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Hi, there! Thanks for checking us out. There could be a few different things you're looking for... Get to Know Us Get in Touch Get Our Handles Get to Know Us Get to Know Us Platypus Media was founded in 2000 with a goal to create educational books for parents and children. We publish books that foster warmth, closeness, literacy, curiosity, and family attachments, with a special focus on resources for breastfeeding families. In 2006, Science Naturally was founded as an imprint of Platypus Media, specializing in engaging STEM children's books. We take pride in making complicated subjects accessible and fun for kids of all ages. Platypus Media and Science Naturally books have been translated into many languages, and we enjoy partnering with literacy organizations to create custom editions. Our books are distributed through National Book Network and are available from all major wholesalers. Long story short: Platypus Media and Science Naturally create amazing books for parents and kids. And, if you like your stories long, read our full story here . Get in Touch Get in Touch Mail Dia L. Michels Founder and Publisher Mail Caitlin Burnham Managing Editor and Marketing Director Mail Ali Trujillo Operations and Finance Manager Mail Violet Antonick Associate Editor and Outreach Coordinator Mail Mail Sofía Ramírez Administrative Assistant and Order Fulfillment Associate Hannah Thelen Editorial and Production Director Get Our Handles Get Our Handles @platypusmediabooks @platypusmedia @platypusmedia company/platypus-media-llc @scinaturally @sciencenaturally @scinaturally @sciencenaturally company/science-naturally-

This bilingual favorite is coming soon in Bengali! Babies—whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living rooms—are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled. Stunning images and gentle verse, translated by Shahnoor Islam, will capture the curiosity of even the youngest readers as they see how animal mothers tend to their cubs, pups, calves, and chicks. Beautiful images introduce the reader to attachment in the natural world. Watching mothers lend a paw, wing, flipper, or hand to care for their young fosters empathy, kindness, and compassion. Supplemental back matter and a free Teacher's Guide helps parents, librarians, educators, and healthcare providers creatively describe care-taking, while introducing a range of early science concepts. Cuddled and Carried / আদরে ও আলিঙ্গনে Coming July 2021 Size: 6 x 8 | Page count: 32 | Age range: 0-4 Paperback: $8.95 | eBook: $7.99 ​ Paperback ISBN: 978-1-951995-01-0 | eBook ISBN: 978-1-951995-06-5 ​ Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available. ​ English and Bilingual (Spanish) versions also available in both paperback and hardback. Preorder and Press Release Coming Soon! what the experts say... “A simple and direct reflection of the role of a mother in raising a child. Whether human or animal, a mother always wants her child to grow up with the utmost care, attention, and safety. There will be a remnant of a mother’s affection and deep feelings for the child forever.” —Monirul Islam, Art Educator, New York City Department of Education About the Author Author Dia L. Michels is an internationally published, award-winning science and parenting writer who is committed to promoting attachment parenting. She has authored or edited over a dozen books for both children and adults. She can be reached at Dia@PlatypusMedia.com . and Illustrator Ilustrator Mike Speiser ’s artwork has been featured on the covers of Wild Animal Baby magazine and in the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. He is involved with efforts to protect the natural world for future generations. He can be reached at Mike@PlatypusMedia.com . and Translator Translator Shahnoor Islam is a Bangladeshi-American who has worked for Queens Public Library since 2005. She is the Supervising Librarian/Cataloger at Metadata Services, TSD. Shahnoor lives in Queens, NY with her husband and two children, Ariana and Arshan. This is her first book translation. She can be reached at ShahnoorSIslam@gmail.com . Shop the entire Beginnings collection! NEW RELEASE Quick View How Cats Say I Love You / Cómo los gatos dicen te quiero Regular Price $14.95 Sale Price $13.95 Quick View How Cats Say I Love You Price $16.95 Quick View Nurtured and Nuzzled / Criados y acariciados Stroller-bag Set Price $16.95 Quick View Babies Nurse / Asi se alimentan los bebes: Stroller-bag Edition Price $8.95 Quick View Bilingual Look What I See! Where Can I Be? With My Animal Friends Price $8.95 Quick View Cuddled and Carried / আদরে ও আলিঙ্গনে Price $8.95 Quick View Así crezco Price $12.95 Quick View Cuddled and Carried / ?umngaming galopaya ?ida gahamuyo-kida Price $8.95 Quick View Cuddled and Carried / Karese'm Epi Pote'm Price $8.95 Quick View This Is How I Grow Price $12.95 Quick View Si mi mamá fuera un ornitorrinco: Los bebés mamíferos y sus madres Price $12.95 Quick View Cuddled and Carried Price $9.95

This beautiful collaboration between a children’s librarian and an NBA- player-turned-watercolor-artist introducing the most natural and loving act—mothers nursing their young, is now available in our convenient stroller bag size! Winner of a Parents’ Favorite Products Award, the book’s luminous illustrations and lyrical text give children a glimpse into the worlds of 13 different mammal babies. Compelling childhood facts also broaden the reader’s knowledge about each animal. The book’s overarching theme of breastfeeding inspires conversations about parenting, biology, habitats, survival, and more, making this book an engaging choice for young children as well as elementary school readers. ​ Coming September 2021 in bilingual 6 X 8 Read the Press Release Here Size: 6 x 8 | Page count: 32 | Age Range: 4-7 | Grade Range: preschool-2nd grade ​ Paperback: $9.95 | ISBN: 978-1-951995-08-9 ​ Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available. ​ Also available in 10 7/8 x 8 3/8 English and bilingual (English /Spanish ) editions. A portion of all sales of this book will be donated to La Leche League International what the experts say... “Animal mothers of all shapes and sizes lavish their little ones with love and affection in a series of sweet poems celebrating nature, wildlife, and the special bond forged through nursing. Tigers, seals, dolphins, pandas, and other mammals softly take shape in peaceful watercolor portraits. Perfect for reading aloud to find out which mamas nurse their babies in the snow, underwater, on the beach, or upside down. ” ​ —Foreword Reviews , 2018 “What a gentle book! It nurtures a child’s empathy for others and opens their eyes to the world of nature. Very sweet and educational.” —Dr. Harvey Karp, FAAP, author, The Happiest Baby on the Block “Simple, rhyming, bilingual text and gentle, quiet illustrations introduce the very youngest reader and listener to that most natural and loving of activities—mothers nursing their offspring. Mothers and babies of the fields, jungles, air, and water are all portrayed, demonstrating that all mammal babies are nourished in the same way. This book will be invaluable in presenting nursing as something completely natural, normal, loving, and good for both babies and mothers.” ​ —Wendy Watson, author and/or illustrator of over 60 books for children, Phoenix, Arizona “The illustrations are lovely. The beautiful colors and fluid lines allow the reader to see the babies nurse softly and naturally. This beautiful book is a perfect gift for every new baby.” —Alejandrina Vostrejs, Certified Birthing From Within Mentor and Doula “This beautiful book magnificently demonstrates the natural and instinctual connection between a mother and her offspring. Breastfeeding is the first step in cultivating a healthy mind, gut and spirit for both mommy and her little ones. As a pediatrician and mother, I appreciate the simple text paired with the lovely illustrations. Brilliant and inspiring!” —Kristin Struble, M.D., author of How to Be a “Poop” Detective Read all the Reviews About the Author and Illustrator Elementary school librarian, children’s book author, and mother of three, Phoebe Fox wrote Babies Nurse to show children that all mammals provide milk for their babies. Fox sought to emphasize the warmth and beauty of nursing while demonstrating that all mammals share certain approaches to feeding, protecting, and teaching their young. With degrees in Early Childhood Development and Curriculum Instruction, Phoebe was particularly well positioned to present this information in a way that young readers will respond to. Drawing on her own experiences as a breastfeeding mother, and wanting to present clear and accurate information about this “natural art,” she consulted zoologists and pediatricians to put together this deceptively simple introduction. She is also the author of Starry’s Haircut , Starry Gets Lost , and Up Up Up (winner of the 2015 First Edition Children’s Book Contest). Visit her at mamafoxbooks.com . Fox lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband and their three sons. She can be reached at PFox@PlatypusMedia.com . When it came time to find an illustrator for the book, Phoebe asked her father-in-law, Jim Fox , if he would accept the task. Retired from the NBA where he played for the Phoenix Suns, Jim was himself a recipient of plenty of his own mother’s milk and says the benefits are obvious: he is 6’ 10”, healthy, and has produced wonderful kids and grandkids. The grandfather of five believes that nursing is a child’s best start in life. Jim lives in Phoenix with his wife, Mary Alice. This is his first book. He can be reached at JFox@PlatypusMedia.com . line drawings by Wesley Davies A New England-based artist, Wesley (23) specializes in digital illustration and design. He graduated from Kenyon College in 2017 and spends his time working as a freelance illustrator, writing his ongoing comic The Ecliptic Age , and adding to his ever-growing indoor garden of houseplants. He has been drawing animals from a young age, inspired by the many books and nature documentaries that excited his passion for biology and anthropology, and is always happy when he can combine his interests in illustration. He can be reached at Wesley@PlatypusMedia.com .

As much time as we spend working on exciting new books for you to enjoy, the real fun is getting out and meeting you! We travel far and wide to introduce our books to families, educators, and book lovers. Here are some places you can find us soon: Here's where we've been recently: We had a wonderful time at the 2019 ALA Annual Conference in DC this year! Did you catch our friend Snugglepus roaming the convention hall? If you got a picture, be sure to tag us on facebook or twitter. Company president and founder Dia Michels recorded a podcast while at ALA. Keep an eye out for the link! June 14-15, 2019 USBC National Breastfeeding Conference Bethesda, MD USBC's National Breastfeeding Conference & Convening brings together breastfeeding-focused representatives from across the country: coalition leaders from every U.S. state and territory; representatives from relevant government departments; national non-profits, non-governmental organizations including consumer (parents) groups; and health professional associations. ​ We had an amazing time at the conference. Here's company president and founder Dia Michels with the DC BFC. May 5, 2019 Literary Hill BookFest Washington, DC Eastern Market The Literary Hill BookFest began as a way of turning the Literary Hill column that Karen Lyon writes for the Hill Rag into a live event. Karen’s column showcases local writers and, after more than a decade of monthly columns, it was clear that Capitol Hill seems to have an almost limitless supply. What if we could bring together some of these authors who live on or write about Capitol Hill to meet their readers, as well as each other? Thus was born the 2011 Literary Hill BookFest. Everybody liked it so much that they encouraged us to do it again, and now we’re gearing up for another year. ​ Also represented at the BookFest are the Hill’s booksellers, libraries, publishers, and other organizations with a focus on books. Our ultimate goal is to make Capitol Hill a respected center for literacy and the humanities in the metropolitan D.C. area. And we’re well on our way. Our first BookFest attracted more than a thousand visitors; last year, an estimated 1,500 people came to Eastern Market to meet our local writers and learn more about literary services in our area. Please join us this year and make it our best BookFest ever! December 4-5, 2018 Breastfeed LA USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Glendale, CA On December 4th, Platypus Media President and Founder Dia Michels was the featured speaker for BreastfeedLA. She spoke on the topic An Early Start for Learning: How Breastfeeding, Talking, and Touch in Infancy Support School Success. Participants explored nursing dolls including this one as one way to help children understand that breastfeeding is normal. This is a "Pregnante, birthing and breastfeeding doll, baby with placenta " from Bidzdesign on Etsy. A complete list of resources is available here . We also explored the variety of breastfeeding children's books on the market. Here, a participant is pictured holding What Does Baby Want? by Tupera Tupera, an engaging circular board book. Find more breastfeeding books here . There were so many wonderful participants in attendance, but we were particularly excited to see these babies in the audience! L to R: Christina Mitchell, Platypus Media President and Founder Dia Michels, and panelists Jennifer Davidson, Sarah Getachew, and Sachiko Cohen. October 25, 2018 Infant Health Policy Summit Washington, DC Join fellow patient advocates, clinicians, preemie & infant groups, and policymakers for the 4th annual summit to tackle access and safety challenges facing infants and their families. Featuring Stephen Bowen, f ormer NFL player & preemie parent advocate, and Dr. Tiffany Bowen, p reemie Parent Advocate & Executive Director of Skyler’s Gift Foundation September 12, 2018 Maternal & Infant Health Summit Washington, DC August 30, 2018 Black Breastfeeding Week celebration Washington, DC Thank you to National and DC WIC for putting together this incredible Black Breastfeeding Week panel! ​ It was wonderful to hear breastfeeding mamas, experts, and panelists Dr. Lanre Falusi, Israel Jean-Holland, Christi Dorsey, Nikia Fuller-Sankofa, and Kayla Alexandria speak on the importance of breastfeeding, the reasons for the racial breastfeeding gap, and the necessity of community support to breastfeeding initiation and sustenance. ​ We loved seeing the joy and resilience of the breastfeeding mamas in attendance and the other awesome exhibitors! August 29, 2018 Regional Mother-Baby Summit Washington, DC < We enjoyed the panel Mothers Testing Positive for Marijuana with experts (L to R) Jada Wright Nichols, MS, OTR/L, IBCLC; Frank Nice, RPh, DPA, CPHP; and Sarah-Reece-Stremtan, MD, Children's National Health System So much fascinating new research!! > Dr. Reece-Stremtan was excited to see Cuddled and Carried . She says, "My 2 young boys and I love this charming book! I really appreciate how it normalizes the nurturing relationship between parents and their children. It makes cuddling during storytime that much sweeter." A huge huge THANK YOU to the amazing ladies of the DC Breastfeeding Coalition who hosted the summit! We hope to attend again next year. May 6, 2018 Literary Hill BookFest [website] Washington, DC Tallulah is just one of the Capitol Hill residents who got to take home a copy of Platypus Media's new bilingual early childhood breastfeeding and STEM education picture books from the BookFest. ​ Mom (Kate) says she's still loving Cuddled and Carried / Consentido y cargado ! April 22-25, 2018 National WIC Chicago, IL Ink Factory Studio was at the conference creating these beautiful notes for each presentation. Monday's poster includes the art for Platypus Media founder and president Dia Michels' session: 1000 Days In Gap City, Exploring the Relationship Between the Breastfeeding Gap and the Word Gap. One of the best things we discovered at the conference? Bernie's Book Bank ! Did you know that they're the largest provider of quality children’s books to at-risk children in the Chicagoland area? Dia had a great time with Helen Armstrong, of Fair Haven Health , which runs MyMilkies.com and the Belly to Breast Facebook page . Keep an eye on both places to see an interview they recorded together at the conference! April 10-12 2018 First 5 Child Health, Education, and Care Summit Los Angeles North / Glendale, CA October 23, 2019 Better Beginnings workshop Santa Rosa, CA June 21-24, 2019 American Library Association Annual Conference Washington, DC Convention Center May 3, 2020 Literary Hill Bookfest Washington, DC

Lea los Boletines de Prensa en Inglés o en Español Tamaño: 10 7/8 x 8 3/8 | Número de páginas: 32 Rango de edad: 0-4 Tapa dura: $14.95 | Tapa blanda: $9.95 | Libro electrónico: $8.99 ​ Disponible en formato bilingüe (Inglés/Español): Junio 2018 y en formato solo en Inglés: Octubre 2018 ​ Bilingüe tapa dura ISBN: 978-1-930775-96-1 Bilingüe tapa blanda ISBN: 978-1-930775-95-4 Bilingüe libro electrónico ISBN: 978-1-930775-97-8 ​ Inglés tapa dura ISBN: 978-1-930775-99-2 Inglés tapa blandaI ISBN: 978-1-930775-98-5 Inglés libro electrónico: 978-1-930775-97-8 ​ Guía el Maestro descargable gratuitamente. Cuddled and Carried Consentido y cargado Un hermoso libro bilingüe que celebra la entrañable relación entre un padre y su crío en el reino animal Los bebés, ya sea encuevas nevadas, cálidas lagunas, acogedores nidos, o salas de estar, siempre son cargados y acurrucados, alimentados y acariciados. Impactantes imágenes y una rima elegante capturarán la curiosidad de hasta los lectores más pequeñoscuando vean como las madres animales atienden a sus cachorros, crías, terneros y polluelos. Espléndidas imágenes introducen al lector al tipo de especiales vínculos que se dan en el mundo de la naturaleza. Observar como las madres extienden una pata, un ala, una aleta o una mano para cuidar a sus crías contagia un sentimiento de empatía, gentileza ysensibilidad. Material complementario y una Guía del Maestro gratuita ofrece orientación adicional a los padres, bibliotecarios, educadores y proveedores del cuidado de la salud. En esos materiales auxiliares se describe en una forma creativala asistencia a los congéneres en el reino animal mientras se les inicia en una gama de conceptos científicos básicos. Lo que los expertos dicen ... BILINGÜE (INGLÉS/ESPAÑOL) JUNIO 2018 PRÓXIMA APARICIÓN EN INGLÉS OCT 2018 “¡Qué libro más encantador! Despierta la empatía de un infante por los demás y abre sus ojos al mundo de la naturaleza. Muy tierno y educativo.” ​ —Dr. Harvey Karp, FAAP, autor, The Happiest Baby on the Block (El Bebé más Feliz de la Cuadra) “Un bello libro ilustrado de una manera realista que brevementeofrece una introducción a como los animales cuidan de sus crías.Los niños menores disfrutarán viendoel cuidado de los animales conlos que ellos ya están familiarizados y aprenderán acerca de otros nuevos. Una buena elección para que los estudiantes del primer grado de la escuela primaria cumplan con las expectativas de rendimiento del NGSS (Next Generation Science Standards /Estándares de Ciencia para la Próxima Generación) 1-LS1-2 entre las que se establece: ‘determinar patrones de conductas entre padres y crías que ayudan a los retoños a sobrevivir’. El libro ubica con toda claridad a los humanos como parte de la fauna del reino animal. En lugar de colocarnos separados de los otros animales, invita a que se establezcan comparaciones entre las especies. ​ —Peggy Ashbrook, educadora de ciencia en la infancia temprana y autora de Science Learning in the Early Years / El aprendizaje de la Ciencia en los Primeros Años. “Imágenes cautivadoras, bella poesía escrita en términos sencillos y una gran fuente de información para maestroshace de Consentido y Cargado una referencia imprescindible en todo hogar y biblioteca de un salón de clases. Mis niños de 5 y 6 años quedaron embelesadospor el mensaje y las hermosas ilustraciones. ¡Resueltamente recomiendo este libro!” ​ ​ —José Avilés, Director de Escuela, Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School, Wilmington, Delaware. Lea todas las reseñas Transadaptación por Victory Productions Victory Productions provee servicios de traducción, evaluación y programas de estudio. El equipo Victory de lingüistas nativos y especialistas de contenidos usan recursos propios y expertos pedagógicos para resolver todas las necesidades de lenguajes. Visíte los en www.VictoryPrd.com . Acerca de la autora y el ilustrador Dia L. Michels es una escritora con publicaciones internacionales, ganadora de premios por sus obras sobre la ciencia y la paternidad, quien ha escrito o editado más de una docena de libros para ambos: niños y adultos. Mientras su línea de publicaciones incluye libros de ciencia y matemáticas para estudiantes de educación intermedia, su pasión es promover el vínculo paternal con sus críos y apoyar la lactancia. Sus libroshan sido traducidos al español, holandés y hebreo. Una celebrada conferencista, participa frecuentemente en congresos, universidades, bibliotecas y escuelas alrededor del país. Madre de tres hijos mayores, vive en el vecindario Capitol Hill de Washington, D.C., con cuatro gatos y un perro. Puede entrar en contacto con ella en: Dia@PlatypusMedia.com . El trabajo artístico de Mike Speiser ha aparecido en las portadas de la revista Wild Animal Baby / Animal Salvaje Bebé y en productos utilizados para campañas de recaudación de fondos para organizaciones científicas. Sus obras pictóricas han sido exhibidas en el Museo de Arte Leigh Yawkey Woodson.Está involucrado en los esfuerzos destinados a proteger el mundo de la naturaleza para las futuras generaciones. Vive en las proximidades de las Black Hills de South Dakota. Puede ser localizado en Mike@PlatypusMedia.com .

A year after the publication of the original bilingual book, Platypus Media released a stroller-bag sized edition for all of you families on the go! Babies—whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living rooms—are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled. Stunning images and gentle verse will capture the curiosity of even the youngest readers as they see how animal mothers tend to their cubs, pups, calves, and chicks. Beautiful images introduce the reader to attachment in the natural world. Watching mothers lend a paw, wing, flipper, or hand to care for their young fosters empathy, kindness, and compassion. Supplemental back matter and a free Teacher's Guide helps parents, librarians, educators, and healthcare providers creatively describe caretaking, while introducing a range of early science concepts. Cuddled and Carried / Consentido y cargado Size: 6 x 8 | Page count: 32 | Age range: 0-4 Paperback: $8.95 | eBook: $7.99 ​ Paperback ISBN: 978-1-93-077565-7 | eBook ISBN: 978-1-93-077566-4 ​ View the Press Release . ​ Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available. ​ Also available in a larger format in both paperback and hardback. "makes cuddling during story time that much sweeter" Shop Now what the experts say... “Cuddled and Carried is one of those books children will ask to be read over and over. The illustrations make you want to cuddle and carry the book itself. The amazing lifelike illustrations show nurturing relationships of a variety of animals and their babies [who] share the meaning of love. Simple sentences promote a child self-reading from the artwork, even if they don’t know the words. Cuddled and Carried is a fun and educational resource. Highly recommended!” ​ —Reader's Favorite ☆☆☆☆☆ review “What a gentle book! It nurtures a child’s empathy for others and opens their eyes to the world of nature. Very sweet and educational.” ​ —Dr. Harvey Karp, FAAP, author, The Happiest Baby on the Block “A beautifully and realistically illustrated book that briefly introduces how animals care for their young. Young children will enjoy seeing care-taking by familiar animals and learning about new ones. A good choice for first graders to meet NGSS performance expectation 1-LS1-2 to read to ‘determine patterns in behavior of parents and offspring that help offspring survive.’ The book places humans squarely in the Animalia kingdom, rather than setting us apart from all others, inviting comparisons between species.” ​ —Peggy Ashbrook, early childhood science educator and author of Science Learning in the Early Years “Captivating images, beautiful but simple poetry and a great information resource for teachers make Cuddled and Carried a must-have in any home and school classroom library. My 5 and 6 year olds were captivated by the message and beautiful images. I strongly recommend this book!” ​ —José Avilés, Head of School, Academia Antonia Alonso Charter School, Wilmington, Delaware. Read all the Reveiws About the Author Dia L. Michels is an internationally published, award-winning science and parenting writer who has authored or edited over a dozen books for both children and adults. While her topics include science and math books for middle grade students, her passion is promoting attachment parenting and supporting breastfeeding. Her books have been translated into Spanish, Dutch, and Hebrew. A popular speaker, she lectures frequently at conferences, universities, libraries, and schools around the country. The mother of three grown children, she lives in the Capitol Hill neighborhood of Washington, D.C., with four cats and a dog. She can be reached at Dia@PlatypusMedia.com . and Illustrator Mike Speiser ’s artwork has been featured on the covers of Wild Animal Baby magazine and on fundraising products for science organizations. His paintings have been displayed at the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum. He is involved with efforts to protect the natural world for future generations. He lives next to the Black Hills of South Dakota. He can be reached at Mike@PlatypusMedia.com .

Want more children's books? Check out our STEM education imprint. Shop Science Naturally Sparking Curiosity Through Reading STEM Books for Ages 0-14

We are always seeking interns to help us out in the office and provide opportunities for young people to expand their knowledge of the publishing industry. ​ Our interns assist in all aspects of a small publishing house including manuscript evaluation, editorial, marketing, sales, inventory management, and administration. ​ Duties may include, but are not limited to: Reading and critiquing manuscript and art submissions Editing manuscripts in production and creating marketing materials Supporting the launch of new titles Assisting with arranging author appearances and events Supporting trade show endeavors Maintaining various media resources, customer records, and other lists Researching new media and sales outlets Customer follow up and sales Packing orders Helping support the work of the office ​ We mentor 2-4 interns in all aspects of the publishing business each semester and during the summer. Interns are expected to work 12-20 hrs/wk during the semester and 20-30 hrs/wk during the summer. Our internships are unpaid, but we do reimburse local travel expenses up to $7.00/day. ​ We are located in Washington, DC, near the U.S. Capitol (at the Union Station Metro stop). ​ For summer internships, please apply by April 1. For fall internships, please apply by August 1. For spring internships, please apply by November 1. ​ To apply, send a resume, writing sample, 2 references and availability to: Ali Trujillo Ali.Trujillo@PlatypusMedia.com 202-546-1674

Breastfeeding Resources Breastfeeding helps give your baby its best start in life: Breastmilk contains all the nutrients your baby needs for at least the first six months of his life and continues to be the most important part of his diet throughout the first year. The unique components in breastmilk contribute to optimal development for your child's brain, eyesight, speech, and jaw. Plus, breastfeeding provides ample opportunity for mother and baby to bond and form a secure attachment. ​ However, we know that breastfeeding isn't always easy. The resources on this page will help you troubleshoot common breastfeeding problems, make well informed decisions about your infant's health, and show children and other adults that breastfeeding is normal and natural. ​ All the resources are available here at no charge. Our Breastfeeding Educational Module identifies strategies that parents, librarians, educators, health care providers, and community members can use to educate children about this important form of sustenance. It includes a number of activities to normalize breastfeeding, help kids understand how breastfeeding works, and teach about breastfeeding in non-human mammals. Download here. Breastfeeding has long-reaching benefits for babies, mothers, families, and communities. However, most children do not have adequate exposure to this normal and natural act of parenting. Teaching children about breastfeeding familiarizes them with how important breastmilk is to infant development, promotes a better understanding of how mothers provide for their babies, and encourages healthy life choices. Download this handout for books, games, songs, and strategies to talk with children about breastfeeding. Children's books are a powerful tool for normalizing breastfeeding for children. Read this article on the ALSC blog from Platypus Media author and librarian Phoebe Fox about how libraries can support breastfeeding in their community: "Through a diverse collection, libraries can help expose children to the universal nature and beauty of the act." Click to Read Breastfeeding Help Lactation consultants are professional breastfeeding specialists trained to teach mothers how to feed their baby. They help women experiencing breastfeeding problems, such as latching difficulties, painful nursing, and low milk production. Click on the image to find one near you! When it comes to a baby’s health, parents need fast answers they can trust. A Pacify membership provides on-demand access to a nationwide network of Lactation Consultants and nurses, available for virtual consultation in English and Spanish 24/7. ​ Pacify is available to purchase nationwide. Click to download: ​ Breastfeeding is natural, but it does not always come naturally. La Leche League USA helps parents, families, and communities to breastfeed, chestfeed, and human milk feed their babies through parent-to-parent support. They encourage, inform, educate, support, and promote the use of human milk and the intimate relationship and development that comes from nursing a child for as long as mutually desired. ​ Click here to find a meeting near you. This easy-to-read publication from the U.S.'s Office on Women's Health has how-to info and support to help you breastfeed. ​ OWH is raising awareness of the importance of breastfeeding to help mothers give their babies the best start possible in life. In addition to this guide, OWH offers online content at www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding and www.womenshealth.gov/itsonlynatural . OWH also runs the National Breastfeeding Helpline at 800-994-9662.

This beautiful collaboration between a children’s librarian and an NBA- player-turned-watercolor-artist introduces the most natural and loving act—mothers nursing their young. Winner of a Parents’ Favorite Products Award, the book’s luminous illustrations and lyrical text give children a glimpse into the worlds of 13 different mammal babies. Compelling childhood facts also broaden the reader’s knowledge about each animal. The book’s overarching theme of breastfeeding inspires conversations about parenting, biology, habitats, survival, and more, making this book an engaging choice for young children as well as elementary school readers. "creates positive images around breastfeeding" Coming October 2018 Read the Press Release . Size: 10 7/8 x 8 3/8 | Page count: 32 | Age Range: 4-7 | Grade Range: preschool-2nd grade ​ Hardback: $14.95 | Paperback: $9.95 | eBook: $8.99 ​ Hardback : 978-1-930775-61-9 | Paperback : 978-1-930775-71-8 | eBook: 978-1-930775-47-3 ​ Free downloadable Teacher's Guide available. ​ Also available in a bilingual (English/Spanish) edition . "creates a safe space to explore normal infant feeding and bonding" A portion of all sales of this book will be donated to La Leche League International what the experts say... “Animal mothers of all shapes and sizes lavish their little ones with love and affection in a series of sweet poems celebrating nature, wildlife, and the special bond forged through nursing. Tigers, seals, dolphins, pandas, and other mammals softly take shape in peaceful watercolor portraits. Perfect for reading aloud to find out which mamas nurse their babies in the snow, underwater, on the beach, or upside down. ” ​ —Foreword Reviews , 2018 “What a gentle book! It nurtures a child’s empathy for others and opens their eyes to the world of nature. Very sweet and educational.” —Dr. Harvey Karp, FAAP, author, The Happiest Baby on the Block “Simple, rhyming, bilingual text and gentle, quiet illustrations introduce the very youngest reader and listener to that most natural and loving of activities—mothers nursing their offspring. Mothers and babies of the fields, jungles, air, and water are all portrayed, demonstrating that all mammal babies are nourished in the same way. This book will be invaluable in presenting nursing as something completely natural, normal, loving, and good for both babies and mothers.” ​ —Wendy Watson, author and/or illustrator of over 60 books for children, Phoenix, Arizona “The illustrations are lovely. The beautiful colors and fluid lines allow the reader to see the babies nurse softly and naturally. This beautiful book is a perfect gift for every new baby.” —Alejandrina Vostrejs, Certified Birthing From Within Mentor and Doula “This beautiful book magnificently demonstrates the natural and instinctual connection between a mother and her offspring. Breastfeeding is the first step in cultivating a healthy mind, gut and spirit for both mommy and her little ones. As a pediatrician and mother, I appreciate the simple text paired with the lovely illustrations. Brilliant and inspiring!” —Kristin Struble, M.D., author of How to Be a “Poop” Detective Read all the Reviews About the Author and Illustrator Elementary school librarian, children’s book author, and mother of three, Phoebe Fox wrote Babies Nurse to show children that all mammals provide milk for their babies. Fox sought to emphasize the warmth and beauty of nursing while demonstrating that all mammals share certain approaches to feeding, protecting, and teaching their young. With degrees in Early Childhood Development and Curriculum Instruction, Phoebe was particularly well positioned to present this information in a way that young readers will respond to. Drawing on her own experiences as a breastfeeding mother, and wanting to present clear and accurate information about this “natural art,” she consulted zoologists and pediatricians to put together this deceptively simple introduction. She is also the author of Starry’s Haircut , Starry Gets Lost , and Up Up Up (winner of the 2015 First Edition Children’s Book Contest). Visit her at mamafoxbooks.com . Fox lives in Phoenix, Arizona, with her husband and their three sons. She can be reached at PFox@PlatypusMedia.com . When it came time to find an illustrator for the book, Phoebe asked her father-in-law, Jim Fox , if he would accept the task. Retired from the NBA where he played for the Phoenix Suns, Jim was himself a recipient of plenty of his own mother’s milk and says the benefits are obvious: he is 6’ 10”, healthy, and has produced wonderful kids and grandkids. The grandfather of five believes that nursing is a child’s best start in life. Jim lives in Phoenix with his wife, Mary Alice. This is his first book. He can be reached at JFox@PlatypusMedia.com . line drawings by Wesley Davies A New England-based artist, Wesley (23) specializes in digital illustration and design. He graduated from Kenyon College in 2017 and spends his time working as a freelance illustrator, writing his ongoing comic The Ecliptic Age , and adding to his ever-growing indoor garden of houseplants. He has been drawing animals from a young age, inspired by the many books and nature documentaries that excited his passion for biology and anthropology, and is always happy when he can combine his interests in illustration. He can be reached at Wesley@PlatypusMedia.com .

It is difficult for the whole family when a new baby is in the NICU. In addition, the baby's siblings might not understand why their new baby can't come home right away. These books explain that the NICU is a special place that works to make baby healthy. This coloring book is a playful and informative guide for the baby's older siblings, teaching them what they can do to be a great big brother or sister. coloring books NICU Sibling-Support Read what mommy blogger Shanisty Ireland thinks of these resources! We offer two different coloring books in a variety of languages and iterations to support each unique family: Come Home Soon... The Come Home Soon coloring book series will help you guide your children to an understanding of why their baby sister or brother is in the NICU, and what they can do to help. ...Baby Brother ...Baby SIster 12 pages Black and white Price*: $2.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-26-8 Shop 12 pages Black and white Price*: $2.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-41-1 Shop 12 pages Black and white Price*: $2.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-39-8 Shop 12 pages Black and white Price*: $2.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-55-8 Shop available In spanish available In spanish "A coloring book for big brothers and sisters of babies in the neonatal intensive care unit. It tells the story of a boy whose brother has to stay in the NICU. It describes why the baby brother is in the NICU, what he looks like and what to expect in the NICU. It also describes things that the older boy does to be a great big brother. ​ The process of coloring the pictures and listening to the story gives parents and older siblings a wonderful opportunity to talk about their own NICU baby. It can guide conversation, and help siblings learn that they aren’t the only kid who has had a baby brother or sister in the NICU. At just $2.95, it’s a very small investment with a big payoff." ​ - Kristie McNealy, M.D. " A marvelous coloring book designed just for older siblings that I believe should be in every hospital to hand out to encourage hope... This twelve page book contains easy to understand medical verbiage, fun drawings to color, and is written by a Registered Nurse, Debi Iarussi. Debi Iarussi has had tons of experience in Maternal Child Nursing and Women’s Services and is currently a lactation consultant in Austin, Texas. With a deep understanding of how older children respond to their babies being in the NICU, she set out to develop a book to make the experience better. With complete success this coloring book... reminds a child that the NICU is a temporary step in their new baby’s life and educates them on simple ideas like washing hands and breastfeeding." ​ - Bobbi Hammonds, Evansville Early Childhood Parenting Examiner Rich and Creamy for Our Preemie A coloring book about how the NICU, milk banks, and families work together to help preemies. Available In English 18 pages Black and white Price*: $2.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-69-5 Shop 12 pages Black and white Price*: $2.95 ISBN: 978-1-930775-70-1 Shop available In spanish “Rich and Creamy gives children a positive explanation of why their new sibling is in the NICU. It gently, but clearly, speaks to the importance of human milk for preemies. It should be a part of every NICU’s family support program.” - Dara Barnett RN, IBCLC, Maimonides Hospital, Brooklyn, NY “This winning, educational, and family-centered story is a great tool for hospitals and milk banks. It illustrates the health-giving power of mommy’s milk and acquaints us with milk banking. A must have for families!” ​ -Jean M. Drulis, Director and Co-founder Mother’s Milk Bank of Iowa Coloring books can be individually packaged in a resealable bag with a crayon set for an additional 25 cents. Simply select "Yes" from dropdown menu on each individual product page. Then all you have to do is add your hospital literature for a lovely packet to present to your families! * Looking to purchase just one coloring book? Enter code NICU1 to get free shipping! * Bulk discounts are available. Contact Martha@PlatypusMedia.com for more information.

Gifts for Animal Lovers These captivating books are perfect gifts for parents, children or animal lovers of any age! Educate children about breastfeeding and families of all types while enjoying the gorgeous illustrations. Babies Nurse Looking for a holiday gift idea and/or stocking stuffer? This beautiful book makes the perfect gift for young children and parents! Enjoy the stunning illustrations and educate your child about breastfeeding by examining the ways different animals nurse their young. ​ The book’s overarching theme of breastfeeding inspires conversations about parenting, biology, habitats, survival, and more, making this book an engaging choice for young children as well as elementary school readers. Click Here to View Cuddled and Carried Babies—whether in snowy dens, warm lagoons, cozy nests, or living rooms—are carried and cuddled, nurtured and nuzzled. Stunning images and gentle verse will capture the curiosity of even the youngest readers as they see how animal mothers tend to their cubs, pups, calves, and chicks. ​ Beautiful images introduce the reader to attachment in the natural world. Watching mothers lend a paw, wing, flipper, or hand to care for their young fosters empathy, kindness, and compassion. Supplemental back matter and a free Teacher's Guide helps parents, librarians, educators, and healthcare providers creatively describe caretaking, while introducing a range of early science concepts. Click Here to View If My Mom Were A Platypus All over the world, in all kinds of habitats, mothers bring forth new life. For many animals, such as reptiles and amphibians, mothering responsibilities end before the babies are even born. But mammal babies need their mothers--they need to be nurtured and nourished long enough to learn how to survive on their own. All mammal mothers feed, protect, and teach their young, even though these tasks can challenge their own needs for survival. But a mammal baby’s journey to maturity varies dramatically depending on whether it is a bear or a bat, a shrew or a seal, a hippopotamus or a human. This fascinating look at life cycles portrays the normalcy of birth and breastfeeding and explores how mothers help 14 different mammals navigate the path from helpless infants to self-sufficient adults. Click Here to View