top of page

Search this site

80 results found with an empty search

  • Government Contracting | Science, Naturally!

    "Parents who are responsive to their children's needs often find themselves swimming upstream against the culture. Platypus Media books encourage parents as they create families that are close-knit. Through sharing stories, Platypus Media is building a caring community where children and parents alike can thrive." —Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, Ph.D., Author of The Hidden Feelings of My Motherhood "Platypus Media books give us a fun way to help meet curriculum objectives in reading, science, language arts, and social studies. The kids love them—and the free activity guides do a lot of the work for us!" —Catherine Pfeiffer, School Librarian, Capitol Hill Cluster Schools, Washington, D.C. "Caring parents will be delighted with the gentle way these books foster love and respect between parent and child." —Marguerite Kelly, Author of The Monster's Almanac "What's really exciting about this line of books is that children from every background can relate to them. Platypus Media books have captured the values of close-knit families from many different perspectives." —Maria Salvadore, Children's Literature Specialist, Washington, D.C. GOVERNMENT CONTRACTING Our mission is to get books into the hands of children all over the world, and we are proud to work with local, state, and federal programs to further this goal. We are now registered on SAM.gov as well as with the SBA. DOWNLOAD OUR CAPABILITY STATEMENT SEARCH FOR US ON SAM.gov VIEW OUR SBA PROFILE SOCIO-ECONOMIC CERTIFICATIONS Small Business Women-Owned Small Business CORE COMPETENCIES Platypus Media, LLC is comprised of two independent publishing houses: Platypus Media and Science Naturally. Platypus Media creates materials that support and promote attachment parenting, breastfeeding, and family. We share evidence-based practices and family support resources with our readers. Our imprint, Science Naturally , makes math and science accessible and engaging for children ages 0-14. Our STEM books encourage skill acquisition in reading, science, and math and are available in several languages and formats. CORPORATE IDENTIFICATION Platypus Media has been in business since February 2000, but our founder and president, Dia Michels, has been working in publishing for the last 30 years. Over the years we have accumulated a permanent staff of 4, who have helped to produce 45+ titles and print more than 500,000 books. We are honored to say that our books have won more than 60 literary, science, math, and language awards. WHAT MAKES US DIFFERENT? Literature-based science and math Problem-based learning Spanish/bilingual education Free downloadable Teacher's Guides Medically certified authors Father, sibling, and NICU support Customization opportunities All of our STEM books meet Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) Accepts government credit cards and purchase orders PAST PERFORMANCE *Please contact us for POC information Kids Read Now | 02/05/2019–03/27/2020 Provided 15,800 customized children's' books over the span of nearly fourteen months (four orders) at a cost as low as $2.89/book California Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) / SLAHP | 03/22/2018–09/17/2019 Provided 3,500 breastfeeding booklets over the span of eighteen months (two orders) at a cost as low as $2.95/booklet Colorado WIC / CDPHE | 08/29/2019 Provided 850 hardcover children's' books within one month (one order) at a cost as low as $4.95/book Healthy Start Oklahoma | 01/03/2019 Provided 1,000 customized children's' books within one month (one order) at a cost as low as $2.95/book New Mexico WIC / DOH | 12/04/2018 Provided 6,115 customized children's' books within one month (one order) at a cost as low as $2.95/book

  • February Mystery of the Month | Science Naturally

    The school student council was putting up decorations for the Valentine's Day party later that day in the multi-purpose room. Elinor came into the room... Febrero Seleccionado de: One Minute Mysteries: More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! • Misterios de un minuto: ¡Más misterios Cortos que Resuelves con Ciencias! Helados de frío —No puedo creer que mi madre me hizo usar este abrigo pesado —se quejaba Paige mientras caminaba a la escuela con sus amigas una mañana. —Mi madre es igual —dijo Tyra, chapoteando en un charco con sus botas impermeables. —Oigan, esperen un momento —dijo Lin, recogiendo el sombrero que se le había volado de la cabeza—. ¿Sus madres estaban escuchando esa estación de radio nueva que toca las canciones viejas que le gustan a los padres? —¡Sí! —dijo Paige—. ¡No puedo creer la música que tocan! —¡Algunas de esas canciones deben tener 20 años! —añadió Tyra. —Estaba puesta en nuestra casa también —dijo Lin—. Escuché al locutor decír que se sentiría como -4 grados Celsius esta mañana y fue entonces que mi mamá me entregó estos guantes. —¿Y qué? —preguntó Paige. —Entiendo lo que quiere decir Lin —dijo Tyra, saltando de charco en charco—. A -4 grados Celsius el agua estaría congelada. El agua se congela a 0 grados Celsius o menos. —Creo que nuestros padres debieran empezar a escuchar otra estación de radio —dijo Lin. —No creo que eso ayude —dijo Paige. —¿Por qué no? La gente de esa estación claramente no sabe nada del tiempo ni de la música —dijo Tyra. REVELAR RESPUESTA

  • Accessibility | Science, Naturally!

    Our Commitment to Accessibility At Science Naturally, we are dedicated to accessibility. We create diverse characters in our stories to highlight empathy , kindness , and compassion , providing empowering representation for our curious readers worldwide. We are also devoted to making educational resources on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) subjects more accessible to a diverse audience. We have partnered with Atomic Hands, an organization that produces educational STEM videos in ASL (American Sign Language), to make these topics more accessible for children with hearing impairments. Check out the new ASL-translated editions of select titles from our Science Wide Open series, featuring women in various STEM fields, as well as Atoms , the first early childhood book in the My First Science Textbook series. These ASL STEM Storybooks are available to watch on the Atomic Hands website , featuring ASL interpreters with careers in STEM. Both series are also available in multiple formats on our website. Look out for our reflowable eBook edition of How Do You See the World? , which explains different types of eye conditions and normalizes both visual impairments and the tools and technology used to improve vision or mobility. This reflowable eBook was specifically created for children experiencing blindness and low vision, with features including: Detailed alt text for the book’s illustrations Full display transformability High-contrast image text Navigation features, including a page list to match the original hardcover edition Text-to-speech compatibility Updates to the content for the purpose of clarity Fixed format and reflowable eBook available soon on: Kobo, Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Overdrive The book is currently available as a hardback. Find our Spanish, Bengali, Mandarin, Korean, Haitian Creole, and Dutch translations of our most loved books, Cuddled and Carried , This is How I Grow , Babies Nurse, our Science Wide Open series, How Cats Say I Love You , and more HERE ! Our diverse translations are at the heart of our accessibility work at Platypus Media, as we aim to provide non-English speaking children the opportunity to read about the diverse characters, narratives, and educational material that spark their curiosity.

  • C Is for Crime Scene| Science, Naturally!

    Cross over the yellow tape and enter the behind-the-scenes world of forensics! E is for the evidence you’ll discover as you learn about the real tools and steps used to hunt for clues and crack the case. Engaging for young children and entertaining for adults, this is the perfect read aloud for science lovers, true crime junkies, armchair detectives, and their pint-sized partners in crime. AVAILABLE NOW ! How does science help solve a crime? Cross over the yellow tape and enter the behind-the-scenes world of forensics! From the crime scene to the laboratory, learn about the real tools and steps used to hunt for clues and crack the case. E is for the evidence you’ll find in this fascinating A to Z book . Watch as forensic scientists brush fingerprints and swab samples. See how UV lights and microscopes uncover clues. Learn how special gear keeps evidence safe from contamination. And, most importantly, discover how asking questions is the key to every investigation. Written by a forensic scientist and STEM educator, Dr. Judy Staveley, C Is for Crime Scene is a quirky, science-focused peek at what really goes into solving a crime. Colorful and offbeat illustrations by Alessandra Vitelli highlight creative thinking and reveal the amazing possibilities of forensic science. Engaging for young children and entertaining for adults, this is the perfect read aloud for science lovers, true crime junkies, armchair detectives, and their pint-sized partners in crime! . Book Details Hardcover (ISBN 978-1-958629-91-8) $18.95 Ebook (ISBN 978-1-958629-92-5) $15.99 Age Range 2-7 years Grade Range PreK-2nd Trim Size 8" x 8" Page Count 32 Press Release Order Now Praise for C Is for Crime Scene "Everyone loves forensic science—even kids! Dr. Staveley's book takes the mystery out of the work forensic scientists do every day." —Rana DellaRocco, MS, MPA, ABC-MB, Chief of Science & Evidence, Baltimore Police Department Meet the Author and Illustrator Dr. Judy Staveley is a biotechnology expert and STEM consultant with advanced degrees in forensic science, biology, and health psychology. She has worked on biodefense and public health with federal agencies and has taught at multiple universities. Dedicated to mentoring future scientists, Dr. Staveley has directed the American Junior Academy of the National Association of Academies of Science and has served as President of the Washington Academy of Sciences. An advocate for gender inclusivity in STEM, she collaborates with organizations like STEM for Her and STEMifyGirls. She lives in the Washington, D.C. area and can be reached at Judy.Staveley@ScienceNaturally.com . Alessandra Vitelli 
is a freelance illustrator based in Naples, Italy.
She has worked on several children’s books for Italian and international publishing houses and teaches illustration at the Scuola Italiana di Comix in Naples. Alessandra is inspired by many things, including her children, her kittens, dreams, and new colors she sees around the world. In addition to illustration, she is passionate about photography and typography. She currently lives in Naples with her partner, two children, and two cats.

  • ASTC | Science, Naturally!

    ASTC has curated these award-winning, NSTA Recommends books for its members to promote science and math while improving reading and literacy skills for upper elementary and middle schoolers. Check out these resources for your programming and after-school activities. Our literature-based STEM books are perfect tools for museum educators! One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! Preview the book Purchase with ASTC discount here! One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve with Science! Preview the book Purchase with ASTC discount here! One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Preview the book Purchase with ASTC discount here! Leonardo da Vinci Gets a Do-Over Read a sample chapter Download the Free Teacher's Guide Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! Bilingual Math Mysteries Preview the book Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! Please reload 101 Things Everyone Should Know about Math Preview the book Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! 101 Things Everyone Should Know about Science Preview the book Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! If My Mom Were a Platypus Download the Activity Guide Download our Guide to Hands-On Activities Purchase with ASTC discount here! Ghost in the Water Read a sample chapter Download the Free Teacher's Guide Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! Bilingual Science Mysteries Preview the book Purchase the book with ASTC discount here! Please reload Museum educators around the country use our titles to engage, excite, and educate: Literature-based books teach science and math while promoting reading, Fiction and nonfiction titles featuring a diverse group of young heroes, Real-life scenarios make science and math relevant to kids, Potentially intimidating topics become intriguing and accessible to scientists of all ages, Supports problem-based and project-based learning, Extensive Teacher's Guides and Hands-On Activities available for free download, Cross-curricular content provides ample learning opportunities. Our books make great resources for museum educators and our short brainteasers make great content for museum publications. For permissions to reprint, information on bulk discounts, and more information, contact Ali . Learn How Facilitators Use Our Books Extensive Educator Resources and Hands-On Activities Shop at the ASTC Bookstore

  • Event Sales Program | Science, Naturally!

    Science Naturally's Event Sales Program allows you to fundraise while offering quality STEM materials to your customers, families, or event participants. Order ahead, send back anything left after the event, and pay 50% off retail for the books you sold. EVENT SALES PROGRAM Our Event Sales Program allows you to fundraise while offering quality STEM materials to your customers, families, or event participants. Perfect for book fairs, conferences, and more! Here's how it works: Select the books you'd like by browsing our store Order any of our books at a 50% discount Return the books that you don't sell Receive your bill after your event Only pay for the books you sold To learn more or to place an order, contact Martha at Martha@ScienceNaturally.com or 1-866-724-8976 "These are some of the most engaging nonfiction books I have ever read!" -Sonya Smith Science Field Coordinator, ATOMS2XP and IMPACT2, Mississippi State, MS "We love the Science Naturally Event Sales Program. It allows us to offer great products to our students with no money upfront." -Doug Tackett PTA Dad Amarillo, TX Download our Book Sale flyer for more information

  • Science Naturally | Gift Guide | Families

    Looking for STEM gift ideas the whole family will enjoy? We have a great selection of books full of full of fun puzzles and questions that are perfect for families to work through together! Gifts for Families Choose from our wide selection of award-winning STEM literature for the perfect gift for the curious kid in your life! This set of fun books blurs the line between entertainment and education. Make math and science fun with these literature-based books. Each mystery takes just one minute to read and features real-world scenarios. The brain teasers challenge kids to use critical thinking skills. Perfect for a long car trip or quick errands. Written by a father-daughter team, this set of entertaining and educational books is great for kids, grown-ups, educators and anyone who loves good mysteries, good math and science, or all three! I Love A Mystery Book Set Click Here to View Click Here to View This set includes the two 101 Things books: 101 Things Everyone Should Know About Math and 101 Things You Everyone Should Know About Science from the award-winning authors Marc Zev, Kevin Segal and Nathan Levy. 101 Things Everyone Should Know... Book Set Deluxe Smart Kid Book Set Keep your kids' brain active with these five clever literature-based, award-winning science and math books. Everyone in the family will love trying to solve these engaging, exciting (and shhh!...educational) brainteasers! Unravel real-life predicaments using everything from decimals to DNA, fractions to fingerprints. Keep the set together or use them as individual gifts. Click Here to View Science Sleuth Book Set You may not put criminals away, but use this set to crack mysteries you see every day! Show off your science skills with the Science Sleuth Book Set. These brainteasers have a clever-twist--you have to tap into your science wisdom and critical thinking skills to solve them. Each mystery takes just one minute to read and challenges your knowledge in biology, chemistry, physics, and earth and space science. Click Here to View Math Madness Book Set Crazy about math... Or wish you were? This book set is just for you! These aren’t your ordinary math books. Kids are challenged to solve math brainteasers and answer questions in sports, cooking, money, travel and more. Kids will see how much math is a critical part of their everyday lives. These fun, educational books are perfect for kids, parents, educators, and anyone interested in knowing the difference between an Olympic event score of 9.0 and Richter scale score of 9.0. Click Here to View

  • Mammals Unlocked | Science, Naturally!

    Love crazy animal facts? Open Earth: Mammals Unlocked is now in paperback! Get answers all your wackiest wildlife questions with an interactive Q&A format in English or bilingual (English/Spanish) editions! Unlock the wild world of mammals—now in paperback! Fuzzy, scaly, clawed, and finned—mammals can be found in the depths of the ocean and the heights of the mountains. Mammals Unlocked and the bilingual edition, Mammals Unlocked / Mamíferos descubiertos, illuminate the vastness of the mammal world in a simple, interactive question-and-answer format. These first paperback editions of the Open Earth / Tierra Abierta series are a dynamic introduction to class Mammalia, perfect for any kid who’s fascinated by mammals big and small. Discover all the facts you need in order to wow your friends, impress your teachers, and dazzle your dog! Mammals Unlocked is sure to stimulate and challenge even the most knowledgeable animal lover. Press Release Book details English Paperback (ISBN 978-1-958629-13-0) $14.95 Bilingual Paperback (ISBN 978-1-958629-15-4) $14.95 Age range 8 - 12 years Grade range 3rd - 7th Grade Get the book in Hardcover Available now! English English/Spanish "★★★★★ This resource, with its engaging questions and introduction to diverse mammalian members followed by its clearly explained answers, provides an arousing and intriguing introduction to basic science and an awareness of the adaptations nature provides for the survival of the species." —Manhattan Book Review "Find all of what you didn’t know about mammals in this engaging and thought provoking new series. The chapters take you around the world visiting many of the over 6,400 mammal species... Mammals Unlocked is perfect for upper elementary and beyond. The level of curiosity is enhanced with each fact unlocked. A great gift for this upcoming holiday season." —Always In the Middle, Middle Grade Book Reviews Praise for Mammals Unlocked MEET THE AUTHOR Dia L. Michels is an award-winning science and parenting writer who has authored or edited over a dozen books for both children and adults. While her topics include science and math books for middle grade students, her passion is promoting attachment parenting and supporting breastfeeding. A popular speaker, she lectures frequently at conferences, universities, libraries, and schools around the country. The mother of three grown children, she lives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with five cats and a dog. She can be reached at Dia@PlatypusMedia.com . MEET THE Illustrator Bonnie Hofkin's first picture books and early readers, growing up in the home of a physician, were medical journals and anatomy texts. With her interest in the human body thus igniting a lifelong love of art, she first obtained a BA in commercial illustration, followed by a master's degree in medical illustration. Subsequently, she embarked on a 40+ year career as a freelance illustrator. Still going strong, her unique style, in which an eye for accuracy and visual appeal is combined with a classical look reminiscent of the great Renaissance masters, is instantly recognizable.

  • November Mystery of the Month | Science, Naturally!

    Can you solve this month's real-world math mystery? “Hannah!... Would you please come out here already? Your sister, father, and I have been waiting for you for almost 10 minutes!”... ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... November Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Home on the Range Guillermo and Fiorella’s family was enjoying their last hike of the fall before the weather turned too cold to go hiking. Halfway up a mountain on a trail they had never taken before, their father said, “This would be a great spot to have a house.” They looked around the edge of the sunny meadow, down to a stream, feeling a fresh breeze coming down the mountain. “You’re right, Dad,” Guillermo said. “I would love to live here, too,” said Fiorella. “It’s so pretty and I’m sure there are deer and all kinds of other animals here. It would be great to watch wildlife right from our front porch.” “I don’t know about living in a place like this,” their mother said. “There’s no electricity and you kids couldn’t live for more than a day without your gizmos. You could never get the power company to run an electrical line this far out into the woods.” “Well, if we were allowed to build a house here, we could make our own electricity,” Fiorella said. “But making electricity requires energy. Where would we get it?” their father asked. REVEAL ANSWER

  • Contact Us | Science, Naturally!

    Send Us a Note Your details were sent successfully! Send

  • Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky | Science, Naturally!

    Discover the enchantment of the nighttime sky with 'Twinkle Twinkle Nighttime Sky' - a captivating book coming February 2024. Dive into the wonders beyond our stars! How I wonder what you are... Let's explore beyond our star! Everyday, the sun sets and the sky grows dark. Twinkling stars start to shine, and we watch the moon as it changes phases throughout the month. But the sky we see each night is only a small piece of our huge universe. What else is out there in the nighttime sky? Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky is the second board book in the Skytime series, following Twinkle, Twinkle, Daytime Star. Based on the familiar nursery rhyme, the Skytime series first introduces kids to the bright star that lights our daytime sky, and now explores the universe beyond our solar system! Readers learn about constellations, how the moon affects the tides, astronauts and the moon landing, our Milky Way galaxy and the billions more galaxies out in space, phenomena such as comets and nebulas, and so much more. Twinkle, Twinkle, Nighttime Sky is a must-have for children who love marveling at the stars and learning about astronauts and planets. With breathtaking illustrations of space and fascinating facts, this book puts our one-of-a-kind planet in perspective! Preorder Preorder Coming October 2024 Press Release Book details Age range 2 - 7 years Grade range Preschool - 2nd grade Board book (ISBN 978-1-958629-37-6) $11.95 Paperback Extended (978-1-958629-68-0) $12.95 eBook (ISBN 978-1-958629-38-3) $10.99 Bilingual (English/Spanish) Board book (ISBN 978-1-958629-39-0) $11.95 Bilingual Paperback Extended (978-1-958629-69-7) $12.95 Bilingual (English/Spanish) eBook (ISBN 978--1958629-40-6) $10.99 Reviews "A wonderful primer to get small children excited about learning about space." —Goodreads reviewer Pamela Powell "Beautifully illustrated bilingual board book for little ones and their caregivers to share! Everett’s rhyming couplets have great rhythm and rhyme in their English version and cover interesting facts about space and space travel." —Goodreads reviewer Melanie Dulaney About the Author About the Illustrator Elizabeth Everett spent 16 years as a classroom teacher before venturing into writing. Inspired by her energetic youngster, Jalen, and his love for books, she took her background in education and meshed it with his childhood interests. The result was edu-tainment in the form of children’s books! She currently lives in Colorado with her family where they love spending time outdoors in the Western sun. This is her first children’s book and she is excited to have several more coming out soon. She can be reached at Elizabeth.Everett@ScienceNaturally.com . Beatriz Castro has been drawing and writing fantastic stories since she was a little girl. She studied illustration at the School of Arts in Logroño, Spain. Inspired by the natural world, Beatriz specializes in colorful images and funny character designs. Her fun and beautiful art appears in books published around the world. She likes classic stories and fairy tales and listens to rock and punk music. You can see more of her work at BeatrizCastroIlustracion.com.

  • Agosto Misterio del Mes | Science, Naturally!

    Can you solve this month's real-life science mystery? —¡Rayos! Estos mosquitos me están comiendo vivo —se quejó Franklin, golpeándose los brazos y piernas.  Los chicos del barrio estaban jugando voleibol en el patio trasero de Franklin. Sus padres habían comprado la red recientemente, pero era difícil quedarse... Agosto Seleccionado de: One Minute Mysteries: Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! • Misterios de un minuto: ¡Misterios Cortos que Resuelves con Matemáticas! Síguele la corriente —Les va a encantar este lugar —dijo el abuelo de Jesse—. Yo voy a cada rato. Jesse y su amigo Thomas estaban de visita en casa del abuelo de Jesse, a quien le encantaba navegar y recientemente había comprado una lancha nueva. Desde la casa del abuelo de Jesse, navegarían río abajo hasta un parque con un muelle de pesca y un restaurante. —¿Cuán lejos es? —preguntó Thomas al abordar la lancha. —Veinte millas náuticas —respondió el abuelo—. Una milla náutica es aproximadamente 1/6 más larga que una milla, o casi 2 kilómetros. Durante el viaje de ida, el cual tomó 48 minutos, el velocímetro de la lancha indicaba que el motor iba a 20 nudos—que, de acuerdo al abuelo de Jesse, significaba veinte millas náuticas por hora. Pasaron muy bien el día, pese a que no pescaron ni un pez. Durante el viaje de regreso, que tardó 1 hora y 20 minutos, el velocímetro indicaba la misma velocidad. Thomas y Jesse se bajaron en el muelle mientras que el abuelo de Jesse ataba la lancha. —Bueno, aprendimos algo hoy —le dijo Thomas a Jesse. —¿Te refieres a que no somos buenos pescadores? —le preguntó Jesse. —No, a eso no. Si la distancia al parque era de 20 millas náuticas y la lancha navegaba a 20 nudos, el viaje debió haber tardado una hora, pero no fue así, en ninguna de las dos direcciones. O el velocímetro indicó mal la velocidad, o tu abuelo está equivocado sobre la distancia —contestó Thomas—. Pero, ¿cuál? REVELAR RESPUESTA

bottom of page