Zoey and Sassafras Set

by Asia Citro

Follow the adventures of Zoey and her cat Sassafras with this collection of books 1-6 in the series.

With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure--the Zoey and Sassafras series has something for everyone!

Each story features a new magical animal with a problem that must be solved using science. There isn't a set formula for each book; Zoey sometimes needs to run experiments, while other times she needs to investigate a mystery, and yet other times she needs to do research. Zoey models how to keep a science journal through her handwritten entries in each story. Each story is complete with a glossary of the kid-friendly definitions for scientific terms used. The series highlights child-led inquiry science, and the topics covered align with both Common Core and Next Generation Science Standards.

Genres: Childrens, Science, Family, 2nd Grade

1 pages, Audio CD

Published August 28, 2021

Reviews

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are a great read for an emerging reader. They have science, magic, and a strong female main character who figures stuff out on her own. What's not to love? Kiddo devoured them. I only wish there were more.

[Eli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really fun series. My son (4yo) loves it so much he wants us to reread it

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

A young girl, Zoey, uses the scientific method to figure out how to heal magical creatures who come to her for help. Not many people can see these creatures (including Zoey's dad), but Zoey, her mom, and their cat Sassafras can! Real scientific concepts are taught with step-by-step examples of how the scientific method works to solve problems.

We purchased the audiobooks 1-6 as a bundle through Audible. I cannot say enough wonderful things about this series. Each book starts with a problem that Zoey must solve. Her mom teaches her the scientific method and helps Zoey figure out how to set up experiments, but ultimately it is up to Zoey to solve the problems. Her mom supports and encourages her throughout the process. Many of her experiments initially end in failure, but her mom helps her figure out what she can learn from the failures and how to adapt from them. I cannot recommend these books enough for early elementary aged kids who are interested in science (and magical creatures).

[Andi Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

My 8yo and I have been listening to these together and it has been a joy. Lots of girl power, science, kindness, smart facts, a sassy cat, and more. I'm holding back one star because I think it's a misstep that Zoey's mother encourages Zoey to hide their work from her father, just because he's unable to be involved (he can't see the magical creatures). I thought maybe I was being over sensitive, but my daughter brought it up as being "weird" during the last book. We still loved the series overall, though, and would recommend it.

[Alison James · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son (6) loved these books (as did I)! He liked these because "they had magical creatures and science." I liked that it is an inquisitive and creative girl who loves exploring and learning about the world around her. We were able to learn about experiments and making a hypothesis, and also met lots of magical animals along the way. He's (im)patiently waiting for another book to come out.

[Bethany Feustel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m not sure how it took me so long to come across these books, but we’ve loved every minute of them! Suggested on a read aloud revival booklist, it was exactly what the girls needed as audiobooks for a long road trip. I love how the relationships are mutually respectful, the fantasy creatures are entertaining, and the science vocabulary exposure on point! We’ll be enjoying these regularly.

[Whole And · Rating 3 out of 5]

A sweet tale of science mixed with imagination. Written by a science teacher this is a great way to encourage young minds - particularly young girls - to keeping a science journal, take notes, think through and solve problems, conduct experiments and work through mistakes. Gentle, fun and engaging.

[Andrea Skinner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love these books! My kiddo likes to reread them many times over. They are both entertaining and factual, teaching actual critical thinking and science. Can not say enough good things about Citrio’s books.

[Charly Troff (JustaReadingMama) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Darling books! A fun of science and magical creatures, it was perfect for my daughters (9, 7, and 5) and the story was interesting enough that I enjoyed listening with them.

We listened to the narration on audible and it was excellent.

[Abish Denisse · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first 3, I'm hoping to find the bottom 3 to finish the collection.
This is a super cute collection of stories of Zoe who loves science and loves to resolve problems that affect nature. It is lovely and super short chapter books. These would be perfect for kids of 2nd or 3rd grade

[Nicole Foreman]

My oldest shared that he enjoyed hearing all the science terms and the saving of magical creatures. It reminded me of Fabled Stables with the magical creatures, but this series had more “learning” with all the science terms.

[Heather Tweed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 was so cute! Love this for first and second grade!

[Marika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imogen: I like that’s there’s magical animals in them. And there’s rainbow stuff in some. The stream gets polluted.

[Derek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun science and fantasy oriented books! Great ways to teach your kids about the scientific method.

[mandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved reading this series with Bea! Sort of like Doc McStuffins meets Bill Nye.

[Alyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

Early reader chapter books that incorporate science and stem. Zoey is kind, has a good relationship with her mother and father, and loves to learn. Cute books.

[Betty Douglas · Rating 5 out of 5]

My daughter and son (age 7) love these books! They are well-written, interesting, and caused them both to love science! A must read for all grade schoolers!

[Jennifer]

AR 3.9

[Alaina Messenger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginner chapter books to learn about science. My 8 year old loved them.

[Tami · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun series for kids about fairytale creatures, while also teaching them about the scientific method. My kids enjoy it, and I appreciate that they are learning.

[Alaina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great beginner chapter books to learn about science. My 8 year old loved them.

[Alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

These are great! Fun and imaginative stories with science.

[Elisha Lawrence · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books are wonderful for kids. They teach the scientific method and problem-solving with fun stories about magical creatures. They are sweet little stories that I enjoy reading with my kids!

[Kortney · Rating 3 out of 5]

These are so cute! Alexander loved them and I loved listening to them with him. 😊

[Ash · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this series! We started reading them aloud to our 3.5 and they absolutely loved every minute and picked up some new ideas.

[Loren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series- great mix of science and magic and a goofy pet cat. Have loved reading these with my babies this year.

[Wes Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review is actually of the series: books 1-10. Simply incredible. My 6 year old is already midway through her second read of the series (with mom and dad’s help)!

[Katherine Pendleton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bro I haven't been on Goodreads in so long. These books are really funny, her dad can't see magic. Aaaamen

[Kaylyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this series!

[Amy Esper · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best children series ever! I listened to the audio books with my kids in the car and the voice actor is great! I love how the author incorporates the basics of the scientific method. My children are repeating concepts they learned in these books weeks later.