Platypus Media and Science Naturally Open Their Warehouse to America’s Schools, Literacy Organizations, and Nonprofits

A Mission-Driven Initiative Bringing Quality Front-List Children’s Books to the Communities That Need Them Most.

WASHINGTON, D.C., [5/6/2026] —Platypus Media and Science Naturally, award-winning independent publishers of children's books based in Washington, D.C., today announced Giving Back Through the Power of Books: a one-time literacy access initiative making front-list children's titles available to schools, literacy programs, libraries, and nonprofit organizations across the United States — at a price point designed to put quality books where they are needed most. 

Many titles in this collection are front-list editions, with many published within one to five years — front-list STEM titles known for their educational content and quality, books that educators and families trust. Titles are available in English, Spanish, Haitian-Creole, and Bengali. As Platypus Media and Science Naturally prepare to expand their catalog with exciting new titles, they are making a deliberate decision to make room for reinvesting in the next generation of books while ensuring their current titles find their way into the hands of readers. By supporting this initiative, the company can further its mission of making children’s books accessible and enriching to families in need.

"We have an exciting pipeline of new titles coming, and we wanted to make room for them in the right way," said Dia Michels, Publisher and Founder of Platypus Media and Science Naturally. "Getting these books into the hands of children and the organizations that serve them at an accessible price — while making room for what’s next — is exactly the kind of win-win we were looking for."

Giving Back Through the Power of Books

Access to books — and specifically book ownership — is one of the most reliable predictors of a child's literacy development, academic performance, and lifelong relationship with reading. Giving Back Through the Power of Books is Platypus Media and Science Naturally's commitment to that truth: a deliberate, values-driven decision to move an extraordinary collection of quality titles from a warehouse shelf into the classrooms, clinics, and community centers where they belong.

By offering both paperback and hardback editions at accessible price points, the initiative gives organizations the flexibility to maximize their budgets while bringing durable, beautifully produced books to the children and families they serve.

Platypus Media and Science Naturally award-winning titles have received honors from American Institute of Physics, the Mathematical Science Honors, Children's Book Council, and International Latino Book Awards. Their titles have been reviewed by School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Booklist, recognized by major book competitions, and featured at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History — books trusted by educators, librarians, and families across the country.

Who Can Participate

This initiative is open to any school, literacy program, library, nonprofit, or organization that can place a minimum order of 500 books shipped to a single location. Browse available titles at ScienceNaturally.com/givingback

The initiative also seeks to raise awareness among corporations and individual donors interested in supporting literacy access for children across the United States. Those passionate about literacy but without an established organizational partner are encouraged to reach out — Platypus Media and Science Naturally will connect interested donors with vetted organizations that would welcome their support.

Organizations are encouraged to act early as availability is limited. This is a one-time initiative.

To learn more or get involved, you can reply directly to this e-mail or contact Ali Trujillo at ...@sciencenaturally.com" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-weight: normal; padding: 0; margin: 0; text-align: left; line-height: 1.3; color: #2199e8; text-decoration: none;">a...@sciencenaturally.com

About Platypus Media and Science Naturally

Platypus Media and its imprint Science Naturally are a widely recognized, award-winning independent publisher based in Washington, D.C. Founded in 2000 by Dia L. Michels, Platypus Media focuses on early childhood and family life — covering attachment parenting, family bonding, social-emotional learning, and bilingual education — while Science Naturally specializes in STEM fiction and nonfiction that sparks curiosity in young readers. Together their catalog spans early childhood through middle grade, with titles available in English, Spanish, Haitian-Creole, and Bengali. Our catalog is anchored by prestigious honors and recognition from School Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, Booklist, the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, the American Institute of Physics, Mathematical Science Honors, and the Children’s Book Council — including Outstanding Science Trade Books selections, recognition from the International Latino Book Awards, and an endorsement from the National Science Teachers Association.

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