Introducing Paul the Planarian
About Paul the Planarian
Find the cherished story you’ve been looking for by reading Paul the Planarian. This read aloud STEM picture book is about a lovable but misunderstood little flatworm who embarks on a wild journey from a quiet pond to a school science lab. Planarians are adored by biologists throughout the world for their amazing characteristics but often remain unheard of to the general public. This picture book can be enjoyed by children and parents as well as used as a resource for teaching biology and the life sciences. Contact Tricia Vold to receive a free pdf of The Teacher's Guide to Paul the Planarian today.
Key Highlights
What are planarians?
Paul the Planarian, the story you’ve been waiting for. Take a look at the key highlights below to learn more about the fun and interesting science and life of this common but unique little worm.
Planarians are small flatworms that can be seen with the eye but are best viewed under a microscope. Planarians are popular organisms to the scientific society because of their excellent ability to regenerate their body parts - even including heads! They are the only animal that can have their head amputated and be left unbothered. When a planarian has a body part snipped off, it is painless to them and it grows back in seven to ten days. Experiments have shown that if a planarians head is cut off, it grows back with the same memories as before! Due to these fascinating properties, they are often used as an animal model in treatment of many diseases including neurological disorders and cancer.
This tiny flatworm commonly found in pond water but unknown to the much of the world has a great deal to offer for children of all ages. Paul lives a reclusive lifestyle and doesn't care to socialize with others until he ends up in a science classroom. It is here that Paul realizes the importance of friendships - some with no heads and some with no ends!
Paul the Planarian
What You’re Looking For
After much excitement and anticipation, Paul the Planarian has been created. Find out what happens to Paul after he is captured from a pond and brought to a nearby school.
About the Author
Tricia Vold is a biology teacher for Chicago Public Schools, proud member of the Society of Children's Books Writers and Illustrators, and author and illustrator of Paul the Planarian. Tricia chose to write a story about planarian because she wanted to share this underepresented creatures' amazing properties beyond her classroom. She has used them in different lab studies throughout her teaching career. She hopes Paul the Planarian will inspire curiosity about the diversity of life and foster a love for science.
