My wife and I stumbled on these books completely by accident as our 5 years old, loves audio books. Low and behold, listening to some of his favourites on the Star Room Read aloud podcast, we stumbled on this little gem. Since then, it has become one of our sons’ favourites and has really inspired his play.

The series

Written by Asia Citro, Zoey and Sassafras follows a young girl and her cat as they treat a host of magical creatures. Assisted by her mother and sometimes incidentally Zoey’s father, who can’t see the creatures, each book presents a different challenge. The main body of each story is Zoey’s scientific investigation to help a different magical creature. Across the series, Zoey and her playful cat Sassafras help favourites like baby dragons and unicorns but also some unique creatures. By the end of each story, Zoey has made a new friend and improved her scientific understanding of the world.

A clear formula

Each book has a clear structure and formula which makes it easier to follow for young readers as they develop an ability to predict events. Initially, the novels start with a little bit of context which often establishes in some way the central problem, for instance the plan to make mittens for Sassafras to deal with the cold. The next part sees the magical creature introduced to the story and they explain their situation to Zoey, at this point she normally implements a solution based on her existing knowledge. This first attempt proves to be unsuccessful, and Zoey usually seeks advice from her parents. Using this guidance and the outcome of the failed solution Zoey than conducts an experment to find the answer. Based on the results of this scientific endeviour Zoey is ultimalty able to help her new found friend and the problem is resolved with a happy ending.

Great for building knowledge

The thing I like about this series the most is that children are intoduced not only to the scientific process but also a wealth of information about the world. Due to the format of the stories, the processes of an experement from the hypthesis to method and recording obervations are clealy empahsised in each book. It has alllowed my son to conduct his own experemints as part of independent play at home which has been amzaing. Beyond this he has learnt that salt can be used to melt ice but is harmful for plants and that washing run off can harm the environment by pulloutting creeks and river systems. It is a real testment to Cirto that she has been able to weave educational content so effortlesely into an engaging premise.

Final Thoughs

While parents will love Zoey and Sassafras for the educational potential of this fun little series it will be a winner with kids. My son loves Sassafras as a source of comic relief and playfulness while as someone that enjoys fantasy he is immeditly drawn in by the magical creatures. As such with a female protagonist and clear cutness factor it definitly has a wide appeal and is a great recommendation for kids in the 5 – 8 range. At the younger age group the Star Room Read Aloud podcast is a great way to access the seiries as an audio book.

Buy book 1 – 6 of Zoey And Sassafras here.