Children’s literacy nonprofit Reading Is Fundamental and the National Writing Project have collaborated with Boston-based educational media production firm FableVision to create an early reader to teach children ages six to eight about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) concepts. The book, The Curious Adventures of Sydney and Symon in: Water Wonders, illustrated by Peter H. Reynolds and Renee Kurilla, is the second creative collaboration among the three groups following their 2008 activity book for preschoolers, Our Book by Us.
Water Wonders, which is available in both English and Spanish, features siblings and scientists Sydney and Symon Starr, who ask questions and conduct experiments with help from their family and teachers. “Sydney and Symon are the perfect ambassadors to show children the importance of learning about the world around them and using reading and writing to solve problems and share new ideas,” says Sharon J. Washington, executive director of the National Writing Project.
The first printing of 10,000 copies is being distributed by RIF and NWP to schools and programs nationwide in disadvantaged communities. It is also available for free download at RIF.org and at NWP.org, and FableVision is producing an interactive Telefable™ that will be available for view on the RIF Web site later this month. In addition, Fablevision’s literary and entertainment agency is planning a commercial trade series based on Sydney and Symon.
