Tag Archives: STEM

Perfect Picture Book Friday: LIZARD INVASION

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Happy Perfect Picture Book Friday, dear friends. I always love featuring books that entertain and educate…and when they are written by dear kid lit folks I have met in person, that makes it even more enjoyable! Author Marta Magellan and I met at NCTE in Boston last November…and it was wonderful! And so, when I discovered that one of her books has been updated, I knew I’d want to share it with you. PLUS, Marta stopped by to share the story behind the story.


Written by Marta Magellan

Illustrated by Mauro Magellan

Published by Eifrig (Update printing September 15, 2025

Ages: 5 and up

Themes: Lizards, Animal Habitat, STEM

Why I Love This Book:
1. I love books that entertain and educate – books that spark a child’s interest and get them to want to know more!
2. I love books that can be enjoyed at home as well as used in the classroom!
3. I love books that provide young readers with great illustrations and photos!

And now the promised treat…a visit from author Marta.
Welcome, my friend! Thank you for stopping by to chat with us. Can you tell us a little bit about the book…and how it came to be?

MARTA: Thank you so much, Vivian. I’m so happy to visit Picture Books Help Kids Soar.
Synopsis: 
The little green lizard called the Carolina or green anole is the only native anole in the United States, and it is in trouble. An invasion of lizards from other countries is taking their territory, eating their eggs, even eating them. Green anoles are important to gardens and forests because they are unintentional pollinators. As they search for insects to eat, they spread pollen and help plants grow. Green anoles belong here, but the invading lizards moving into Florida from other areas are more aggressive. Will the little green anole survive? 

How I came to write the book:

For some reason, I love watching lizards. I even had several lizards for pets until I decided wild animals belong in the wild. Back in 2009, I wrote a book titled Those Lively Lizards for Pineapple Press, a Florida regional publishing house. A librarian in the north of Florida found it on her stack and suggested it be used for a summer workshop called Nature Detectives, sponsored by the St. Augustine Garden Club. They invited me to present the book. The St. Augustine Garden Club gave each child a plant, and they were willing to buy the kids who attended a book, too. Those Lively Lizards was about all types of lizards from anoles to Komodo dragons, and my presentation had nothing to do with pollination (which is what they wanted). So my book just wasn’t quite right for them (I had heard that before–the story of my writing life–“it’s not the right fit for us” LOL). 

Five years later, the director of the program wrote to me again. She wanted a book solely on anoles, the small kinds that unintentionally pollinate plants, and she asked me to recommend one. I could not find any still in print. A small independent publisher, Eifrig Publishing (a PAL publisher with SCBWI), had just published my picture book, The Nutty Little Vulture, which my brother, Mauro Magellan had illustrated. I proposed a book about anoles to Penny Eifrig, and she said she would publish it with a caveat “…if Mauro illustrates it.” Anole Invasion was published in 2019. Since then, every book but one that I wrote for Eifrig Publishing has been illustrated by Mauro (interspersed with photographs). Together we have created several books about pollinators, and the garden club always uses them for their Nature Detectives workshops. He also illustrated one we wrote for Pineapple Press, Python Catchers, Saving the Everglades, about the Burmese python invasion.

Why an update?

Five years after using Anole Invasion in the St. Johns County libraries, the director of the Nature Detectives workshops, Cathy Snyder, wrote that she wanted to use it again (they usually bought from 200-250 copies). In those short few years, Florida has been overrun with nonnative reptiles. You might have heard about the Burmese pythons that invaded the Everglades, but all kinds of reptiles now call Florida home. Because Eifrig is a small publisher, she had run out of copies of the original, so she agreed to update the book when Cathy Snyder suggested it. The person listed as Science Editor, Kirsten Hines, is a herpetologist, who is environmentally focused, and she once again vetted the manuscript. We changed the title to Lizard Invasion because now all kinds of lizards are invading the little native lizard’s territory, not just anoles. My brother also redesigned the cover to be bolder and cleaner, and the publisher listed it and got a new ISBN number. Those leaves are design elements; I don’t think Mauro illustrated them. He illustrated the lizards on page 4, 10, 15, 19, 20, 23, and the cover. I am attaching a photo of both of us if you need it.

Other information:

The only one of the Eifrig books Mauro did not illustrate was Amazing, Misunderstood Bats, which sold to schools and even to use as a mentor text in an education class at Columbia University. Although Eifrig Publishing is a very small publisher, it has been delightful writing for Penny Eifrig. I love presenting the pollinator books to children all over Florida, and especially to the Nature Detectives workshops. The kids enjoy getting a new book, signed by the author and a plant to boot. It’s a great program.

Bios:

Author Marta Magellan and Illustrator Mauro Magellan are a brother and sister team who have collaborated on picture books focused on conservation and wildlife. Almost all their books have won honors from Eureka! Nonfiction Award, Green Earth Book Award, Florida Book Award Bronze, Crystal Kite and more. Marta spent most of her career teaching English Composition, Creative Writing and as advisor to the literary magazine at Miami Dade College. Now she writes full time. Mauro is a songwriter as well as an author, illustrator, and drummer with the band Dan Baird and Homemade Sin. 

Lizard Invasion will be in print on Amazon and Barnes & Noble September 15. It is also available in print in advance on the Eifrig website from June 15.

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lizard-Invasion-Floridas-Little-Survival/dp/1632334062/ (until Sept. 14, Kindle only)

Amazon link for the paperback updated version which should be available Septembeer 15.

Eifrig Publishing: https://www.eifrigpublishing.com/products/anole-invasion 

Thank you all for spending your precious time with us. If you love the books that are featured here, I hope you will help them become successful. You can:
Buy the book
Review the book
Tell friends about the book (Please share this post on social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Book Birthday: PLIGHT OF THE PELICAN: How Science Saved a Species

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YES! YES! YES! It’s time to sing Happy Birthday to another beautiful new book! And this book has a VERY SPECIAL back story…this book was an Honorable Mention in the 2022 #50PreciousWords Contest. If you check yesterday’s blog post where we announced the prize winners and Honorable Mentions, who knows how many books-in-the-making you will find!

Author Jessica Stremer is such a fabulous writer…and her books are incredible. And what a wonderful partnership the editor created when they signed on Gordy Wright to do the illustrations!! The cover invites and intrigues…and the reader can’t wait to open the book to see more!

And we are so lucky…Jessica stopped by to chat…and to share her story behind the story of how her #50PreciousWords entry became a REAL BOOK!!!

ME: WELCOME, Jessica. thank you for stopping by.

JESSICA: Thank you so much for having me, Vivian. I’m excited to share how PLIGHT OF THE PELICAN came to be a book.

Pelicans are one of my favorite birds. I tried writing a story about them years ago, but it just wasn’t working, primarily I think because it was missing the “so what” factor.

In early 2022, my family and I took a trip up the coast of California when I began brainstorming ideas for the 50 Precious Words competition. Pelicans once again popped into my head. My books GREAT CARRIER REEF and LIGHTS OUT both have a hopeful environmental theme and I wondered if I could find a way to incorporate that approach into my entry.  Here’s what I came up with:

Soaring

Skimming

Climbing

Spotting

Diving

Splashing

Scooping

Gulping

Toxins leaching

Silently building . . .

Courting

Nesting

Shells thinning

Eggs crushing

Numbers dwindling

Pelicans needing

            HELP

Researchers observing

Laws changing

Toxin banning

Scientists offering

            HOPE

Eggs hatching

Numbers growing . . .

Chicks chirping

Feathers molting

Fledging

Flapping

Lifting

Flying

Species SURVIVING

Pelicans on Parade

That entry received honorable mention and had a lot of my critique partners excited, so I decided to flush it out into a full picture book manuscript, sticking to the sparse language while working in some layered text for additional context.

My editor loved the concept, but wanted the layered text incorporated into the main body of the manuscript. She also had the brilliant suggestion to add a few spreads about animals that are currently at risk to show that there is more work to be done. Each revision was a lot of work and I’m really proud of how this book turned out.

I was also excited when my editor said that Gordy Wright, who also illustrated my debut picture book GREAT CARRIER REEF, signed on to also illustrate this book. His work elevates the story to a whole new level.

I’m grateful to Vivian for continuing the 50 Precious Words competition. Without her PLIGHT OF THE PELICAN wouldn’t exist.

ME: AND WE ARE GRATEFUL TO YOU, JESSICA, FOR WRITING SUCH BEAUTIFUL BOOKS!!!

Inside spread from Plight of the Pelicans – text by Jessica Stremer & art by Gordy Wright

Dear friends, here’s a little bit about how you can buy this book and how to find out more about Jessica and Gordy.

Here is the link to the publisher’s website.
Signed copies of the book can be purchased through Books and Company. 

Jessica Stremer is a children’s book writer with a background in biology and ecology. Her passion lies in inspiring curiosity, wonder, and respect for our natural world. Jessica’s debut picture book, Great Carrier Reef, also illustrated by Gordy Wright, was a Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selection and received two starred reviews. She lives in Wisconsin with her family.

Gordy Wright is an illustrator and printmaker who paints by hand in gouache and acrylic. Recent projects include Wild In the Streets by Marilyn Singer, and Strange But True by Kathryn Hulic, as well as Great Carrier Reef, by Jessica Stremer, which received two starred reviews. Gordy graduated with a first class degree in illustration from the University of the West of England, and lives in Bristol.

Thank you so much, dear friends, for spending your precious time with us here. And thank you for the books bought at Toadstool Bookshop in Keene for the #50PreciousWords Literacy Initiative that is supporting the Children’s Literacy Foundation’s work in supplying books to underserved schools in Vermont and New Hampshire. And thank you to all who mailed books to me…those will be delivered to Sunset Heights Elementary School in Nashua, NH this month.

BETH ANDERSON: Will Write for Cookies Plus Giveaway

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WILL WRITE FOR COOKIES

INSIGHT – INFORMATION – INSPIRATION

FOR WRITERS, ILLUSTRATORS, PARENTS, TEACHERS, LIBRARIANS,
AND BOOK LOVERS EVERYWHERE

TODAY’S GUEST

BETH ANDERSON

It’s always great fun when Will Write for Cookies has repeat customers…that is…authors who come back for a second interview. And today’s guest is so prolific, she could probably come back every year. Beth Anderson is a dear friend and esteemed CP – her feedback on my manuscripts has been invaluable over the years.

Beth Anderson has always been fascinated with words and language—from sound and meaning, to figurative language and point of view, to cultural and scientific aspects of language. After earning a B.A. in linguistics and a M.Ed. in reading, she taught English language learners for more than 20 years. That classroom community taught her valuable lessons as she advocated for students and encouraged them to share their voices. Surrounded by young people from all over the world, with literature as her favorite tool, Beth used the power of story to teach, connect, and inspire.
When she’s not writing, she might be weaving, gardening, exploring nature, or playing with her grandkids. Born and raised in Illinois, she now lives near the mountains in Colorado. Beth believes in laughter, learning, and investing in young minds. And…that truth really can be stranger than fiction.
Contact Beth via email or visit on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.

ME: WELCOME! It’s so good to have you here, my friend. I’m so excited about your newest book, THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE: BIAS, TRUTH, AND A MIGHTY MOOSE. I remember loving it when I saw early drafts. And how kind of you to offer a giveaway of a copy to one of my blog followers…who I know are excited to learn more about you…so let’s get started.
Who were your favorite authors/illustrators when you were a child?

BETH When I was a young, we didn’t have a fantastic array of picture books like we have today. My mom took us to the library often. I remember fairy tales, folk tales, Golden Books, Dr. Seuss books, a riddle book, and some informational series on the shelves. I don’t remember having A favorite author. I loved the Little Bear books by Minarik. My mom read from the big thick classics Pinocchio, Winnie the Pooh, and Heidi at bedtime. As I got older I read a lot of biographies and Nancy Drew books. I can see the impact of all this still—word play, people from the past, mysteries, the world around us, timeless stories. But my love for digging into history is more recent as I’ve discovered the power of finding humanity in history and how we all play a role each day as we face the challenges of our time and place. I never thought about that as a child, so I love to bring that to kids with my books.

 

Here’s a picture of a bio of Abraham Lincoln from 1952 that I picked up at our library used books sale. 😄 We’ve come a long way!

 ME: What do you know now that you wish you knew when you first started writing?

BETH: That’s such a loaded question. 😄 Sometimes I think if I knew what I know now, I would’ve been afraid to jump in. Sometimes naivete is a good thing, right? I was fortunate to learn about SCBWI right from the start (once I’d found enough courage to utter the words, “I want to write children’s books.” Haha!) and hooked up with some super people that took me in, encouraged me, and provided lots of resources. I think by starting later in life, after retirement, I was used to life’s ups and downs, and didn’t take feedback and rejection as hard, or as personally, as if I was younger. Life experience was a huge plus. The most difficult part is not knowing what you don’t know. Though I was fortunate to learn early about the incredible kid lit community and all it offers, I think that’s the one thing that might have pushed me forward even sooner if I had been aware of it.

ME: Where do you like to write – inside, outside, special room, laptop, pen and paper?

BETH: I’m pretty routine in that regard. Over the years, I’ve created an office space surrounded by what I need. Laptop on an adjustable computer desk with access to the credenza, files, and desk just a chair turn away… and a few steps away from the bookshelves. Lots of room to spread out books, spirals, papers, and more! The reason I stick to this spot is because everything I need is right there. But…some of the best ideas, rewordings, and offramps from being stuck come when I’m on the move. Even just getting a cup of coffee or transferring laundry from washer to dryer can jar something loose. For some, those are distractions, but for me they’re needed brain shift opportunities. Also – Walks. Showers. And of course the 4am wake ups.

I do most writing on the computer, but there are certain things I write by hand. I take a lot of notes and organize the information I’m working with in a spiral and also do brainstorming by hand. My brain just works differently. Ideas pop, and I’m able to easily sort and jot them down so I can find them later. I would say the creative side comes “by hand.”

ME: When do you write – early morning, late in the day, middle of the night, on schedule, as the muse strikes?

BETH: I spend most of the day doing writerly things…but my best time for working on a manuscript is the morning. And, I need a good chunk of time so I can get my head into the time, place, and character.  The anxiety of the pandemic taught me to turn off notifications and news alerts. I’ve found that I shouldn’t work on a manuscript a few hours before going to bed as it’s like verbal caffeine – it keeps me up with ideas circulating and ruminating.

ME: Why do you write for children?

BETH: I enjoy the challenge of creating with words on the page, but… I write for children because that’s just fun, the interactive experience with them is the best, and it’s a way I can give something of value (hopefully) that has the potential to impact kids’ lives in a positive way. I write what I write because of my experience in the classroom. It’s the power of true stories to surprise, fascinate, and inspire. The ability of story to connect us no matter where we’re from or what our experiences. The curiosity awakened, the questions posed, the push to know more. The deeper understanding of our world, and the realization that we are all participants on this path called history.

ME: Also, if you have any thoughts or advice for aspiring writers, please share. As well as anything else you want to talk about that parents, educators, writers, librarians might want to hear.

BETH: For writers: Be brave. Be patient. Be receptive. Be intentional. Be part of the writing community.

For all the parents, educators, writers, and librarians who instill the love of reading in children: THANK YOU!!

Thanks so much, Vivian, for inviting me to be part of your amazing blog! And thanks for all you do to support the kid lit community!

It’s been a joy, dear Beth! And the sweetness isn’t over yet because I know you’ve got an amazing treat for us!

BETH: Here’s my grandmother’s recipe for date balls—a family favorite. And it just happens to be gluten-free.

Warning: Keep heat medium to low and stir constantly to prevent scorching.

Boil together for 1 min.: 1 cup sugar, ¼ lb margarine or butter, 1 beaten egg
Add ½ lb dates diced (Tip: precut date pieces don’t work as well.)
Boil for 10 min. (stir constantly)
Off burner: Stir in 3 cups Rice Krispies.
Let cool for a bit until you can roll into balls.
Roll in powdered sugar.

And Beth is also sharing additional materials that can be used by parents and teachers to extend the learning experience:

Intro video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K4CTq_vXMQ0   

Publisher book page: https://astrapublishinghouse.com/product/thomas-jeffersons-battle-for-science-9781635926200/

Educator Guide: https://astrapublishinghouse.com/resources/thomas-jefferson-guide/

And here’s a special video for teachers – a classroom visit with author and illustrator! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ea-8Lq5CE3s&t=6s

Website https://bethandersonwriter.com

What a fabulous collaboration between author and illustrator!!! The book is so important – because these days, students need to learn how to vet information they receive online, in books…basically everywhere. And reading a book like THOMAS JEFFERSON’S BATTLE FOR SCIENCE can show them that misinformation is not a new concept.
And how can we help this fabulous book become a success? We can
Buy the book
Review the book
Place the book on our Goodreads Want to Read Shelf
Tell friends about the book (please share on your social media)
Ask your local library to purchase copies for their collection.

Thank you all for spending your precious time with us! I hope you all have a safe and wonderful weekend.