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Zoey and Sassafras #2
Monsters and Mold
A Mighty Girl Book of the Year With magical animals, science, mystery, and adventure -- the brand new series Zoey and Sassafras has something for everyone! Easy-to-read language and illustrations on nearly every page make this series perfect for a wide range of ages.
In the second book of this series, a forest monster shows up looking for help with an embarrassing problem and Zoey is sure it will be a simple fix. But her first two tries at helping him fail and she has a sobbing monster on her hands! Will Zoey and Sassafras solve the problem in time for Gorp to go to the annual Monster Ball?
Each story in the Zoey and Sassafras series 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.
In the second book of this series, a forest monster shows up looking for help with an embarrassing problem and Zoey is sure it will be a simple fix. But her first two tries at helping him fail and she has a sobbing monster on her hands! Will Zoey and Sassafras solve the problem in time for Gorp to go to the annual Monster Ball?
Each story in the Zoey and Sassafras series 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.
96 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
241 people are currently reading
504 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
November 5, 2018
Citro's books are among the most noteworthy early chapter books on the market today. Zoey and her kitty, Sassafras, care for fantasy creatures in their woodland backyard. Zoey's mother is a scientist and, following in her mother's footsteps, she's rarely without her thinking goggles. The scientific method, utilized by Zoey in every book to solve a scientific mystery, is put to use in book two to help a monster whose fur is plagued with mold. Highly recommend this inventive, smart, progressive series for everyone.
July 13, 2025
My daughter and I have been reading this series at bedtime, a few chapters a night. They're easy to breeze through; a fun mix of science and fantasy, and the protagonists---a little girl named Zoey and her cat Sassafras---are adorable.
"Monsters and Mold" is the second book in the series. In this one, a monster named Gorp asks for help from Zoey to solve a mold problem. Every morning, Gorp wakes up with yucky mold growing on his fur. No amount of cleaning seems to help. He's so embarassed by it that he plans on skipping the Monster Ball in a few days. Zoey runs several experiments and learns about preservatives, like salt and vinegar. Can she fix Gorp's mold problem before the Monster Ball?
Author Asia Citro and illustrator Marion Lindsay have created a cute series that provides fun and quick lessons about scientific concepts while introducing a world of magical creatures that only Zoey can see. It's basically "Doc McStuffins" with woodland creatures.
"Monsters and Mold" is the second book in the series. In this one, a monster named Gorp asks for help from Zoey to solve a mold problem. Every morning, Gorp wakes up with yucky mold growing on his fur. No amount of cleaning seems to help. He's so embarassed by it that he plans on skipping the Monster Ball in a few days. Zoey runs several experiments and learns about preservatives, like salt and vinegar. Can she fix Gorp's mold problem before the Monster Ball?
Author Asia Citro and illustrator Marion Lindsay have created a cute series that provides fun and quick lessons about scientific concepts while introducing a world of magical creatures that only Zoey can see. It's basically "Doc McStuffins" with woodland creatures.
May 15, 2017
We can't get enough of this new STEM-focused fiction series!
As soon as I finished reading my daughter the first Zoey & Sassafras book a few weeks ago, she's been begging me to read the next one in the series.
OhMyGoodness, I'm surprised you didn't hear our squeals all the way to your house, because between the two of us, we couldn't stop doing the happy dance for hours!
Let me tell you, we had high expectations for this book after going so ga-ga over the last one -- expectations so high, I didn't see how this book could reach them.
But it did.
Just as before, my daughter and I sat and didn't budge until I'd read the whole entire thing, from the front cover to the back!
And of course she wanted me to start reading the next one immediately, but my poor little voice needed a bit of a break!
In this second book, we meet a poor little forest monster who dreams of attending the annual Monster Ball, but just can't because he's got a little bit of a mold problem...
He shows up at Zoey's door, hoping for some help, and she and Sassafras do their darnedest to fairy-godmother him off to the ball.
You'll have to read the book yourself to see whether he makes it or not, but I can promise that you'll find the same seamless scientific learning woven throughout this book (along with plenty of Marion Lindsay's lively illustrations) just like in Dragons and Marshmallows.
I love how author Asia Citro provides so many great science-themed activity ideas throughout the pages -- like creating a homemade volcano or making homemade playdough!
(Conveniently, Asia's written a handy little book that includes all sorts of great exploration activities just like those in her The Curious Kids' Science Book.)
The author also continues to walk young readers through the scientific process, which I know from years of teaching takes quite a while to sink in for little brains.
Like the first book, Monsters and Mold contains a glossary explaining more about the main scientific concepts found within the pages. I love how the topics tackled in these books cover interesting subjects that kids can relate to -- this one was on mold and preservatives and led to many hours of exploration for us after we finished reading!
I received a free copy of this product from Innovation Press in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
As soon as I finished reading my daughter the first Zoey & Sassafras book a few weeks ago, she's been begging me to read the next one in the series.
OhMyGoodness, I'm surprised you didn't hear our squeals all the way to your house, because between the two of us, we couldn't stop doing the happy dance for hours!
Let me tell you, we had high expectations for this book after going so ga-ga over the last one -- expectations so high, I didn't see how this book could reach them.
But it did.
Just as before, my daughter and I sat and didn't budge until I'd read the whole entire thing, from the front cover to the back!
And of course she wanted me to start reading the next one immediately, but my poor little voice needed a bit of a break!
In this second book, we meet a poor little forest monster who dreams of attending the annual Monster Ball, but just can't because he's got a little bit of a mold problem...
He shows up at Zoey's door, hoping for some help, and she and Sassafras do their darnedest to fairy-godmother him off to the ball.
You'll have to read the book yourself to see whether he makes it or not, but I can promise that you'll find the same seamless scientific learning woven throughout this book (along with plenty of Marion Lindsay's lively illustrations) just like in Dragons and Marshmallows.
I love how author Asia Citro provides so many great science-themed activity ideas throughout the pages -- like creating a homemade volcano or making homemade playdough!
(Conveniently, Asia's written a handy little book that includes all sorts of great exploration activities just like those in her The Curious Kids' Science Book.)
The author also continues to walk young readers through the scientific process, which I know from years of teaching takes quite a while to sink in for little brains.
Like the first book, Monsters and Mold contains a glossary explaining more about the main scientific concepts found within the pages. I love how the topics tackled in these books cover interesting subjects that kids can relate to -- this one was on mold and preservatives and led to many hours of exploration for us after we finished reading!
I received a free copy of this product from Innovation Press in exchange for writing a review. All opinions are my own.
March 13, 2019
My granddaughter and I read this together and I loved it and she did too because she's gone and checked out the rest of the series at her school library! It was laugh out loud funny, instructional, and innovative. A great book!
January 16, 2024
He was furry, orange, and had giant ears with two horns on top of his head. He squinted at me and Sassafras with his two big eyes. He looked like . . . like . . . a monster?
I love this cute little series. We're using it as a family book club right now and having a blast.
In the middle of an experiment on moldy bread Zoey is excited to hear the doorbell ring! Another mysterious magical creature has arrive.
Introducing, Gorp! Gorp is a monster with a moldy problem. No matter what he does he always gets mold on his fur and it makes him miss the Monster Ball.
“I’m so gross that this fly won’t even leave me alone!” he wailed.
Zoey tries a couple of solutions that don't work, but she won't give up! She needs to find a "preservative" that will help keep the mold away.
I love:
*how much Sassafras loves Gorp
*how kids get to learn about setting up experiments
*how Citro teaches about "preservatives" in a fun way
*the way Zoey talked about the gross smell of vinegar, haha! It brought back memories.
She adds a few drops of peppermint extract to each cup of vinegar she gives me.
Fabulous series! Highly recommend! (Review #2 - January 2024)
Review #1 - December 2022
Delightful!
Zoey and Sassafras meet Gorp. All he wants is to attend the annual Monster's Ball but he's too embarrassed about the mold that keeps growing on his fur. He needs Zoey to help him come up with a solution.
I thought this book was even cuter than the last one. The illustrations of Gorp were hilarious and adorable. Fantastic series for readers starting the journey into chapter books.
I love this cute little series. We're using it as a family book club right now and having a blast.
In the middle of an experiment on moldy bread Zoey is excited to hear the doorbell ring! Another mysterious magical creature has arrive.
Introducing, Gorp! Gorp is a monster with a moldy problem. No matter what he does he always gets mold on his fur and it makes him miss the Monster Ball.
“I’m so gross that this fly won’t even leave me alone!” he wailed.
Zoey tries a couple of solutions that don't work, but she won't give up! She needs to find a "preservative" that will help keep the mold away.
I love:
*how much Sassafras loves Gorp
*how kids get to learn about setting up experiments
*how Citro teaches about "preservatives" in a fun way
*the way Zoey talked about the gross smell of vinegar, haha! It brought back memories.
She adds a few drops of peppermint extract to each cup of vinegar she gives me.
Fabulous series! Highly recommend! (Review #2 - January 2024)
Review #1 - December 2022
Delightful!
Zoey and Sassafras meet Gorp. All he wants is to attend the annual Monster's Ball but he's too embarrassed about the mold that keeps growing on his fur. He needs Zoey to help him come up with a solution.
I thought this book was even cuter than the last one. The illustrations of Gorp were hilarious and adorable. Fantastic series for readers starting the journey into chapter books.
October 4, 2017
I loved this so much! Zoey solves problems for magical creatures using science. She's the kind of kid who has multiple mold experiments going on in the kitchen, isn't fazed by a disproven hypothesis and has a problem I am VERY familiar with... "Finally, I looked down at the very bottom of the panty and found our stash of vinegar. I shook the bottle. Not much left. I'd been making too many baking soda and vinegar volcanoes!" I know your pain, Zoey, oh do I know... A great read for first/second grade teachers looking for ways to cross-teach reading and science.
April 2, 2018
Miss 3 loved 'Merhorses and Bubbles' and pointed excitedly at the pictures on the cover showing there were more books in the series (similarly, reading Dragons and Marshmallows, she pointed at the picture of this book and the one we've read). It didn't seem to bother her that we're reading these a bit out of order.
I love how approachable the books make different aspects of science. The next time we made playdough after reading this our new word was 'preservatives' as we put in the oil and salt!
I love how approachable the books make different aspects of science. The next time we made playdough after reading this our new word was 'preservatives' as we put in the oil and salt!
June 30, 2017
This isn't book one of the series, but it caught my eye on the new book shelf. Looks like a cute series - I like that the author (a former science teacher) weaved the scientific method into the story, and that the mom in the book can also see the monsters, though the dad can't. This is in the reader section, but is a more advanced reader - looks like a similar reading level to the Magic Treehouse books.
August 16, 2018
I love Zoey and Sassafras. I liked Zoey's deductions and how she solved the problem. My issue with this one was that while she solved the problem of getting rid of the mold, the issue of where it was coming from never was addressed. It seemed more like a bandaid answer. We also never find out why Sassafras loved Gorp so much. I was wondering if it was related to what caused his mold? I was hoping to get more answers. This one didn't have quite the same feel to it or ending to it as the others.
April 2, 2023
These books are so cute. My daughter loves them.
February 1, 2021
Tosi kiva, hauska ja helppolukuinen sarja mielenkiintoisista taikaotuksista ja tieteellisistä tutkimusmenetelmistä. :) Olen fani!!
March 16, 2020
This is the second Zoey and Sassafras that I have read to my 5 and 4 year olds, and it was as much a hit as the first. The story is cute and fun (an adorable monster named Gore whose fur gets moldy, he asks Zoey to help him with this issue). A mix of fantasy, science, problem solving, all with really lovely illustrations.
July 21, 2018
Really enjoying reading these with the kids. They are engaging, stem-focused, empathetic, and fun. Both the 1st grader and 4th grader are enjoying them and staying engaged.
September 8, 2020
It took a lot of tries this time, but Zoey persisted!
March 1, 2019
We love these! Details scientific method within an engaging story. Shows the main character making mistakes and rationally correcting them.
April 28, 2021
Now this is an awesome series for kids. My 6yo loved Zoey and her strong, creative spirit. This book explains how to conduct an experiment in a fun way and mixes in some magical elements.
June 19, 2021
Super cute mix of fantasy and science. Would be a great class read aloud for grades 1-2.
May 20, 2024
I love the subtle teachings of science principles with a fun kid friendly story. My 5 year old especially is enjoying.
October 16, 2020
Somewhat repetitive and missed a crucial explanation of what mold is, but so far we have played Gorp and Zoey 1000 times.
February 26, 2023
This was so cute. The girls loved it.
February 3, 2021
This is such a sweet story! The monster character is amazingly sweet and I'm actually glad that Zoey didn't solve his issue on the first try. A little bit of struggle is good!
January 31, 2020
I can’t say enough good things about this series. It teaches science in such a fun, trickling way. It doesn’t overload my 4 year old with knowledge but gives him just enough facts to be interested. He LOVES this series also and we go through them so fast we have to try to pace ourselves. I hope there will be more than seven... I hope there will be many more to come!
September 25, 2018
Accidentally read book 2 before 1, but loved it nonetheless. Zoey is endearing and her love of science and helping others is admirable to young readers. She walks the reader through her hypothesis, failed, and confirmed experiments. My 8 and 6 year old (boy and girl) loved it as well. Great read aloud!
March 30, 2018
This is the second book in the Zoey and Sassafras series..
Ever since Zoey and her cat, Sassafras, helped a baby dragon she named Marshmallow, she has been waiting for the magic doorbell to ring. In the meantime, Zoey is experimenting with mold, how it grows in various conditions.
It’s the perfect setup when the doorbell finally rings. Poor Gorp has an embarrassing problem: his fur is moldy. He’s tried everything he knows to do and has taken all the advice he’s been giving, but nothing works. He’s heard the stories in the forest that Zoey can cure so he has come to her for help.
In addition to the moldy fur, which is a source of bullying from other forest creatures, the annual Monster Ball is in just a few days. Gorp has never been, but he wants so badly to go. Sassafras reminds Zoey to put on her Thinking googles and try to help him.
Using scientific methods to conduct and collect the data, Zoey does her best to help Gorp.
There seemed to be a lot more science in this episode than in the first one. The book is geared toward ages 6-10 in grades 1-5. I worried that may be it was a little too advanced, so that is why Zoey & Sassafras: Monsters and Mold receives 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
Ever since Zoey and her cat, Sassafras, helped a baby dragon she named Marshmallow, she has been waiting for the magic doorbell to ring. In the meantime, Zoey is experimenting with mold, how it grows in various conditions.
It’s the perfect setup when the doorbell finally rings. Poor Gorp has an embarrassing problem: his fur is moldy. He’s tried everything he knows to do and has taken all the advice he’s been giving, but nothing works. He’s heard the stories in the forest that Zoey can cure so he has come to her for help.
In addition to the moldy fur, which is a source of bullying from other forest creatures, the annual Monster Ball is in just a few days. Gorp has never been, but he wants so badly to go. Sassafras reminds Zoey to put on her Thinking googles and try to help him.
Using scientific methods to conduct and collect the data, Zoey does her best to help Gorp.
There seemed to be a lot more science in this episode than in the first one. The book is geared toward ages 6-10 in grades 1-5. I worried that may be it was a little too advanced, so that is why Zoey & Sassafras: Monsters and Mold receives 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
December 20, 2017
Zoey is back with a new animal in need of help. This time it's a monster named Gorp, who is terrified of Sassafras no matter how Zoey tries to clam his fear. But Gorp's biggest problem is that he is terribly embarrassed by the fact that he always has mold on his fur. How can he go to the monster's ball if he has mold all over?
So, Zoey begins her scientific investigation. Luckily, she has already been studying mold on bread and what conditions are the best for growing mold. But as she begins to investigate potential solutions, is it possible that a solution could make matters worse?
I love this series. Zoey is a poster girl for the habits of mind like persistence, questioning/problem finding, applying past knowledge to new situations and many others. Her family is supportive in her investigations (though Dad can't see these special animals). A great series for early fantasy readers.
So, Zoey begins her scientific investigation. Luckily, she has already been studying mold on bread and what conditions are the best for growing mold. But as she begins to investigate potential solutions, is it possible that a solution could make matters worse?
I love this series. Zoey is a poster girl for the habits of mind like persistence, questioning/problem finding, applying past knowledge to new situations and many others. Her family is supportive in her investigations (though Dad can't see these special animals). A great series for early fantasy readers.
October 24, 2018
We read the first book in the Zoey and Sassafras series with Family Dinner Book Club (an Educational Website)- it was their August 2018 selection. My son loved it so much I ordered the first 6 books in the series- which have finally came in. We love Zoey- a budding scientist. I love how she uses the scientific method in her experiments. We liked book 1 better, but we still liked how her first Hypothesis didn't work- showing kids that it's O.K. to fail- that not all experiments work and that you try, try again. It is a perfect read out loud book- with some definitions in the back to discuss when finishing the book. We start book 3 tomorrow!!!
April 14, 2017
Another super cute science experiment to solve a magical creature's mold problem. I really like Zoey--she's curious, optimistic, and persistent. Sassafras is a super helpful cat with a lot of personality. Zoey's mom is helpful and encouraging. Her dad is seen for a couple moments, but even he is loving and encouraging. The story makes me want to get out some baking soda and vinegar to watch it react. Very enjoyable.
July 17, 2018
Zoey is a budding scientist who uses the powers of the scientific method to help magical creatures who come to her home needing help. Her cat, Sassafras, and her mom also help.
In this second adventure, a monster comes in needing help getting mold to stop growing on his fur so he can go to the monster ball with his friends.
Really enjoyed this. Would definitely recommend. Yay for girl scientist and POC characters.
In this second adventure, a monster comes in needing help getting mold to stop growing on his fur so he can go to the monster ball with his friends.
Really enjoyed this. Would definitely recommend. Yay for girl scientist and POC characters.
May 14, 2020
I love these books for a home-schooled girl partially because school hasn't been mentioned (we've read the first two so far, and I have a feeling it won't be). Strong, smart girl character, kindness in helping the magical creatures, troubleshooting and not giving up. Great relationship with parents. And it's very sweet! Zoey is a great role model.
I'm reading it aloud to my 4 year old and she's so into it. She keeps asking for more.
I'm reading it aloud to my 4 year old and she's so into it. She keeps asking for more.
September 3, 2020
My 5 and 7 year old daughters enjoyed this book, but the older one really caught that it was trying to teach proper scientific method, etc. It's an EXCELLENT book to read educationally, but a bit thin on actual plot. However, the girls' love of book #1 carried us through, hoping to see the dragon Marshmallow again. (spoiler alert, we didn't) They liked it well enough, but didn't ask to read it again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews