The slim volumes in the Zoey & Sassafras series have much more in them than you’d expect—mystery, fantasy, and actual science. In each book, Zoey and her feline sidekick come to the rescue of a new magical creature by using a combination of gumption and smarts, modeling the research and study practices scientists use in the real world. But don’t think too much about the educational component, because kids notice only the fun—they’re feeding their minds nutrition while they think they’re eating potato chips. In the latest installment, Zoey and Sassafras are excited that summer has begun, but the good times aren’t rolling, as everyone around them seems to be afflicted by the same bad mood. It’s up to our sensible heroes to make sense of things and save the season. It may not be easy, but they haven’t failed yet. (ages 6 to 10)
—James Crossley, Madison Books, Seattle, WA
Inspire some scientific curiosity with books from Madison Books and other independent bookstores.