By: AK Infinite

Melissa Young has always had a deep love for animals. Married to her high school sweetheart of 42 years, and a proud mother of two young adults, she spends her days surrounded by her furry and feathered family of two dogs, two cats, eight chickens, and one tortoise. If she had the space, she admits, she’d add goats, mini horses, sheep, and countless others. It’s that boundless compassion for animals that inspired her to create Wild Wonder Books, a brand built to ignite curiosity, creativity, and respect for the natural world in young readers.

But Melissa’s mission goes beyond simply teaching facts. Through engaging stories and hands-on activities, her books bring science to life for children in ways that feel like play. “My books inspire curiosity and creativity and make learning fun and engaging,” she explains. “Kids stay connected to the characters while also learning science.”

A New Kind of Science Adventure

Photo Courtesy: Melissa Young

At the heart of Wild Wonder Books is a series of educational chapter books designed for young readers who crave adventure and fun. Each story follows a fictional animal character that teaches kids about its species, environment, diet, challenges, and unique adaptations. Every chapter is a blend of learning and entertainment, followed by a “brain break” with quizzes, coloring pages, word searches, jokes, riddles, and even drawing lessons. Melissa adds, “Whether they are homeschooled or go to a traditional school, they spend a lot of hours learning in a classroom setting.  When they are not in school, I still want them to learn, but to do it in a way that is fun and engaging and doesn’t feel like classwork.  Animals that come to life tend to keep kids focused and interested.” Melissa’s first standout title, Axolotl Facts for Kids, introduces readers to Zara the Axolotl, a curious, funny, and adventurous character who takes children on an underwater journey through her fascinating world. Zara isn’t just a teacher, but also a friend. Through her stories, kids learn about real scientific topics like regeneration using stem cells, camouflage, metamorphosis, and neoteny. These complex terms are introduced in a playful way that helps build vocabulary and confidence, while nurturing a lifelong interest in science. “We use the big scientific words but explain them in a way that kids can understand them and will remember them.”

Some of the facts that kids will learn all about include:

• Zara’s fluffy gills and how she uses them to breathe
• Zara’s ability to regenerate body parts that get damaged, including her spine and her brain
• How Zara can change colors to camouflage herself among the reeds
• That Zara never goes through metamorphosis like other salamanders and stays underwater her whole life
• How Zara communicates using body language and ripples in the water, and so much more!

Unlike most axolotl books that merely list facts, Zara the Axolotl brings education to life through storytelling. “Zara teaches kids all about herself, where she lives, her predators, her defense strategies, and even the myths and legends that surround her species,” Melissa shares. “She’s curious about humans, too, wondering how they walk on two legs, do they love to eat worms as much as she does, where they sleep, and  do they like to play games like she does.”

The choice of an axolotl isn’t random. These unique, smiling amphibians have captured the imaginations of millions of children worldwide,  especially after being featured in the popular video game Minecraft. For many kids, Zara’s story is their first introduction to a real-world animal they already recognize from their digital adventures. That connection creates a powerful bridge between play and learning. “A lot of adults don’t know about axolotls, but if you ask any kid, I bet most of them do.”

“There are plenty of books about farm or zoo animals,” Melissa says, “but very few about unique creatures that are actually living on this planet.” She believes that understanding these lesser-known species is the first step toward protecting them. “If we know about them, we do the work to protect them and their environment. I like to focus on unique animals that are real, so my next two books are about Narwhals and Capybaras, which are also lesser-known animals that kids are curious about and that need protection and have a story to tell.”

Building a Wildly Curious Generation

Through Wild Wonder Books, Melissa hopes to plant the seeds of curiosity early and inspire a generation that not only appreciates nature but also understands its role in sustaining it. Her blend of storytelling and science makes these books a perfect fit for classrooms, home libraries, and thoughtful gifts alike. Whether it’s a birthday present, a stocking stuffer, or a resource for teachers or homeschool moms, every copy encourages children to explore the world around them with wonder and empathy.

Ultimately, Wild Wonder Books isn’t just about animals; it’s about connection. It’s about helping kids see themselves as part of a bigger ecosystem, one where humans and animals coexist and depend on one another. Melissa’s dream of one day running an animal rescue reflects the same spirit that drives her books: to care deeply, to protect, and to learn.

Parents, grandparents, teachers, and animal lovers alike are discovering the magic of Wild Wonder Books. Whether placed on a child’s nightstand or a classroom shelf, Melissa Young’s stories invite young minds to dream, laugh, and learn.

For anyone looking to inspire a child’s love of learning, Wild Wonder Books offers more than just reading material. It’s a journey of curiosity, compassion, and discovery — the kind of adventure every child deserves.