I Love Science!

Zaila Avant-garde ∙ Illustrated by Felicia Whaley

Paperback

Published on Jan 5, 2027 | 32 Pages

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Ebook

Published on Jan 5, 2027 | 32 Pages

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Grades Preschool – 2
Ages 3–7

Scripps National Spelling Bee champ and New York Times bestselling author Zaila Avant-garde shares her love of science in this level 2 Step Into Reading book.

I am a scientist. And so are you!

New readers will find fun and confidence in this lively Step 2 easy reader that celebrates the excitement of exploring science. With helpful repetition and simple vocabulary, Zaila Avant-garde guides young scientists through everyday discoveries—from melting ice and growing seeds to watching ants, measuring rain, and spotting stars in the night sky.

With energetic art and a joyful focus on hands-on observation, this engaging book helps children see that science is everywhere—and that they are scientists, too.

Step 2 Readers use basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, for children who recognize familiar words and can sound out new words with help. Rhythmic text paired with picture clues helps children decode the story.

ISBN 9780593571736 (Paperback)
Published on Jan 5, 2027
Published by Step into Reading
Pages 32
Dimensions 6 x 9
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Fountas/Pinnell: H

ISBN 9780593571743 (Ebook)
Published on Jan 5, 2027
Published by Step into Reading
Pages 32
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Fountas/Pinnell: H

ISBN 9798217120444 (Hardcover Library Binding)
Published on Jan 5, 2027
Published by Step into Reading
Pages 32
Dimensions 6 x 9
Age Range 3-7 years
Grade Preschool - 2
Reading Level Fountas/Pinnell: H

Zaila Avant-garde

ZAILA AVANT-GARDE is a multi-talented powerhouse and a New York Times bestselling author, with success springing from all her endeavors. She was named SportsKid of the Year 2021 by Sports Illustrated Kids.

Hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana, she won the 2021 Scripps National Spelling Bee, making her the first African-American to win in almost 100 years of the competition. Avant-garde landed on her winning word, murraya—a type of tree—by associating the word with famous comedian Bill Murray, who surprised her by phoning in during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Avant-garde’s spelling triumph is just one entry on a very impressive resume. Along with competing in spelling bees for two years, Avant-garde holds two Guinness World Records for her basketball prowess. She holds the records for the most bounce juggles in one minute (four basketballs) and most basketballs dribbled simultaneously by one person (six basketballs).

Her success has been celebrated by the likes of Barack and Michelle Obama, LeBron James, and Dr. Jill Biden, who attended the bee. Since winning the Bee, Zaila has appeared in a cameo role in Netflix’s “HUSTLE”, as well as NBA on TNT, and Peacock’s “Kid’s Tonight Show”. You can also see her displaying her basketball skills in brand campaigns for Carnival Cruise Lines, BYJU, Xbox, and Gymshark.

Felicia Whaley

FELICIA WHALEY is a children’s book illustrator currently residing in Oak Park, IL. She obtained a BFA in illustration and design from the Art Institute of Chicago. It was there she found a love for illustrating for children, creating characters that she wished she had seen growing up. Learn more about Felicia’s work at feliciawhaley.com and follow her on Instagram at @creativegal28.