Today we're excited to spotlight Libby Loves Science by Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes.

 Read on for more about Kimberly & Shelli and their book, an guest post, plus an giveaway! 

Meet Kimberly Derting!

As a child, Kimberly Derting spent hours drawing intricate underground “worm cities” because her art skills didn’t allow her to draw anything with arms or legs. In college, she studied biology, but her real experiments are done at home, where she wrangles three kids, just one husband, two dogs, two cats, and a rabbit named Thumper—seriously, she’s practically a zookeeper! She’s terrified of spiders and snakes, but loves animals (obviously!), so she’s spent her free time volunteering for a local animal shelter with her daughter. Her hypothesis is that she’s always right…although she’s never actually been able to prove that theory. And even if you don’t laugh at her jokes, she knows in her heart that she’s hilarious.  

 Website * Facebook * Twitter * Instagram

Meet Shelli R. Johannes!

Shelli R. Johannes never warmed up to creepy crawly bugs, but she always loved zoology and biology. In fact, she can often be found on highways and country roads saving strays and other jaywalking critters, or volunteering with animal-conservation groups like the Atlanta Zoo, the Dolphin Project, and animal rescue centers. Unfortunately she learned early on that chemistry (aka cooking) was not her favorite science, often resulting in odd reactions and minor explosions. She lives in Atlanta with her husband, two kids, one bird, one fish, and two crazy-haired doodles who, just like Einstein, all who seem to love fruit and dessert, but loathe veggies. 

 Website * Twitter 

Meet Libby Loves Science!

Libby loves science! In this STEM-themed picture book, a companion to the popular Cece Loves Science, Libby and her friends are put in charge of the science booth at their school fair. There’s only one problem: No one is visiting their booth! Does everyone think science is boring?

Libby and her friends use teamwork, creativity, and just a bit of chemistry to turn things around and prove that science is for everyone. Perfect for aspiring scientists, story times, classrooms, home-schooling, and fans of Andrea Beaty’s Ada Twist, Scientist. Includes a glossary and four super-fun experiments to try at home!

Libby Loves Science is just right for fans of Rosie Revere, Engineer and What Do You Do with an Idea? and anyone who loves to ask questions and learn about the world.

Amazon * B & N * Indiebound

~ Guest Post ~

Five Ways Parents Can Encourage Scientific Curiosity In Their Kids

It seems like everyone is on the STEM bandwagon these days, and there’s an excellent reason for that—teaching children critical thinking and problem-solving through science is essential to their education. But, if you’re like many parents, you probably struggle with finding ways to convince your kids that science isn’t just a dull subject matter for the classroom. We have some ideas to show your kids science can be fun too!

1. Ask open-ended questions. Kids are curious by nature, and asking questions helps their brains develop. But you don’t have to wait for them to ask why, what, where, and when. Ask them questions. Get them thinking and talking. You’ll be surprised where your conversations will take you.

2. Take advantage of electronic devices. Let’s face it, we live in a world of computers, cellphones, and iPads. But not all screen time is bad screen time. There are plenty of apps and websites devoted to science, exploration, and computer coding. Take photos of animals, record sounds in nature, and make videos of experiments. Help teach your kids how to have fun navigating this technological landscape.

3. Explore the world around you. Visit museums, zoos, beaches, farms, natural attractions, and national parks. Take a hike and go on a woodland scavenger hunt. If you can’t go in person, and many of us can’t, take a virtual tour.

4. Encourage playtime. Your kids have energy to spare, so why not take advantage of that? Do hands-on experiments with them—it’s okay to make a mess! Bake a cake and explain measurements. Jump rope and tell your kids about gravity. Building structures of any kind is a great way to explore engineering—use Legos, Lincoln Logs, wooden blocks, or cardboard boxes.

5. Our personal favorite: READ! Reading isn’t just a great way to spend time with your kids, it’s also a way to expand your kid’s curious minds. Need reading suggestions? Try Rosie Revere, Engineer by Andrea Beaty, What Do You Do With An Idea? By Kobi Yamada, Mae Among the Stars by Roda Ahmed, or Shark Lady by Jess Keating.

Show your kids that science isn’t at just for school. Science can be found everywhere in the world around them, in the everyday things they do.

Libby Loves Science

By: Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes

Publisher: Greenwillow Books

Release Date: June 9th, 2020

*GIVEAWAY DETAILS*

Two winners will each receive a copy of Libby Loves Science (Kimberly Derting & Shelli R. Johannes) ~ (US Only)

*Click the Rafflecopter link below to enter the giveaway*   

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