A Science Primer, One Molecule at a Time

Self-published local authors Christine Adler and Dean Badillo. Submitted photo Two Laguna Beach authors have written and self-published a charming children’s book that introduces the very young (4 to 8 years old) to the concept of molecular structure. Using their own child-friendly pictures and bouncy text, Dean Badillo and Christine Adler created “Molly and Wally Molecule” to help them in their work of spreading their passionately-held belief that science and mathematics education is crucial to a child’s overall education, and to the future of this country.

In the book, Molly and Wally are two young water molecules who go to school, play with their friends, and go on field-trips with their teacher. Cleverly portrayed in the brightly-colored drawings as one large circle (the oxygen atom) and two small circles (the hydrogen atoms), they serve as a young child’s first, simple introduction to the idea of matter being made up of very, very small particles.

They will sign “Molly and Wally Molecule” on Saturday, March 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. at Latitude 33, 311 Ocean Avenue.

Badillo and Adler’s idea in aiming at such a young audience is to lodge the idea of molecular structure in a young mind so that when later on, usually about grade 5, they next encounter the idea, it will seem friendly and familiar. This circumvents the too-often encountered idea that science is difficult. Their stated intent with their book is to better capture children’s interest and build enthusiasm for further studies in science and mathematics. Since the U.S. is currently 17th in the world in science education, ideas like this are much needed.

The book is meant to be read by the children themselves, but also by teachers and, especially, parents, along with their children. The adults can then decide, as Adler says, “how much science to discuss, depending on their children’s curiosity.”

Adler, a professional contract negotiator, said, “It is so impor- tant to introduce science to children early on, and we all learn better if we like what we’re trying to learn. Unfortunately, math and science have garnered a reputation among students as being difficult and boring. Dean and I believe the key to reversing this perception is to nip it in the bud. Science needs to be presented to children in a fun and entertaining context at the earliest possible age.”

The sincerity that both authors bring to this project is palpable, and the amount of research and preparatory work that went into it is impressive. They surveyed educators, parents and children to find out what works and what doesn’t. They even researched the various types of paper and ink that the book is made of, ultimately selecting recycled paper and eco-friendly ink, and had it printed entirely in the U.S.

The first-time authors considered taking the usual route of submitting their manuscript to conventional publishing houses, but decided to go the self-publish route. This allowed them to retain control of the work, including having the freedom to promote it their own way. Badillo, an electronics engineer, is taking a year off to promote science education with a tireless campaign of class presentations in schools locally and across the country. They track sales by zip code, and donate 2% of the revenue to local school districts. Their website, www.mollywally. com, offers printable coloring pages.

Dean Badillo grew up in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has a Ph. D. in electrical engineering. Christine Adler is originally from Pennsylvania, and is a contract negotiator, having learned her trade through starting her babysitting career at $1 and negotiating her way up to $20 per hour.

The writing partners met at UC Irvine’s business school, while studying for their MBAs. A chance discussion that revealed their mutual concern over the growing lack of interest in math and science among children lead to the creation of the Molly and Wally book. Browsing Laguna’s many diverse art studios provided all the artistic inspiration they could ask for, and led to their use of dramatic perspective and vibrant color.

Dinah Shields is a bookindustry lifer. She is owner of Bespoke Libraries, a Lagunabased private library service. www.bespokelibrariesca.com