SYNOPSIS

Just like her mom, young Zoey has the ability to see magical creatures and heal their ailments. 

A unicorn’s cut becomes infected, and Zoey learns how to set up a rigorous scientific experiment (with Petri dishes and agar solution) to find out if a medicinal plant can cure the infection. Guided by her mom, Zoey learns how to create an uncontaminated environment, document her steps and results, and administer the cure. Sassafras the cat monitors and comforts the patient. 

(6th in a 7-book series)

PERFECT AGE 7 – 10

THEMES

• Even youngsters can study and practice science, care for animals, and take on responsibility
• Scientific experiments are fascinating, complex and FUN!

We love

• The main character is a girl and a child of color.
• Playful magic is mixed with “hard” science and real learning opportunities (agar solution, Petri dish, controlled experiments)
• Zoey’s curiosity about and mom’s patience in explaining the chemistry and bacterial reactions involved in a practical, real-life situation (how to make yogurt at home)

WATCH OUT FOR (Language, Big / Sensitive Topics, Outdated Concepts):

• The dad, who – unlike Zoey and her mom – does not have the ability to see magical creatures, is either “in the dark” about or misinterprets the goings-on at home (sometimes with mom’s assistance). Results in an innocuous yet unflattering look for dad as a hoodwinked outsider.

CONVERSATION STARTERS

• Why do you think Zoey wrote down her experiment steps and observations in a journal?
• Can you help me understand why she used so many different Petri dishes?
• Did you catch why Sassafras stopped being afraid of the unicorn – what made the difference?