Author Profile
Laura Purdie Salas
33 Books
Laura Purdie Salas is an award-winning author celebrated for her engaging and imaginative children's books, particularly her poetry and non-fiction picture books. With a talent for making learning fun, she crafts works like "Lion of the Sky" and "Snowman - Cold = Puddle" that delight young readers with clever wordplay and fascinating facts. Her extensive bibliography, including "Bookspeak!" and "When a Butterfly Goes to School," showcases her knack for creative language and diverse topics, often blending humor with educational content.
When the lights go out and the family falls asleep, the house truly comes alive! An overdue library book scrambles for the perfect hiding spot, while a daring paper clip skydives safely to the floor using a tissue parachute. A simple fruit snack unrolls itself to create a thrilling race track for toy cars. This whimsical collection of twenty-six poems invites you to peek into the secret nighttime adventures of everyday objects. With gentle humor and vivid imagination, the verses capture the magic hiding in plain sight. Beautifully illustrated, it provides the perfect bedtime read for young explorers curious about what their toys and tools do after dark.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Classes, lunch, and quiet time might seem like an ordinary routine, but one tiny visitor is about to change everything. When a migrating butterfly makes a pit stop right outside the classroom window, a typical school day turns into a spectacular event. Her brightly colored wings provide an unexpected lesson in art, while her search for nectar in the school garden becomes the best part of recess. This gentle, poetic story follows the day through the eyes of the delicate traveler, matching her fascinating journey with the familiar rhythm of a child's day. It is a beautiful reminder to always keep an eye out for nature's quiet surprises.
6-8 Years
14 Pages
Dive into a world where every color has a story to tell! These playful and original poems bring the rainbow to life, celebrating the brightest, boldest, and even the quietest shades around us. Paired with striking, vibrant photography, each verse introduces young readers to the wonderful ways words and colors mix together. Along the way, curious minds will discover fun facts about how poetry works, learning about different forms and clever poetic tricks. It is a brilliant, eye-catching adventure that turns learning about poetry and colors into a visual feast.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A sudden spark, a crackling mane, and a booming roar from the clouds—can you guess what it is? It is the lion of the sky! This clever collection transforms the traditional haiku into an exciting guessing game. Each short, three-line poem serves as a brilliant riddle describing the wonders of the changing seasons. From the squiggles of an earthworm in the dirt to the chilly joy of making snow angels, these verses celebrate nature's everyday magic. Paired with beautiful, full-color artwork, it invites you to read the clues, solve the mystery, and look at the world outside your window with fresh, curious eyes.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
What do you get when you mix poetry, math, and science? A completely new way to look at the world waking up! This eye-opening book turns the signs of spring into clever, tiny equations that are actually perfect little poems. Discover how sunlight and heat act like a morning alarm clock for nature, or why an egg sitting safely in a nest is just like a precious jewelry box. Engaging scientific facts are sprinkled throughout, explaining the fascinating changes happening outside. It is a brilliant blend of learning and imagination that encourages you to find the miraculous magic hiding in ordinary everyday things.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Say hello to playful wolf pups, cuddly baby orangutans, and a whole host of fascinating animal families! This sweet and engaging picture book takes you on a journey around the world to see how different creatures care for their little ones. Through bouncy rhyming verses and fascinating informational facts, you will discover the unique ways animals live, learn, and grow together in the wild. It is a heartwarming exploration of nature that perfectly blends fun poetry with real-life science, making it an ideal read for curious animal lovers eager to meet their new furry, feathery, and scaly friends.
6-8 Years
36 Pages
As the green leaves turn to gold and a chill fills the air, autumn officially arrives! This engaging collection of original poetry brings the magic of the fall season right to your fingertips. Through a variety of fun and fascinating poetic forms, it captures everything from the crunch of dry leaves under your boots to the frosty breath of a chilly morning. Striking, vibrant photographs pair perfectly with the clever wordplay, making each page a visual and literary treat. Along the way, curious readers will discover exactly how different poems are built, making this the perfect celebration of both cool weather and creative writing.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
From bouncing puppies to curious kittens and everything in between, the animal kingdom is full of hilarious companions! This delightful collection of original poetry celebrates all the funny, furry, and feathery friends that make our homes so special. Paired with bright, striking photographs, these verses bring the playful antics of pets to life. You will discover bouncy rhymes and clever rhythms that highlight the wonderful bond between kids and their animals. At the same time, this engaging book introduces basic poetic forms, showing exactly how writers use words to capture the energetic, fuzzy-fast blur of a puppy zooming across the room!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
The wind can gently scatter flower seeds across a meadow, or it can suddenly snatch a hat right off your head! From crashing thunderstorms to bright, sunny afternoons, this collection of original poetry explores the wild and wonderful moods of the weather. Striking photographs perfectly match the clever wordplay, bringing stormy skies and gentle breezes vividly to life. As you read about the fascinating elements of nature, you will also discover the secret tools poets use to craft their verses. It is a beautiful, eye-catching adventure that turns atmospheric science into a literary journey, proving that every type of weather has its own unique rhythm.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
You and I might be a lot alike, but we are also wonderfully different—and that is exactly how it should be! This beautiful, rhyming journey invites you to explore the diverse and bustling world all around us. Through bouncy verses and vibrant illustrations of children playing in a busy city, it celebrates the unique qualities that make every single person special. Whether you are learning, sharing, or just being yourself, this gentle story serves as a powerful reminder that there is a place for everyone. It is a joyful, affirming celebration of friendship, community, and the undeniable truth that we all belong.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Water is much more than just a drink in a glass or a puddle on the ground! In this poetic journey through the seasons, you will discover the amazing and surprising things water can become. It can be a fluffy cloud in the sky, a slippery patch of ice, or even a brave fire snuffer! With beautiful, glowing pictures and fun rhyming words, this book takes you on an adventure to see water in a whole new way. You will learn how water changes all year long and helps our world stay healthy and bright. Get ready to look at everyday nature with fresh eyes and guess what else water can be!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
When the air turns cold and the snow begins to fall, what do the animals do? Some creatures pack their bags and skedaddle to warmer places. Others fluff up their cozy beds and snooze the winter away in a deep sleep. And a few clever animals spend all autumn snacking and hiding food to survive the chilly months! This fascinating book takes you on a journey into the wild to discover the brilliant ways animals prepare for winter. You will meet busy squirrels, sleeping bears, and traveling birds as they follow their natural instincts. It is an exciting look at how the animal kingdom adapts to survive the changing seasons!
6-8 Years
Step into the wild and discover where all the creatures live! Every animal needs a safe place to rest, but not all homes look the same. Some homes are woven from twigs high in the trees, while others are snug burrows dug deep into the earth. This sweet, poetic book takes you on a gentle journey to explore the many different types of shelters found in nature. As you travel from the forest floor to the canopy above, you will see how each creature builds the perfect space for its family. Even though these homes look completely different, they all share something very special: love, warmth, and family.
6-8 Years
Blast off into an amazing universe of words and stars! This stellar collection of original poetry takes you on a thrilling journey through our solar system. From the rocky surface of Mars to the swirling storms of Jupiter, you will explore the wonders of outer space through clever rhymes and breathtaking photographs. Along the way, you will discover cool facts about the planets and learn how to recognize different types of poetic forms. Whether you love science or enjoy reading beautiful verses, this book offers the perfect mix of learning and imagination. Get ready to launch your mind into orbit and see the night sky in a completely new way!
6-8 Years
33 Pages
Discover a truly amazing and heartwarming true story from the wild! On a beautiful lake in northern Wisconsin, researchers spotted something they could hardly believe. A mother and father loon were taking care of a tiny, orphaned mallard duckling. Usually, loons and mallards do not mix, but this unique family found a way to make it work. Follow along as the little duckling grows up, learning a fascinating blend of loon habits and mallard tricks. With beautiful poetry and striking pictures, this book shares a powerful message about unexpected cooperation and the true meaning of family. It is a wonderful animal adventure that proves love can bridge any difference in nature!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A Song about the Water Cycle
Get ready to sing your way through the wonderful world of science! You probably know the familiar tune of Pop Goes the Weasel, but now you can sing it with exciting new words all about the water cycle. This fun and catchy book explains exactly how water travels around our planet, from the ground to the sky and back down again. You will follow the amazing journey of a tiny water drop as it evaporates, forms fluffy clouds, and falls as cool rain. The bright pages and musical verses make learning about earth science an absolute blast. It is a fantastic way to discover how nature keeps our world growing and flowing!
6-8 Years
14 Pages
Have you ever wondered what makes a thunderstorm? One moment the sky is blue and calm, and the next, nature is putting on an amazing show! "Zap! Clap! Boom!" takes you on an exciting journey, step by step, through the life of a thunderstorm. Watch as tiny clouds grow into towering giants, listen for the rumble of distant thunder, and get ready for the dazzling flash of lightning and the booming sound that follows.
This book uses fun, active words and beautiful art to help you understand how all the parts of a storm come together. The next time you see a storm brewing, you'll know just what's happening up in the sky. Find a cozy spot and enjoy the show!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
What exactly would you do if you were the bright, glowing moon? You might think your only job is to rest quietly in the starry night sky, but the moon is actually incredibly busy! It spins gracefully like a twilight ballerina, plays a massive game of tug-of-war with the Earth's oceans, and even acts as a shining flashlight to guide tiny baby sea turtles to the water. This whimsical, lyrical story explores the many surprising and vital roles our lunar neighbor plays. Paired with enchanting illustrations, it beautifully blends poetic imagination with fascinating space science for an unforgettable nighttime journey.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Blast off into the stars and explore our incredible solar system through music! Set to the catchy and familiar melody of "Where is Thumbkin?," this lively book takes you on a singing tour of the eight great planets. From the scorching surface of Mercury to the icy rings of Uranus, learning about space has never been this much fun. The bouncy lyrics make it easy to remember fun facts about each planet while checking out the colorful, action-packed illustrations. Complete with sheet music and a glossary, this musical space mission is perfect for young astronauts ready to sing their way across the galaxy!
6-8 Years
14 Pages
Welcome to the beautiful northern lakes, where a tiny chick named Moon Loon is just hatching from her olive-green egg! During her very first summer in the wild, this little bird has so much to learn. With her loving parents close by, Moon Loon discovers how to catch squiggly fish for dinner and how to carefully avoid the dangerous snapping turtles. She even learns the secret songs of her family and the amazing skills of diving and flying. With enchanting poetry and breathtaking real-life photographs, this book invites you to explore the pine-covered waters alongside Minnesota's famous state bird. Experience the daily drama, survival, and triumphs of a growing loon!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Have you ever wondered what your favorite stories say when the covers are closed? Step into a world where books finally get to speak for themselves. Characters loudly demand their own sequels, fancy dust jackets show off their flashy styles, and the entire bookstore throws a wild party the moment the lights turn off. This clever collection of poems celebrates the endless magic found on every bookshelf. Packed with playful ideas and colorful, chaotic artwork, it brings spines, pages, and plots to vibrant life. It is an adventurous tribute to reading that will make you look at your own library in a completely new way.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Poems to Celebrate the Wild Side of School
Step right up to the wildest habitat of all: the elementary school! First and second graders might look like ordinary students, but a closer look reveals their true animal natures. From howling like wolves on the playground to grazing hungrily in the noisy cafeteria, these eighteen hilarious poems capture the untamed energy of a typical school day. Watch as quiet classrooms turn into roaring stampedes and recess becomes a joyful, chaotic jungle. Packed with clever rhymes and energetic observations, this collection perfectly matches the bouncing fun of being a kid. You just might recognize some of your own wild behavior hiding right there on the page.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
Splash right in! Have you ever wondered what a puddle thinks about all day? This beautiful story invites you to look closely at the watery world right beneath your rain boots. Through gentle, flowing words, a simple puddle shares its own special song, showing how it feels the soft rain, the warm sun, and the playful stomps of happy feet. It is a wonderful way to explore nature and use all your senses. You will love discovering the secret life of something as ordinary and amazing as a little pool of water on the sidewalk. Get ready to listen, look, and maybe even find your own puddle to jump into!
6-8 Years
A Song about Living and Nonliving Things
It is time to sing a song of science! Do you know the sweet melody of Are You Sleeping? Now you can use that familiar tune to learn the incredible difference between things that are living and things that are not! This bright and musical book guides you through the simple clues that tell us if something is alive. Does it grow? Does it need food and water? The fun rhyming words and cheerful artwork make it incredibly easy to understand early biology concepts. It is the perfect way to turn an ordinary science lesson into a joyful sing-along adventure. Look around you and test your new skills to see what is truly living!
6-8 Years
14 Pages
Square, Triangle, and all the other flawless shapes are absolutely certain they are the best fit for a very special job at the library. They are sharp, neat, and perfectly proportioned. But Line is a little bit different. After a long and bumpy journey, Line has arrived chipped, broken, and visibly imperfect. However, what Line lacks in polish, it makes up for in quiet determination and fierce resilience. It turns out that sometimes being perfectly imperfect is exactly what a special task requires! This inspiring and energetic story weaves together shapes, teamwork, and the beautiful realization that everyone has a unique and valuable place in the world.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Have you ever stopped to think about all the amazing things a simple leaf can do? It is not just a green shape hanging on a branch! A leaf can be a cool shade spiller on a hot day, a tasty mouth filler for a hungry bug, or even a clever rain stopper during a sudden shower. This beautiful and poetic book invites you to explore the secret life of leaves as they change and help the forest throughout the entire year. With lovely rhymes and stunning artwork, you will discover the clever ways nature works together. Step outside, look up at the trees, and see the world in a completely new way!
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Driven by his love for a tasty tomato, a plucky little chipmunk named Oskar accidentally stows away on a massive Great Lakes freighter! As tons of iron ore thunder into the ship's hold, Oskar is suddenly carried far away from his cozy oak tree home. Lost in a dizzying world of loud engines, icy waters, and swinging steel booms, he must navigate this towering floating city to survive. Will he ever find a way back to land? Featuring vibrant illustrations and a poetic narrative, this thrilling adventure explores the inner workings of a real-life cargo ship through the eyes of a brave, bushy-tailed hero.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Clover Kitty is absolutely certain that she does not want to go to kittygarten! Even though making a new friend sounds nice, the classroom feels way too overwhelming. The room is too loud, the lights are too bright, and everyone seems to stand just a little too close for comfort. For a kitty with sensitive senses, it is all just too much! When Clover decides she is ready to quit, a kind classmate reaches out to check on her. Suddenly, Clover realizes that maybe she just needs to find her own way to join the fun. This gentle and sweet story perfectly captures the challenges of navigating big feelings and new experiences.
6-8 Years
40 Pages
When the first delicate snowflakes begin swirling from the sky, it feels just like magic—but it is actually an amazing scientific journey! High above the clouds, freezing air and tiny drops of moisture team up to build sparkling, crystalized shapes. This lyrical adventure traces the incredible path of a snowstorm, showing exactly how those tiny ice crystals grow and tumble down to create a glittering winter wonderland. Beautiful, sweeping artwork perfectly matches the poetic rhythm, capturing the quiet wonder of a snowy morning. It is a brilliant blend of weather science and gentle storytelling that will leave you eager to catch the next flake on your tongue.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
A rock might just look like a hard piece of the ground, but can you guess what else it can be? It could be the fossilized bone of a mighty dinosaur, a smooth skipping stone dancing across a lake, or even the spark that starts a roaring campfire! This poetic exploration travels the world to uncover the surprising and brilliant roles rocks play in nature and in our everyday lives. With lyrical, rhyming text and glowing, colorful illustrations, this book transforms a seemingly boring object into a thrilling discovery. It is an inspiring journey that encourages young observers to look closely at the outdoors and imagine what else things can be.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
If you want a cozy pair of mittens, what is the very first thing you need to do? Get a sheep, of course! Follow one determined girl through eighteen hilarious steps to create the perfect winter wear. From bringing her wooly new friend home to carding, spinning, and finally dyeing the yarn, the process is far from simple. Along the way, her mischievous sheep causes plenty of chaos, nibbling on things it should not and turning the house upside down, but completely winning her heart in the process. By wintertime, the yarn is ready, and a beautiful friendship has blossomed in this warm, funny tale of creativity and patience.
6-8 Years
32 Pages
Get ready to sing, build, and explore how the world works! Set to the familiar and catchy tune of "Kookaburra," this lively book transforms learning about engineering into a fun, musical adventure. Discover how pulleys, levers, ramps, and wheels help us lift, push, and pull heavy things every single day. The bouncy rhythm makes it easy to remember the science behind simple machines while enjoying the colorful, action-packed illustrations. Whether you are humming along at home or building in the classroom, this musical journey is the perfect way to uncover the amazing technology hidden right in our own backyards.
6-8 Years
14 Pages
A Song about Animal Classifications
Get ready to sing a song of science! Do you know the classic tune of Clementine? Now you can sing along with brand new words that teach you all about the incredible animal kingdom. This catchy and musical adventure makes it fun to explore the six main groups of animals that share our planet. From furry mammals and scaly reptiles to slippery fish and soaring birds, you will learn exactly what makes each creature special. The colorful pages and easy-to-remember verses will have you tapping your toes while discovering amazing facts about biology. It is the perfect way to combine a love of music with a wild trip through nature!
6-8 Years
14 Pages
