discover that her mom helps take care of magical creatures in their barn. Once Zoey's mom knows she can see the creatures she puts Zoey in charge of any animals that might show up when she's on her trip. The first animal Zoey has to take care of? A baby dragon...and by experimenting and reading and trying she starts to help him get better.

Super cute early chapter book incorporating science and magic! show more Text is not overly girly so when the boys finish other dragon series they would definitely like this if they tried it. show less