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  • 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

  • Tiny Tern Takes Flight | Science, Naturally!

    Tiny Tern’s extraordinary journey begins! Arctic terns make the longest migration of any species. Every year, they fly all the way from the northern Arctic to the southern Antarctic—and back. Experience a bird’s-eye view of getting lost in heavy storms, protecting hatchlings from predators, and finally reaching your destination. This book is a celebration of the power of perseverance and a reminder that sometimes all it takes is a little bravery. Bilingual Reversible Edition Available Now! We’re thrilled to make this extraordinary story even more accessible to readers and language learners everywhere! Whether you’re a Spanish speaker, an English speaker, or learning either language, this edition is designed for you. Tiny Tern’s extraordinary journey begins! Arctic terns make the longest migration of any species. Every year, they fly from the northern Arctic to the southern Antarctic—and back—spending most of the year in flight. As the days grow shorter and colder, Tiny Tern and the flock prepare to leave the Arctic and begin their journey towards sunlight and warmth. The terns travel all the way to the other side of the world. Along the way, they encounter many dangers. Experience a bird’s-eye view of getting lost in heavy storms, protecting hatchlings from predators, and finally reaching your destination. Following the story, discover more educational content about arctic terns. Read about what they eat, how they fly, and everything they encounter during their time in the Arctic and Antarctic. With lyrical text and wondrous illustrations, join the flock of terns on their incredible journey, and learn about the power of perseverance from the birds who do it best. Tiny Tern Takes Flight is a celebration of nature, featuring the seemingly ordinary tern’s lifelong quest for summer sunlight. PRESS RELEASE Book Details Age Range 4 - 7 years Grade Range Preschool - 2nd Grade Bilingual (EN/SP) Paperback ISBN: 978-1-958629-84-0 • $16.95 ORDER NOW Reviews "I'm delighted to see the incredible journey of the Arctic Tern celebrated in this beautifully illustrated and evocative book. It's a wonderful addition that brings diversity to children's literature, inspiring the next generation to appreciate and protect our natural world." - Grant Ballard , Ph.D., Chief Science Officer, Point Blue "In Tiny Tern Takes Flight, Donna B. McKinney invites readers into Tiny Tern and their flock’s enchanting migration journey. With Fiona Osbaldstone’s vibrant illustrations, this delightful tale sparks imagination and fosters a love for nature in young readers.” – S. Cargill , @shontalthebirder “The best children’s books should be familiar enough to be relatable – and mysterious enough to be intriguing. ‘Tiny Tern Takes Flight’ achieves both of these by telling the story of the Artic Tern - one of the world’s most itinerate travelers – who ventures from pole to pole annually in search of sun and food. Avian migration is truly one of the world’s most intriguing natural phenomena - this story can only help engage future naturalists and ornithologists.” – Dick Evans , San Francisco-based Documentary Photographer, Birder and author About the Author About the Illustrator Donna B. McKinney lived most of her life in the Washington, D.C. area, where she worked at the U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, writing about science. Now she has another great job—writing books for kids, including her previous release titled Lights On. Donna currently lives in North Carolina with two full-of-mischief dogs. When she’s not writing, she enjoys hiking, fishing, and playing a game called pickleball (kind of like a mix of tennis and ping pong). Born and bred in Kent, England, Fiona Osbaldstone loved painting as a kid and used to paint her own versions of Disney characters. She always wanted to do something with art and went to the Kent Institute of Art & Design. She was inspired by the works of David Shepherd and Norman Rockwell for their detail and diversely different styles. Her work includes natural history, botanicals, people, and scenes. Outside of the artistic field, although not too far removed, she loves pottery and makes and sells her own pieces. She enjoys photography as well as cycling but is “not too good at that and will invariably end up in a ditch.”

  • Mayo Misterio del Mes| Science, Naturally!

    Can you solve this real-world math mystery? Spring had turned the corner and twins Frances and Fiona were pleased that they could start spending time outside in their backyard. The family's yard was sheltered by trees with long branches, perfect for the girls' hobby of bird watching.  Mayo Seleccionado de: One Minute Mysteries: More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! • Misterios de un minuto: ¡Más misterios cortos que resuelves con ciencias! Hallando la solución La primavera había llegado y las gemelas Frances y Fiona estaban contentas de que podrían empezar a pasar tiempo afuera en su jardín. El jardín de la familia estaba cubierto por árboles con ramas largas; el sitio perfecto para el pasatiempo de las gemelas de avistar aves. Frances tenía la labor de mezclar azúcar con agua para el bebedero de los colibríes. En el pasado, las niñas habían notado que mientras más dulce preparaban el almíbar, más colibríes venían. Este año Frances había decidido hacer la mezcla lo más dulce posible. En la cocina, agregó el azúcar al agua caliente hasta que el azúcar empezó al acumularse al fondo de la hoya aun cuando revolvía el agua. Luego llenó el bebedero de los pájaros con la solución de agua. —¡Me encanta cuando vemos muchos colibríes! —exclamó Frances, tapando el bebedero. Las niñas colgaron el bebedero de una rama que podían observar desde su terraza. Pasaron varios días antes de que empezaran a aparecer los colibríes, y cuando por fin llegaban, se iban casi al instante. Las niñas fueron a revisar el bebedero. —Creo que veo el problema —dijo Fiona, raspando polvo de los hoyos en el bebedero. —¿De dónde salió eso? —preguntó Frances. —Los pájaros no pueden sacar la mezcla del bebedero —dijo Fiona—. Este polvo que está obstruyendo las aperturas en el bebedero es azúcar. —Pero yo no puse azúcar en la parte de afuera —protestó Frances—. Y dejé de agregarle azúcar al agua cuando se empezó a acumular en el fondo mientras la revolvía. Sé que cuando el agua ya no aguanta más azúcar, está saturada y no puede disolver más. ¿No es cierto? REVELAR RESPUESTA

  • Shipping Policy | Science, Naturally!

    Books Shipping within the United States and U.S. Territories, including PO and APO boxes, is free. Puzzles Unfortunately, at this time, we are unable to ship puzzles to PO boxes. For purchases of 1 puzzle, shipping within the continental U.S. is $3.00. For purchases of 1 puzzle, shipping to U.S. territories or states outside the continental U.S. is $6.00. For purchases of $35 or more, shipping is free. ShipPing Abroad We are happy to ship merchandise anywhere in the world. Our website is not equipped to calculate shipping outside of the United States and U.S. Territories. For more information or to place an international order, please contact us: Submit Thanks for submitting! Shipping Policy

  • July Mystery of the Month | Science, Naturally!

    Can you solve this real-world math mystery? Kyle and his friend Antonio had been watching the summer Olympics the day before. Their favorite events were track and field. Kyle was the fastest sprinter in school, while Antonio liked running longer distances.  On this day, they were at the high school football... ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... July Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Ship Shape “Ahoy, matey!” Liam yelled, running into his older brother Theo’s bedroom. “Go back to bed,” Theo growled. “It’s six o’clock in the morning! I need my sleep, you know.” “But Theo, there’s part of a shipwreck out in the ocean! It looks like it’s been there for a hundred years!” “Then it will still be there when I get up,” Theo grumbled and rolled over. It was their family’s first morning of vacation after arriving late the night before at a beach they had never been to before. Liam was an early riser and had walked down to the beach just after dawn. Since Theo didn’t want to get up and no one else was awake, Liam went to his room to read. When Theo finally woke up around noon and went to the beach where his parents had already set up chairs and blankets, he saw sunburned people under umbrellas and sand crabs scurrying around, but nothing in the ocean except waves. “Have you seen a shipwreck out there?” Theo asked his parents. “No, but we’ve only been here for an hour,” their father said to Theo. “We slept in a little. Then the three of us went straight to the grocery store while you slept.” “After we put away the groceries we came here,” their mother added. “Liam told us about a shipwreck, but we haven’t seen it yet.” “The shipwreck is out there, and I’ll prove it,” Liam said. “How?” Theo asked. REVEAL ANSWER

  • Julio Misterio del Mes | Science, Naturally!

    Can you solve this real-world math mystery? Kyle y su amigo Antonio habían estado viendo las olimpiadas de verano el diía anterior. Sus eventos favoritos eran los de pista y campo. Kyle era el corredor más rápido de la escuela en distancias cortas, mientras que a Antonio le gustaba correr distancias más largas... Julio Seleccionado de: One Minute Mysteries: More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! • Misterios de un minuto: ¡Más misterios cortos que resuelves con ciencias! Barco a la vista —¡Ahoy, compadre! —gritó Liam, entrando a la habitación de su hermano mayor, Theo. —Vete a dormir —gruñó Theo—. ¡Son las seis de la mañana! Sabes que necesito dormir. —¡Pero Theo, hay parte de un naufragio en el océano! ¡Parece haber estado ahí por cienaños! —Entonces estará ahí cuando me levante —gruñó Theo y se dio vuelta. Era la primera mañana de sus vacaciones familiares y habían llegado tarde la nocheanterior a una playa que no habían visitado antes. Liam era un madrugador y habíacaminado hasta la playa justo después del amanecer. Como Theo no quería levantarsey nadie más estaba despierto, Liam se fue a su habitación a leer. Cuando Theo finalmente despertó cerca del mediodía y fue a la playa donde suspadres ya se habían instalado con sillas y mantas, vio gente quemada por el sol bajolas sombrillas y cangrejos de arena corriendo alrededor, pero nada en el océanoexcepto olas. —¿Vieron un naufragio por ahí? —Theo le preguntó a sus padres . —No, pero solo hemos estado aquí por una hora —dijo su padre—. Nos levantamos unpoco tarde. Después los tres fuimos directamente al mercado mientras dormías. —Vinimos acá después de guardar las compras —añadió su madre—.Liam nos habló deun naufragio, pero no lo hemos visto todavía. —El naufragio está allá fuera y se los voy a demostrar —dijo Liam. —¿Cómo? —preguntó Theo. REVELAR RESPUERTO

  • March Mystery of the Month | Science, Naturally!

    Can you solve this real-world math mystery? Ron and Lauren’s father had made a New Year’s resolution to be healthier. Part of his program, along with exercising, was eating only cereal for breakfast, instead of things like bacon and eggs. ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... March Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 MORE Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! Think Green, Guys! Pranav and Maneet’s family had decided to buy a house in a new development. There were several models to pick from and they had chosen one with the features they wanted. Two houses of that model were finished and for sale. Their backs faced each other, one house looking north and the other looking south—each with a big, open lawn in front. There were tall trees between them, coming almost to the back of each house. “It’s hard to pick. These two houses are exactly the same,” their mother said, as they stood on the back deck of the house that faced north. “The price is the same, too, although either way we’re going to have to watch our money more closely after buying a new house,” said their father. Pranav could feel warmth in the sunlight, even through the bare branches of the trees. Spring was coming. Where they lived, winter was short and mild, and furnaces ran only a little while. Summer was long and hot—air conditioners ran almost all day. “We should buy this one,” Pranav said, after thinking for a moment. “What did you do? Flip a coin in your head?” Maneet asked. REVEAL ANSWER

  • September Mystery of the Month | Science, Naturally!

    Can you solve this month's real-life math mystery? Max had offered to stay after school to help with the fundraiser. The parents' association was buying new supplies for the three rooms in his grade, and they had divided the cost among all the students. Each student in the three rooms needed to bring in $15.63... ¿Hablas español? Haga clic aquí para resolver... September Selected from: One Minute Mysteries: 65 Short Mysteries You Solve With Math! Lawn Ranger “Dad, we really need a new lawn mower,” Murphy said. Of all people, Murphy would know. Since he’d turned twelve, it had been his job to mow the lawn every Saturday morning. The family rule was that it had to be done before any fun activities. Murphy had done it so often that he even knew the exact number of times he had to go up and down the yard: 20 times in each direction. His father looked at the old lawn mower. It was hard to start, ran rough, and left the grass in clumps. “You’re right. Let’s go to the store and see what they have,” he said. At the store, Murphy’s father pointed one out. “Here’s the newest version of the model we have, with the same cutting blade, 60 centimeters across,” he said. “And here’s one with a 75-centimeter blade.” Murphy’s little brother, Hugh, who had come along, said, “Here’s one with a 60-centimeter blade, but it’s a mulching mower. It says its blade spins 20% faster than regular mowers.” “I think we should buy the one that lets me finish the yard in only 4/5 of the time it takes me now,” Murphy said. “Which one is that?” asked Hugh. REVEAL ANSWER

  • Marzo Misterio del Mes | Science, Naturally!

    Can you solve this real-world science mystery? Reese estaba ayudando a su padre a limpiar las hijas y ramas que se habían caído durante el invierno. Era hora de preparar el patio y el jardín para la primavera. Luego irían a la jardinería, pero primero tenían que verificar qué cosas necesitarían... Marzo Seleccionado de: One Minute Mysteries: More Short Mysteries You Solve With Science! • Misterios de un minuto: ¡Más misterios cortos que resuelves con ciencias! ¡Cara verde, chicos! La familia de Pranav y Maneet había decidido comprar una casa en una urbanización nueva. Habían varios modelos de casas para elegir y habían escogido uno con las características que deseaban. Habían dos casas de ese modelo terminadas y a la venta. Las partes traseras colindaban; una casa miraba hacia el norte, y la otra hacia el sur—cada una con un gran jardín abierto al frente. Habían árboles grandes entre las dos casas, llegando casi hasta la parte trasera de cada una. —Es difícil escoger. Estas dos casas son exactamente iguales —dijo su madre, parada en la terraza trasera de la casa que daba al norte. —Además, el precio es el mismo, aunque sea como sea tendremos que ser más conservadores con el dinero después de comprar una casa nueva —dijo su padre. Pranav sentía el calor del sol, incluso a través de las ramas desnudas de los árboles. La primavera se acercaba. Donde ellos vivían, el invierno era corto y leve, y solo usaban la calefacción de vez en cuando. Los veranos eran largos y muy calurosos—usaban el aire acondicionado casi todo el día. —Deberíamos comprar ésta —dijo Pranav, después de pensar un momento. —¿Cómo decidiste? ¿Lanzaste una moneda virtual al aire? —preguntó Maneet. REVELAR RESPUESTA

  • 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

  • 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.

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