My newest picture book, Newton’s Paws of Motion, is now available for pre-order. This informational fiction STEM story was inspired by the antics of my own curious cat, Thor, and Karen Obuhanych’s illustrations are absolutely delightful! It’s coming in May 2027. In the meantime, find out more and order your copies here. I can’t wait for you to see it!
From the publisher:
This cat isn’t making a mess. He’s testing the laws of physics.
Newton has made an important scientific discovery: three laws explaining how things move. Of course, a good scientist must test those laws. Repeatedly.
For Newton’s first experiment, there’s his breakfast bowl. It sits perfectly still until one tiny tap sends it down, down, down. CRASH! The floor stops it. First law confirmed.
Next comes a toy car. Tap it and it rolls. SWAT it and—ZOOM!—it rockets across the room. Second law confirmed.
Then Newton tackles his trickiest experiment yet. Push down, go up. Push harder, go higher. Third law confirmed!
There’s just one thing Newton can’t quite understand: Why don’t the humans seem more impressed?
In Newton’s Paws of Motion, award-winning nonfiction author Laurie Ann Thompson and illustrator Karen Obuhanych transform the everyday chaos of living with a cat into a funny, accessible introduction to physics. Newton narrates every experiment with total scientific confidence, while the illustrations reveal the increasingly hilarious consequences happening around him.
The fun continues in the back matter with an introduction to Sir Isaac Newton, clear explanations of his three laws of motion, and an author’s note about Thor, the real cat whose daily knocking, swatting, and jumping inspired the story.
Perfect for ages 4 and up, elementary STEM lessons, force-and-motion units, classroom and family read-alouds, cat-obsessed kids, and young scientists who like their physics with a side of feline chaos.
Experiments complete. Laws confirmed. House destroyed. ISN’T SCIENCE FUN?