Book Review of Charli’s Dorsal Device: An Engineering Adventure
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The Children’s Book Review
Charli’s Dorsal Device: An Engineering Adventure
Written by Vicki Scott Burns
Illustrated by Mel Schroeder
Ages: 5-8 | 96 Pages
Publisher: Emmolly Books (2026) | ISBN: 978-1-964845-07-4
What to Expect: STEM, engineering, animal rescue, imagination, problem solving.
The Charli Explores STEM series features a range of stories in which the enthusiastic and imaginative trio of friends, Charli, Emma, and Molly, learn about the day-to-day practices and challenges faced by real scientists—and then imagine themselves putting those lessons into practice.
It’s the day of the careers assembly at school, and that means another chance for Charli to learn all about what it means to really be a scientist—and to daydream about her future as one! This time, she’s excited to hear from Ms. Robin, an engineer who designs GPS tracking devices.
After listening to Ms. Robin describe how she designs devices that can help marine biologists track the animals they release into the wild, Charli has one of her most exciting daydreams yet—she’s the designer of a special device to help scientists monitor dolphins released into the wild! The design isn’t all smooth sailing, but Charli perseveres and soon her device is out in the wild—and in the papers! It looks like engineering is definitely on Charli’s list of possible future careers…
From introducing key terminology (such as CAD and GPS) to illustrating scientific work in action in the real world, the Charli Explores STEM books help make science feel real, achievable, exciting, and fulfilling to readers whose previous exposure may only have been theoretical or abstract. The cartoon illustrations in this story emphasize expressions, showing readers just how much fun the girls are having, both in the school assembly and in their imagined future careers as designers, engineers, and writers. Best of all, the story celebrates problem-solving as a key part of science, showing the steps Charli uses to overcome design problems as they occur in real time—and how rewarding it is when she finds the solutions!
Inspiring and informative, Charli’s Dorsal Device is a fantastic new addition to the series.
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About the Author
Vicki Scott Burns is the author of the Charli Explores STEM® series, as well Zamboni’s Bath and Zamboni’s Goal. She is also a former 2nd and 3rd grade teacher. When she’s not writing, she enjoys traveling with her husband, riding her horse, reading in her pollinator garden, and playing with her dogs.
For more information, visit www.vickiscottburns.com.
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