Monsters and Mold

The Zoey and Sassafras series has been by far the most engaging and enjoyable chapter books that we have read together so far. It features a clever, independent young girl of color, her brilliant mother, her adorable cat, and many fantastical tales that combine and cultivate a whimsical imagination and a deep love and wonder for science and all the many ways that it interweaves itself into our daily life. The books encourage exploration of the natural world around us, but they also spark imaginative play, and, of course, teach many wonderful lessons along the way. In each book, Zoey performs at least one experiment that is easily replicated at home, almost always with items you would already have around your kitchen. It’s such a fun way to bring another level of immersion and learning to these fantastic books. It has been really neat for my child to see Zoey’s experiments in action. As of writing this, we have just finished book 4 out of 6 currently published in the series. Asia Citro’s books are so well written and enjoyable that I find myself absolutely treasuring our reading time together on a whole new level whenever Zoey and Sassafras are on our reading menu. Not only have I eagerly bought the whole set—one book at a time as we finished them off—but I’ve found that my child is extra eager to dive into chapter books now. Oh—and the illustrations are ADORABLE. I can not praise these books highly enough, and I am so relieved and excited to see that she is working on a 7th book to be released later this year.

As a mom and teacher, finding fun and exciting books that are engaging is important. Zoey’s willingness to help along with her drive to persevere is great! I love the fantasy intertwined with the science based stories Zoey and Sassafras bring to life.

My kids are between the ages of 5-11 and they all love this awesome series of books. I read all of them out loud to my 5 & 8 year old and they are perfect for their ages. The stories are a perfect blend of make believe and teaching the basics of the scientific method. As a former teacher turned homeschooling mama, I couldn’t recommend these books enough!

My kids love this book. It is a good transition from picture/graphic novel to chapter books.

My kindergarten students loved this series. It incorporates the love of science, a smart young girl and a girl of color. Wonderful representation. I found this book series as a desperate need and was super happy with the discovery. The kids could not wait until the next day hear what happened next. Highly recommend this series.

This is the second book in the Zoey and Sassafras series.. Ever since Zoey and her cat, Sassafras, helped a baby dragon she named Marshmallow, she has been waiting for the magic doorbell to ring. In the meantime, Zoey is experimenting with mold, how it grows in various conditions. It’s the perfect setup when the doorbell finally rings. Poor Gorp has an embarrassing problem: his fur is moldy. He’s tried everything he knows to do and has taken all the advice he’s been giving, but nothing works. He’s heard the stories in the forest that Zoey can cure so he has come to her for help. In addition to the moldy fur, which is a source of bullying from other forest creatures, the annual Monster Ball is in just a few days. Gorp has never been, but he wants so badly to go. Sassafras reminds Zoey to put on her Thinking googles and try to help him. Using scientific methods to conduct and collect the data, Zoey does her best to help Gorp. There seemed to be a lot more science in this episode than in the first one. The book is geared toward ages 6-10 in grades 1-5. I worried that may be it was a little too advanced, so that is why Zoey & Sassafras: Monsters and Mold receives 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

This is one of my kids' favorite new book series. Great for ages 6 through 12. It's educational without lecturing or being preachy--it's clever and fun! Zoey is a lovable character, and her cat Sassafras is cute sidekick in all her magical adventures that are rooted in basic science.

We LOVE this book. Great characters, great science integrated throughout, a fun story that my child wants to hear again and again. My only critique in this book and #2 in the series is a few times that Zoey is trying not to cry, or to stop someone else from crying, or to hide her tears from a parent. I don’t like that message. But really my only criticism!

fantastic books evolving imagination animals and science. Good for girls and boys

Eine lustige interessante Geschichte über ein selbstbewusstes Mädchen mit eine guten Einführung in das wissenschaftliche Herangehen an Problemen. Mein Sohn (6) liebt die Geschichten und ich kann es kaum erwarten sie meiner Tochter vorlesen zu dürfen.

This series is fantastic. I couldn’t recommend it enough. My almost four year old loved them and I loved to read them with her!!! I only hope more come out soon because we finished them all in A VERY short period of time.