The poems and illustrations in Occasionally Accurate Science investigate, play with, and push the envelope of collective nouns in fantastical and ordinary ways. With off-the-wall forms and the occasional scientific accuracy, OAS seeks to help children (and quirky adults!) explore the blurry lines between fact and fiction, poetry and taxonomy. OAS allows readers to explore the fantastical world of groupings of animals with one eye turned toward the truth. It is a delightful book that can be used for fancy and education in equal measure.

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Independent bookstores and libraries can order from our distributor, Small Press Distribution, here

Praise for Occasionally Accurate Science:

“Occasionally Accurate Science—a fantastical taxonomy of animals from an Atom of Apes to a Zeal of Zebras—invites us to celebrate both natural and unnatural wonders. Encompassing such diversiform phenomena as the habitats and plumage of grouses, foxes' feminist tendencies and the periodic migration of zebras to San Francisco disco halls, this miraculous book will captivate readers of all ages.”

– Soma Mei Sheng Frazier, author of Salve and Collateral Damage

“In delightfully off-kilter poems that smack of Ogden Nash, July Westhale's Occasionally Accurate Science strolls backwards through an alphabet zoo, schooling us in the very noble sounding but probably not-quite-accurate collective nouns for all her favorite creatures: a ‘yell’ of yaks, a ‘kayak’ of kangaroos. I'd probably advise against using these zany verses as a textbook, but if giggling and snorting and occasionally (maybe?) learning a true sliver of science is your goal, then Westhale's the madcap guide for you.”

– Justin Rigamonti, artist, teacher, and Co-founder of Poetry Press Week

Publication Details

All of our books are printed locally in Oakland, CA. We strongly believe in supporting local publishers and local printers.

October 2018 • 9 x 9 • 40 pp.

$20.00 (unsigned) / $22.00 (signed by author) • Trade Paper

ISBN: 978-1-7327866-1-5

Cover illustrations by Liz Laribee

Interior and cover design by Britta Fithian-Zurn