What do you think?
Rate this book
Zoey and Sassafras #6
Unicorns and Germs
In the sixth book, an earthquake shakes Zoey's house. Or maybe it's a unicorn-quake? An enormous new friend arrives in a lot of pain, and it's getting worse every day. Zoey must work with her mom and Sassafras to find a cure -- and quickly! 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 October 9, 2018
64 people are currently reading
424 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
August 15, 2020
I highly recommend the Zoey and Sassafras series! My children and I all love them. All the positives from the earlier books are here, including the wonderful protagonist, supportive parents, adorable cat side-kick, and the skillful and entertaining blending of real-world science with fantasy creatures.
I have a few quibbles with this installment in the series. The "earthquake" that occurs when the huge unicorn limps over to pay a call on Zoey is just too much -- how exactly did Zoey's mom explain that away? If I was Zoey's dad I would have been all over the internet or calling authorities trying to find out what was going on! I also wouldn't have let my kid go right out to the barn like it was no big deal the earth had just moved enough to knock jars off the kitchen table! I’ve never liked that Zoey and her mom aren’t honest with the dad about the magical creatures and here it really is out of hand. I also felt it was a little far-fetched that the unicorn needed Zoey's help to heal a cut. In many of the other books, the magical creatures need her help with forces beyond their control (such as pollution or an unusual cold snap) and it seems strange a unicorn wouldn't have some resources to heal a cut on it's own (or with the help of other magical creatures in the forest). However, it provides a launching point for a great exploration of bacteria, infections, and antibiotics (both pharmaceutical and natural) and we've got a scientist mom and her daughter making agar and running experiments with petri dishes at the kitchen table so that's a winner in my book.
Note: This book does have some of the more "intense" animal peril in the series, so be warned if you have sensitive young readers. The unicorn's cut becomes infected and the unicorn is in pain and very lethargic at one point. Of course, Zoey and science save the day!
I have a few quibbles with this installment in the series. The "earthquake" that occurs when the huge unicorn limps over to pay a call on Zoey is just too much -- how exactly did Zoey's mom explain that away? If I was Zoey's dad I would have been all over the internet or calling authorities trying to find out what was going on! I also wouldn't have let my kid go right out to the barn like it was no big deal the earth had just moved enough to knock jars off the kitchen table! I’ve never liked that Zoey and her mom aren’t honest with the dad about the magical creatures and here it really is out of hand. I also felt it was a little far-fetched that the unicorn needed Zoey's help to heal a cut. In many of the other books, the magical creatures need her help with forces beyond their control (such as pollution or an unusual cold snap) and it seems strange a unicorn wouldn't have some resources to heal a cut on it's own (or with the help of other magical creatures in the forest). However, it provides a launching point for a great exploration of bacteria, infections, and antibiotics (both pharmaceutical and natural) and we've got a scientist mom and her daughter making agar and running experiments with petri dishes at the kitchen table so that's a winner in my book.
Note: This book does have some of the more "intense" animal peril in the series, so be warned if you have sensitive young readers. The unicorn's cut becomes infected and the unicorn is in pain and very lethargic at one point. Of course, Zoey and science save the day!
January 14, 2019
I really enjoyed this one. The experiment involving the (home-made!) agar plates is thorough and well described. It was an interesting (but still kid-friendly) way to show how medical research works.
My one quibble with these books - I do not like that the dad can't see the magical creatures. It leads to lots of times where Zoey and her mother have to lie to the dad and it makes me very uncomfortable.
My one quibble with these books - I do not like that the dad can't see the magical creatures. It leads to lots of times where Zoey and her mother have to lie to the dad and it makes me very uncomfortable.
June 17, 2022
I love the way these books inspire curiosity and a love of science into kids! This one is about a unicorn that comes to Zoey and has an infection. She has to figure out how to cure it and its great to watch her experiment. Overall, really cute!
December 22, 2021
4.5 stars. This sixth book was a great blend of the elements I like about the series — an accessible explanation of the scientific method, mini-problems that need to be solved to resolve the larger issue, and funny character interactions. The central magical creature was, admittedly, less engaging than someone like Gorp the monster from a previous book, as he mostly lays around in pain waiting for Zoey to find something that will help, but it did lend an air of urgency to the story. I'm happy to continue with this series!
October 20, 2018
Magical and lovely read in a fantastic series. My 5 year old laughed out loud at the way the unicorn talked and clutched her blanket as we waited to find out if Zoey would be able to solve the science mystery and help the unicorn.
We’ve been buying this series as birthday gifts and recommending it to everyone!
We’ve been buying this series as birthday gifts and recommending it to everyone!
April 25, 2021
My daughter and I love to read a few chapters of these books every night. A little magic, a little science 👌🏾
December 24, 2018
I LOVE Tiny.
December 6, 2020
This whole series is pretty great and the unicorn’s dialogue in this one had me cracking up.
March 11, 2021
Probably my favorite one!
January 17, 2024
I read this book to my 6 year old and she loved it! Any book that helps kids enjoy science more is worth a shot, and how better to learn about bacteria, then in trying to treat a unicorn with an infected cut!
December 8, 2020
Another great pick by Elsa. Teaches great scientific concepts in a clear and interesting way. I don't think Elsa was quite old enough to get most of it but she still enjoyed the story, so if some scientific concepts crept in there somewhere that is a definite win. Definitely will pick up others from the series.
June 10, 2022
This was an excellent addition to the series! Such an engaging, age appropriate way to introduce scientific concepts to little ones. Love, love, loved this book!
May 17, 2021
This is currently our last Zoey and Sassafras book (thanks Easter Bunny). This one was delightful, just like all of the others. Zoey and Sassafras help a baby unicorn (named Tiny - which was absolutely hilarious because this unicorn is enormous!) and they get to use Petri dishes, grow germs, and learn about things that help control germs. This one made all of us laugh a lot, and it felt really relevant for kids who are growing up during a pandemic.
Like the Dragon Masters Series (Rise of the Earth Dragon), I think this is one we are going to read over and over again. Also, my 5 year old informed me there are at least two more books and obviously we need them!
Like the Dragon Masters Series (Rise of the Earth Dragon), I think this is one we are going to read over and over again. Also, my 5 year old informed me there are at least two more books and obviously we need them!
November 30, 2021
We love this series, but I have quibbles with this book: How in the world is a unicorn the least interesting magical creature Zoey has met so far, and why must his dialogue be so annoying? Zoey's dad thinks multiple earthquakes are happening but doesn't Google it or wonder why it's not on the news or something other than just scratching his head and wandering back inside? Mom alludes to knowing more about unicorns and having some info in her journals, but we readers are told pretty much nothing? Aggghhhhhh. To be fair though, I think all this worked better for my unicorn-obsessed 7yo than it did for me, and that's what matters.
May 25, 2021
This book taught my daughter about irony and bacteria, two things she won’t stop talking about incorrectly 😂. We both love the magical creatures, problem solving, and science experiments. Sometimes these books get a little wordy and I condense paragraphs by several sentences but I fully recognize that I’m reading these to an audience that’s somewhat younger than intended and overall super enjoyable for me and my 4yo alike.
October 30, 2021
It took us a long time to get through this one. I think my preschooler is going to want a break from Z&S for a bit. The germ stuff was a bit too complicated for him, I think. I love the huge unicorns though. And it's still a great series we will come back to later.
April 11, 2022
In this book my son learned about good and bad bacteria. He learned about growing bacteria in petri dishes and how to take samples (now the wants to try this at home). He loves Sassafras the cat, the magical creatures, and the science.
April 28, 2022
Unicorns being enormously tall was an interesting, though arguably unnecessary, twist.
Listed to this one on audio with the girls. They wished we had the actual book so that they could see the pictures, but understanding that this was not possible they made it work and were satisficed enough.
Listed to this one on audio with the girls. They wished we had the actual book so that they could see the pictures, but understanding that this was not possible they made it work and were satisficed enough.
May 21, 2020
Perfect for the occasion.
Note: This book is about bacteria. The word "germs" appears only in the title. #marketing
Note: This book is about bacteria. The word "germs" appears only in the title. #marketing
August 25, 2021
5 stars according to my 6yo: “I like people helping magical creatures”
November 9, 2021
Excellent book series for young readers interested in science, or kids who love magic creatures.
January 7, 2024
I’m not the intended audience for this book, but read it because I’ve been looking for the perfect book to gift a young kiddo in my life, and wanted to see if this one matched up with what I had in mind.
I gave this book three stars, but in actuality would give it somewhere between three and four stars if I could.
Pros:
- Diversity in STEM. The protagonist of the story is Zoey, a Black girl, who is interested in all things science!
- While the actual text of the story never reveals to the reader about Zoey’s race, that is something we learn from the illustrations. I think this was done well because her race isn’t important to the story itself, however, drawing her as a Black girl provides representation (and, hopefully, young Black kids see Zoey and can find themselves in her / find joy in seeing someone who looks like them represented as the main character)
- The author of the book, Asia Citro, is a former science teacher. This is cool because then we, as readers, know that the science in the book (with the exception of the existence of unicorns, unfortunately) is based in fact.
Cons:
- Aside from when Zoey’s mom teaches Zoe about how bacteria can be good and/or bad, and that it exists everywhere, the main science lessons in this story are NOT basic/fundamental, but rather nuanced ones about how to set up a petri-dish and yogurt cultures, etc. While those are important, at times it felt a little too niche considering the intended audience.
- There was very little in the way of direct talk about the importance of personal hygiene (washing hands, cleaning cuts, etc.), which I was hoping to see and feel like would have a been a good fit for the story about caring for another being, especially when the focus is on bad bacteria!!
Lastly, and this isn’t the book’s fault, when I was first looking for a book for the kiddo in my life, I was trying to find an early chapter book that discusses the importance of personal hygiene. This book was on the list of search results, but it doesn’t seem related at all…so the expectations I had before reading this book were not met.
I gave this book three stars, but in actuality would give it somewhere between three and four stars if I could.
Pros:
- Diversity in STEM. The protagonist of the story is Zoey, a Black girl, who is interested in all things science!
- While the actual text of the story never reveals to the reader about Zoey’s race, that is something we learn from the illustrations. I think this was done well because her race isn’t important to the story itself, however, drawing her as a Black girl provides representation (and, hopefully, young Black kids see Zoey and can find themselves in her / find joy in seeing someone who looks like them represented as the main character)
- The author of the book, Asia Citro, is a former science teacher. This is cool because then we, as readers, know that the science in the book (with the exception of the existence of unicorns, unfortunately) is based in fact.
Cons:
- Aside from when Zoey’s mom teaches Zoe about how bacteria can be good and/or bad, and that it exists everywhere, the main science lessons in this story are NOT basic/fundamental, but rather nuanced ones about how to set up a petri-dish and yogurt cultures, etc. While those are important, at times it felt a little too niche considering the intended audience.
- There was very little in the way of direct talk about the importance of personal hygiene (washing hands, cleaning cuts, etc.), which I was hoping to see and feel like would have a been a good fit for the story about caring for another being, especially when the focus is on bad bacteria!!
Lastly, and this isn’t the book’s fault, when I was first looking for a book for the kiddo in my life, I was trying to find an early chapter book that discusses the importance of personal hygiene. This book was on the list of search results, but it doesn’t seem related at all…so the expectations I had before reading this book were not met.
July 31, 2019
In this episode, Zoey and her best friend, her cat, Sassafras, learn about bacteria. The story opens with Zoey and her mom making homemade yogurt. The look on Sassafras’s face when Zoey stirs some store-bought yogurt into some warm milk is s cute. She may like yogurt, but there’s no way that stuff is touching her tongue.
Suddenly, the science project they are working on is interrupted by an earthquake! A big one! The shaking got worse before it eased. Then the magic doorbell rings. Mom stays behind to clean up the mess while Zoey and Sassafras run to the barn. As she opens the barn door, Zoey encounters a huge, rainbow hoof. Her eyes travel up, up, up and up until she sees a rainbow mane and a shiny golden head, all attached to a ginormous horse.
The horse, a magic horse don’t forget, says to Zoey, “HELLO. I HAVE OW. GIRL HELP? The unicorn, whose name is Tiny because it’s a baby unicorn, is hurt. To help him, Zoey and her mom must figure which bacteria is causing the infection on Tiny’s leg. They conduct experiments in to determine what the best course of action should be.
Unfortunately, it seems to take forever for the bacteria to grow, leaving poor Tiny in pain. That’s the part I didn’t like and why why “Zoey and Sassafras: Unicorns and Germs” receivs 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
Suddenly, the science project they are working on is interrupted by an earthquake! A big one! The shaking got worse before it eased. Then the magic doorbell rings. Mom stays behind to clean up the mess while Zoey and Sassafras run to the barn. As she opens the barn door, Zoey encounters a huge, rainbow hoof. Her eyes travel up, up, up and up until she sees a rainbow mane and a shiny golden head, all attached to a ginormous horse.
The horse, a magic horse don’t forget, says to Zoey, “HELLO. I HAVE OW. GIRL HELP? The unicorn, whose name is Tiny because it’s a baby unicorn, is hurt. To help him, Zoey and her mom must figure which bacteria is causing the infection on Tiny’s leg. They conduct experiments in to determine what the best course of action should be.
Unfortunately, it seems to take forever for the bacteria to grow, leaving poor Tiny in pain. That’s the part I didn’t like and why why “Zoey and Sassafras: Unicorns and Germs” receivs 4 out of 5 stars in Julie’s world.
September 23, 2022
Zoey is at home with Mom and Sassafras when everything around the house starts to shake. Naturally assuming it's an earthquake, they all take shelter when the doorbell rings. It's the doorbell the magical animals use when they need help from Zoey or Mom. It turns out that its a unicorn named Tiny, who is anything but tiny, in need of medical care. Zoey tries to help Tiny, but her first attempt is unsuccessful. Tiny keeps getting worse. Will Zoey be able to make Tiny better again?
I really liked how the science aspect of Zoey's experiments are pretty clearly laid out, and true to reality, also showing how the first attempt doesn't always work. Mom is so good with letting Zoey take the lead and problem solve to find hypothesis and solutions. Zoey also isn't deterred by setbacks, but asks good questions and does what is needed to logically and thoroughly work through the experiment to find a solution. Add a ginormous unicorn to the mix and the sweet dynamic that Sassafras adds to the story and this is a wonderful fantasy read with some bonus science added in.
I really liked how the science aspect of Zoey's experiments are pretty clearly laid out, and true to reality, also showing how the first attempt doesn't always work. Mom is so good with letting Zoey take the lead and problem solve to find hypothesis and solutions. Zoey also isn't deterred by setbacks, but asks good questions and does what is needed to logically and thoroughly work through the experiment to find a solution. Add a ginormous unicorn to the mix and the sweet dynamic that Sassafras adds to the story and this is a wonderful fantasy read with some bonus science added in.
September 5, 2022
Zoey meets her first unicorn. It has a cut and Zoey helps treat it. But when infection sets in can Zoey figure out what could help get the infection under control and help the young unicorn feel better?
This introduces readers to ways scientists actually test what kinds of things would work to kill a certain strain of bacteria and even how to make and use agar. It is sped up a bit thanks to magical influences, but still packs in a lot of great science facts about good and bad bacteria and the scientific method. We are having trouble getting ahold of books 4 and 5 for our library, but I didn't have any trouble following the series missing those 2 books.
This introduces readers to ways scientists actually test what kinds of things would work to kill a certain strain of bacteria and even how to make and use agar. It is sped up a bit thanks to magical influences, but still packs in a lot of great science facts about good and bad bacteria and the scientific method. We are having trouble getting ahold of books 4 and 5 for our library, but I didn't have any trouble following the series missing those 2 books.
October 9, 2018
Unicorns and Germs is the sixth book in the Zoey and Sassafras series! Like all other previous books this does not disappoint. The perfect blend of science, animals and magic!
In this book Zoey is greeted at the barn by a unicorn. Zoey is surprised at how large he was and ironically his name is Tiny. Zoey must find a cure to help Tiny’s cut leg. With the help of Zoey’s mom and cat, Sassafras, they begin a science experiment to figure out how they can fix his leg.
This early middle grade series is so much fun! My students love all the books and will be so excited to get this one.
In this book Zoey is greeted at the barn by a unicorn. Zoey is surprised at how large he was and ironically his name is Tiny. Zoey must find a cure to help Tiny’s cut leg. With the help of Zoey’s mom and cat, Sassafras, they begin a science experiment to figure out how they can fix his leg.
This early middle grade series is so much fun! My students love all the books and will be so excited to get this one.
February 10, 2019
My 7yo really loves this series so when I saw that the author was signing at ALA I had to go and say hello. We read through this one, he's in first grade, can typically read a good potion of the book by himself and really enjoys reading it. These are fun stories with engaging little science mysteries and enjoyable for both us reading them to him, and him listening to or reading them himself. The whole series is highly recommended!
I received my copy of this book at ALA Midwinter from the publisher.
I received my copy of this book at ALA Midwinter from the publisher.
January 27, 2020
Probably more of a 3 1/2. I love the girls doing real science aspect, especially a black girl. I don't love that the father is constantly lied to and comes off as a buffoon (making me question what academic scientist mom sees in such an idiot)--he literally repeats lines throughout the book in his complete bewilderment.
Formatting-wise, it's strange that the font is so lightweight and the words spaced closely together, which doesn't seem very early-reader friendly.
Otherwise, very cute and lots to like.
Formatting-wise, it's strange that the font is so lightweight and the words spaced closely together, which doesn't seem very early-reader friendly.
Otherwise, very cute and lots to like.
September 29, 2020
This is a very cute series and great overall for early chapter book readers.
It's perfect in particular for kids who love science and fantasy. The only thing I think is a little far fetched is dad not knowing about the magical creatures. Maybe they will tell him in a later book!
The petri-dish with the homemade agar part had me a little bored until they realized they could see how a sample piece of the unicorns fur by the cut would react to different things.
Definitely a good read for young experiment-curious readers!
It's perfect in particular for kids who love science and fantasy. The only thing I think is a little far fetched is dad not knowing about the magical creatures. Maybe they will tell him in a later book!
The petri-dish with the homemade agar part had me a little bored until they realized they could see how a sample piece of the unicorns fur by the cut would react to different things.
Definitely a good read for young experiment-curious readers!
June 4, 2023
🦄زویی و عینک ایده ساز (مهمان غولآسا)
مترجم: هدا نژادحسینیان
نشر پرتقال
داستان درباره دختری به اسم زوییه که همراه مامانش آزمایش های علمی انجام میده و حیوانات جادویی رو نجات میده. این داستان هم درباره نجات یونیکورنی به اسم فسقلیه (که بر خلاف اسمش خیلی خیلی بزرگه) و یکی از پاهاش زخمی شده.
یه کتاب عالی برای کوچولوهایی که شاید تبدیل به دانشمندای آینده بشن. یا حتی بزرگترایی که به قول نویسنده کتاب هنوز منتظرن تو حیاطشون اژدها کوچولو پیدا کنن؛)
پ.ن: این کتاب رو از کتابخونه خواهر هفت سالهم برداشتم که از نظرش امتیاز این کتاب پنج از پنجه؛)
مترجم: هدا نژادحسینیان
نشر پرتقال
داستان درباره دختری به اسم زوییه که همراه مامانش آزمایش های علمی انجام میده و حیوانات جادویی رو نجات میده. این داستان هم درباره نجات یونیکورنی به اسم فسقلیه (که بر خلاف اسمش خیلی خیلی بزرگه) و یکی از پاهاش زخمی شده.
یه کتاب عالی برای کوچولوهایی که شاید تبدیل به دانشمندای آینده بشن. یا حتی بزرگترایی که به قول نویسنده کتاب هنوز منتظرن تو حیاطشون اژدها کوچولو پیدا کنن؛)
پ.ن: این کتاب رو از کتابخونه خواهر هفت سالهم برداشتم که از نظرش امتیاز این کتاب پنج از پنجه؛)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews