Asia Citro has worn all the hats – as a scientist, a science teacher, a mom, a writer, and even a publisher. Woven into all of that is her passion for making science accessible and inviting for ALL children. She’s the author of the popular series, Zoey and Sassafras, an endearing beginning chapter book series that follows a relatable hero, Zoey, as she and her cat, Sassafras, along with some support from Zoey’s scientist mom, help a long line of fantasy creatures….all while incorporating important science principles along the way. It’s that perfect fusion of fantasy and fact that keeps kids enthralled. She’s also written The Curious Kids’ Science Book, which is one of the BEST science activity books out there right now. She also runs the publishing company, Innovation Press, where she’s guided a host of award-winning book projects, including a series of picture books that tell the true tales of a variety of scientists, particularly those who are traditionally underrepresented in the science field. And if that wasn’t enough, her publishing company also works not only to create high-quality, inspiring books that spark imagination and wonder, but also have set up several initiatives making it possible for them to donate books to schools and libraries that serve low-income neighborhoods. She is truly a woman on a mission.
You’ll want to catch what Asia has to say about helping children see themselves as scientists and how we can all learn to see that science is truly everywhere. I think she’ll give you a lot to think about as she challenges us to see failure as a necessity and to overcome our adult tendency to over-control the science experiences and instead invite more ownership from our youngest scientists.
Listen
Notes from the Show:
(*May contain affiliate links.)
Books we mention:
Zoey & Sassafras Series + Book 7
The Curious Kid’s Science Book (A must-have!)
Evelyn the Adventurous Entymologyst (I love Evelyn!)
The Astronaut with a Song for the Stars
The Girl Who Thought in Pictures
The blog Asia thought no one would read.
Learn more about Asia’s publishing company, Innovation Press.
The comment “science is everywhere” reminded me of a post I wrote for No Time for Flash Cards here.
I paired several of Asia’s books with gifts for this year’s Books Plus Gift Guide.
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