Tales From Elaine
Welcome to Tales and Tails!
“Welcome! I’m Elaine A. Powers, the biologist and author of the science books on this website. Welcome to Tales and Tails–a blog written by two
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Curtis Tails
A Big Hello from Curtis!
Welcome to Tales and Tails. I am Curtis Curly-tail, the very special lizard who launched Elaine’s career as the author of science-based children’s books–and now,
Curtis Tails
It’s New Tech Time–Elaine A. Powers Will Now Visit Your Classroom via Video Conferencing
Image courtesy of Alexandra_Koch from Pixabay Hello, everyone! It’s me, Curtis Curly-tail! You know me as the perfect curly-tail lizard from the Bahamas, who inspired
Science Education
Homeschooling? Worried About Education? How About Supplementing with FUN Science Workbooks?
The mission of my book publisher, Lyric Power Publishing LLC, is to “Make Science Fun!” That’s because they know how fun science really is. Their
Birds
The Curious Nesting Habits of Mourning Doves
As a biologist and reptile enthusiast, I try not to disparage any animal just trying to live its life and raise its family. However, I
Tales From Elaine
Reflecting on an Award-Winning First Half of 2025!
As we reach the end of the first half of 2025, I must say it has been an eventful and mostly positive year! I’m writing
Science Education
Berry Surprising: Can You Win the Ultimate Fruit Fun-Fact Game?
Have you ever looked at your grocery cart and played a little game of “I Spy”? What if we played a different game? I call
Book Stories
The Ultimate Disguise: The Story Behind Don’t Call Me Poop!
Sometimes, inspiration for a new book comes from the most unexpected places. While some books require months of planning, my most recent one was not
Tales From Elaine
Håfa Adai! A Heartfelt Welcome on My Guam School Tour
In April, I had the distinct honor of being invited by the Guam International Literacy Association to share my book, Guam: Return of the Songs,
Tales From Elaine
Marching into Market Month: Celebrations, Books, and Fun!
After a couple of months of recovering from the holidays, completing the end-of-year chores, and working on some new books, March is festival month. I
Tales From Elaine
Frog vs. Toad: Nature’s Unlikely Villain
One of my most unique characters, Curtis Curlytail, is set to star in his own movie, a production by the Tucson-based animation movie company, Luck
Science Education
Electric Connections: Tingly Moments with My Horses
Is there someone in your life that makes you feel all tingly when you’re with them? Not necessarily giddy emotionally, but someone who sends shivers
Science Education
The Science of Sizzling: Experimenting with the Perfect Bacon Cook Method
When I moved into my house in Tucson, a good friend gave me this statue as a housewarming gift. He is St. Anthony, a 4th-century
Science Education
A Rare Find! All About the Rustic Sphinx Moth
A friend shared a captivating photo of a uniquely patterned and stunning moth on social media. The sheer beauty of this moth piqued my curiosity.
Living with Reptiles
A Tale of Unexpected Tortoises
Caring for my diverse group of tortoises, which includes four different species, is a constant challenge. I make a conscious effort to keep the sexes
Lizards
Monitors: From Lizards to Screens and Beyond
My writing workplace is in need of a new mouse pad, as the one with iguanas of the world has faded. At the Tucson Reptile
Birds
An Enchanting Tale of Birdwatching and Mockingbirds
As I navigate the captivating landscape of the Sonoran Desert, always on the lookout for intriguing subjects for my Fun Fact videos, I am constantly
Science Education
Adventures in Algae!
I’ve been having trouble with algae growth in my pool this summer. My crawling pool cleaner broke and was removed for repairs—it hasn’t returned. The
Science Education
Spectacular Saguaros!
The saguaros, Carnegiea giganteus, are magnificent on the property where I board my horses. The owner has a cactus garden, a vibrant and diverse collection