Zoey and Sassafras: Grumplets and Pests; Book 7

Zoey and Sassafras: Grumplets and Pests---Book 7 by Asia Citro; illustrations by Marion Lindsay  96 pages

The latest Zoey and Sassafras (and I hope not the last) story brings back most of the characters that we have seen in the previous six books. 

The story opens with Zoey and her cat, Sassafras, “desperately hoping we’ll hear our barn doorbell.”  That doorbell isn’t a regular doorbell!  It means that a magical creature need help, and Zoey and Sassafras love to use science to help their old and new friends.

Bugs have invaded Zoey’s mom’s kale garden. They are everywhere and there are so many of them that Zoey fears they will never be able to get rid of them. Their old friend, Pip, is hanging out near the garden, but he’s rather grumpy today. He isn’t much help, but Zoey’s mom helps figure out what kinds of pests have moved in.

As Zoey and Sassafras make their way through the woods, encountering all their old friends---the merhourses, Gorp and friends, Tiny and friends--- everyone is grumpy. Zoey realizes that  something else is happening in the forest. Using her scientific background, and help from Pip, she discovers that Grumplets are behind the bad moods. And together they make a plan to banish the grumpiness.

Another fun story for the team of Citro and Lindsay that makes science fun for kids!  “Zoey and Sassafras: Grumplets and Pests---Book 7” receives  5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.

Zoey and Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows

Zoey & Sassafras: Dragons andMarshmallows by Asia Citro, illustrated by Marion Lindsay        96 pages

In this first book in the series, readers meet Zoey and her cat, Sassafras. Zoey seems to me to be approximately six or seven years old. She loves science and animals. She has a pair of Thinking Goggles that help her solve problems. Sassafras is her constant companion and BFF.

Zoey is a little worried about her mom going to a conference for a week. But in her mom’s office, she discovers a glowing photo of a purple frog! It turns out that since her mom was her age, magical creatures have been coming to their bar when they need help. Mom thought she was the only one who could see the frog, who talks and told her his name was Pip. But Zoey must have inherited her abilities as well as her curiosity and compassion.

After her mom tells her about the doorbell and what happens when it rings, Zoey and Sassafras are eager to get to work. When they answer, they see a “shimmery blue tail disappear into the forest.” Looking around, Zoey spots a green baby dragon who doesn’t feel well. She ascertains that because he breathes fire, he must be hungry. 

Using her journal and her Thinking Goggles, Zoey comes up with an experiment that should help the little creature, whom she ultimately names Marshmallow.

I like the science, the strong girl role, and the glossary in the back to help kids understand some of the terms used in the story. “Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages.”

Zoey & Sassafras: Dragons and Marshmallows receive 5 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.