Today I am sharing my interview with Catherine Ciocchi who combined her love of baseball and science, two of my favorite things! SCIENCE MATTER AND THE BASEBALL PARK, a wonderful picture book illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne, published by Gnome Road combines the joy and excitement of a story about a baseball game with the lessons of scientific terms woven throughout. Catherine is offering one lucky winner a picture book critique. Comment on the blogpost to enter the giveaway.
What were you like at the age of your target audience?
I am the youngest of six children, so I spent most of my childhood observing and keeping up with my three brothers and two sisters. I really tried to be like them. In first grade, I carried a bunch of encyclopedias to school because I wanted to look like my siblings carrying their books. First graders really didn’t carry textbooks to school. I also loved to play school and be the teacher/which I happen to be today! I never became a baton twirler (see baton in pic)—I just carried that around too. Lol. I imagined, dreamed, and pretended all the time. I still do!
What inspires you?
I am inspired by my experiences for sure. Each of my three sons played different sports and sports was always on the TV. And being an earth science teacher, I’m always thinking of ways to explain different science phenomena. So, I’m guessing that’s where my idea for writing a book about science and baseball came from, as well as my landforms book. My days are filled with creativity while teaching and writing.
What’s one thing you hope readers take away from your book?
I want readers to know that science is part of our every day, not just in a classroom or textbook. My new book, SCIENCE MATTER AND THE BASEBALL PARK proves it- Matter is everything! My first book, THIS LAND IS YOUR LAND shows that we each have our own beautiful view of landforms! Science is all around us.
What’s next for you?
Along with teaching, I continue to write, revise, and submit and hopefully a new book will be in my future. Right now, my family is ecstatic over the future birth of our second granddaughter!
To learn more about Catherine’s books: https://linktr.ee/CathCiocchi9
Laura Roettiger Books 
How lovely. It will be interesting to read the book. I hope I win the critique. I can always use one from someone with your experience!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for stopping by, Lana. I was able to read an advance copy and it’s such a wonderful book! I had just finished teaching some of the science topics in the book so I know it will be a great addition to future lesson. Good luck in the giveaway. It’s always nice to have fresh eyes on a manuscript.
LikeLike
Congratulations, Catherine! Love the fact that you show how science is all around us, even in the little things. And this is a great way to explain it to kids (and grown-ups, too!). Looking forward to seeing more of your books. Hope to see you at some upcoming book festivals!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for reading our interview! It’s wonderful to incorporate science into our daily lives. Good luck in the giveaway.
LikeLike
Congratulations, Catherine! Love the fact that you show how science is all around us, even in the little things. And this is a great way to explain it to kids
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for stopping by the blog and sharing your thoughts, Max. It’s wonderful to think of science this way. Good luck in the giveaway!
LikeLike