Professor Ponder's Academy of Magnificent Mistakes
A Chapter Book Series About Choices, Courage, and Brain Tricks
What readers are saying
Lessons Learned/ Badges Earned
Lessons Learned/ Badges Earned
Lessons Learned/ Badges Earned
" If you read this book before you buy this book, you'd still buy this book and feel good about doing it. Informative and whimsical. Strikes just the right balance between instruction and entertainment. The concepts Mr. Urban elucidates are common sense (and therefore a rare prize in our mixed-up world), but presented with engaging sense of mystery and a narrative aplomb that will charm readers of all ages. A good read!"
B.A. -Colorado
Engaging
Lessons Learned/ Badges Earned
Lessons Learned/ Badges Earned
"Interesting and engages. It captivates the imagination from beginning to end. Great opportunity for discussion with my grand kids after they read the book. The nine questions provide a platform for teaching and learning. Excellent read."
S.J. -Colorado
(Retired School Teacher)
Check out the Professor Ponder Library of Mistakes
Mistakes are the curriculum.
Most kids' books teach lessons by having the hero get it right. Professor Ponder's Academy does something different — it celebrates the wrong turns, the second guesses, and the brave little decisions that don't quite work out. Because that's where real learning lives.
The series follows Leo and Lila, twins with completely opposite ways of making decisions, as they navigate a carnival, a bazaar, and a community where every "mistake" opens a door.
For curious readers ages 8–15.
Written by a dad who has seen this firsthand.
Zach Urban is a Colorado writer, civic leader, and father of two kids who could not be more different in how they make decisions. One leaps. One studies the leap from every angle and then leaps anyway. Professor Ponder's Academy grew out of years of watching them — and out of a quiet conviction that we don't talk to kids honestly enough about the value of getting it wrong.
The Magnificent Mistakes Playlist
The Persuasion Bazaar Playlist
The Choice Carnival Playlist
Contact Me
Questions or Comments?
You can send me a message or ask me a general question using this form.
I respond to all inquiries, eventually
Zachary Urban
Join My Reader List
Get 10% off your first purchase when you sign up for our newsletter!
This website uses cookies.
We use cookies to analyze website traffic and optimize your website experience. By accepting our use of cookies, your data will be aggregated with all other user data.