Word for the Day: Saurophagy (And Autophagy!)
Photo courtesy of Kaimuki Backyard on You Tube. I learned a new term today. It’s not a word to be used in daily conversation but interesting, nonetheless. The new term is saurophagy. Its means “the eating of lizards.” I was a little sad to learn this word in a report about one iguana species, C. […]
What is that Tongue Doing?
I have lived with many iguanas over the years, but Stella, a green iguana, is the only one who constantly sticks her tongue out. I’m always afraid I’ll startle her and she’ll cut her tongue with her razor sharp teeth. Fortunately, that has never happened. Her tongue is intact. So, why is her tongue always […]
Pet Peeves
I love having animals in my life. Over the years, they’ve mostly been reptiles and lately, if you’ve been following my story, there’s a horse tale in it. If we accept responsibility for an animal, we are responsible for its welfare, even if we have to sacrifice for it. This has come up in the […]
How Do You Take a Selfie with a Horse?
Have you ever tried to take a selfie with a horse? I recently attempted to take one with my mare, Button. Horse noses are really loooong–my arms, not so much. Here is a recent endeavor. You’re too close to the phone, Button. Hey, look the OTHER way, please! (Oh, and block out the sun, too). […]
It’s National Pet Parents Day!
When I became the owner and BFF of a horse, I was surprised and amused that the vet always refers to me as “Mom.” (Yes, she does know my name.) I do think of Button as a friend but as her mother—not so much. The last Sunday in April is said to recognize pet parents […]
Ever Heard of a ‘Book Iguana?’
Several animals have been associated with books, such as the book worm. In addition, many libraries have instituted “read to the dog” programs and they encourage children to read to their pets. I have neither worms nor dogs. Calliope is my book iguana. Her name means the “muse of long poetry.” My picture books are […]
Just Start!
Have you ever had to do something that you didn’t want to do or you just couldn’t get started? It happens to all of us. It’s easy to find excuses not to start. Like when writing blog posts, I stare at the blank page and wonder what I should write. All that white space, staring back at […]
Starfish: How Many Arms?
I started out my biology career wanting to be a marine biologist. Even though I ended up as a laboratory researcher, I’m always looking for interesting creatures when I visit the ocean. I never know who I’m going to write about in my next fun science book! One group of animals I always enjoy seeing […]
Fun Geology and Biology for The Lime Lizards Lads!
Geology is the science that explores the earth’s physical structure and substance, its history, and the processes that act on it. Geology is often included under the topic of Earth Sciences. You might be surprised to learn that I often include geology in my fun science books that feature lizards. You can’t really study biology […]
Ground Squirrels: These Cute Little Burrowers Soon to Have Their Own Book!
When I lived in the Midwest and Northeast, I knew it was Spring when the crocus and daffodils raised their heads from the ground. Here in the Sonoran Desert, I know it is Spring when the round-tailed ground squirrels, Xerospermophilus tereticaudus, which dwell in the desert of the US Southwest and northwestern Mexico, raise their […]
Pink Animals Rock!
I like pink animals. Pink is one of my favorite colors and I admire animals that go through life sporting pink coloration. Flamingos are probably the most popular pink animal. These tall birds are found around the world and perform at zoos for us. I love watching them walk with their reversed (from mine) knees. […]
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 Activity Sheets and Workbooks are for Ages K-5 (see workbook covers for grade level and contents) and while they are highly educational, they are also lots of fun! Have you […]
The Marshmallow: Not Merely Fluffy Sugar
In a previous blog, I related a story how even in my early years, I was working to keep wild alligators away from people food with stale, very hard, marshmallows. This occurred on Sanibel Island, FL. Have you ever thought about where marshmallows come from? My marshmallow story took place on Sanibel Island, FL, where […]
Using Children’s Books for Science Education–at a Bar!
Last February, I had the honor of giving a science talk at a local bar. Yes, a bar! But it’s a very different bar–it specializes in astronomy and holds weekly science trivia contests with March for Science Southern Arizona. My talk was about using entertaining children’s books in science education. It was kind of fun […]
Alligator vs. the Marshmallow
As a science book writer, I am asked to speak at schools and libraries about my favorite subject: reptiles. I often use props to help people visualize the facts I present. For instance, an iguana egg is about the size of a marshmallow. So, I bring a bag of marshmallows to use and, when allowed, […]
Come and Say Hello at The Tucson Festival of Books!
EVENT CANCELED On March 14-15, 2020, Tucson will host the third largest book festival in the US, the Tucson Festival of Books. Over 130,000 people come to enjoy this world-of-books every year. All aspects of the book business are included, with several hundred authors in attendance, many who are involved in panels open to the […]
The Tortoise and the Chair by Elaine A. Powers
Note: This post was inspired by my friend, Don Fialkowski. I had complained about my tortoise, Myrtle, pushing on my chair. My apologies to Aesop and his fable, The Tortoise and the Hare. A tortoise was recently pushing on my chair to move it away from the table, over to where she wanted it, by […]
It Does Take a Village to Make a Book
I do write my science books, of course, but I don’t create the books by myself. As the saying goes, it really does take a village. Where did I find Nora Miller, editor extraordinaire and designer of my books? At an editor speed-dating event! I had written, “Curtis Curly-tail and the Ship of Sneakers,” and […]
Saving the Sister Isle Rock Iguana
The Cayman Islands are a system of three islands located south of Cuba: Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac and Little Cayman. I’ve been privileged to work as a citizen scientist for the conservation of the two types of iguanas found there. The most famous is the Blue Iguana found on Grand Cayman, Cyclura lewisi. Their body color really […]
The Story of a Green Iguana Named Stella
I am an author of both children’s and adult science books, inspired to write about the world of reptiles. I am as ‘at-home’ with reptiles as I am with mammals–perhaps even more so. And I tend to look after the underdogs. So, when Stella, a green iguana, was found on a street in Bethlehem, PA, […]
Scripts or Books?
I’m often asked how long I’ve been writing books. I have been writing mostly children’s science books–which I like to make fun to read with fantastic illustrations or by writing in rhyme. I’ve been creating mystery stories, as well, for a total of about five years. Before that, I wrote scripts. I was involved in […]
60 Tried and True Iguana Foods
Ever since I operated a reptile rescue center, I’ve had a good number of iguanas. Over ninety percent of newly purchased iguanas die within the first year, so their good health is very important to me. Fresh vegetables and fruits are important to their survival. I use a potato peeler to make long slices of […]
Which Iguana is Which?
Iguanas are an important part of my life. They are featured in the children’s book I wrote called The Dragon of Nani Cave, which is an adventure tale starring curly-tail lizards ,Gene and Bony, who live on Cayman Brac. I weave the science of the island into the story, because science can be fun! I […]
