September 1, 2023 • 10 mins
Maria chats with Nat Geo Kids editor Christina Sauer (who really really loves horses) about the Nat Geo Kids book Can't Get Enough Horse Stuff!
Yes it's aimed at kids but there's lots you can learn about horses, plus fun facts that you probably don't know! And take the quiz to see what horse breed matches your personality!
Yes it's aimed at kids but there's lots you can learn about horses, plus fun facts that you probably don't know! And take the quiz to see what horse breed matches your personality!
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
(00:01):
It's Maria's MutS and Stuff. Whata great idea on iHeart Radio. Welcome
to Maria's MutS and Stuff and withme today. I'm very excited to speak
with National Geographic Kids editor Christina sourabout can't get enough horse stuff. So,
(00:22):
Christina, I'm so excited to talkto you about this beautiful book.
I am so excited to be hereyet. This is probably one of my
favorite books that National Geographic Kids hasdone for seven to ten year old all
about one of their favorite subjects.Yes, it's so funny. So I
mean, and you've probably edited somany different of Nazio Kids books. So
(00:46):
what is it about horses just likekids that makes you love them? Well,
I will say I'm a little biasedbecause I was absolutely that horse girl
as a kid. Huh. Ihad horses growing up. I wanted to
be a part of the Stattle Clubif you remember that. Sure, I
just loved them, and I feellike a lot of kids do. There's
(01:07):
something about horses that just resonates andconnects us. And they aren't very intuitive
creatures that we kind of feel like. Dog may be man's best friend,
but I really think horses are everyone. I think so too, I think,
and maybe also because it's funny yousay that because it's true, And
maybe it's because it's easier for usand for kids especially to have dogs,
(01:27):
but not everybody can have a horse, right, it's true, And the
fact that you can ride them andtake care of them, there's something this
nurturing aspect that goes both ways.Yeah, that's interesting. I never thought
of it like that. Like sometimesI tease my dog if somehow or other
there's like a horse, like amounted police officer on a horse, because
(01:48):
I live in the city and it'slike, hey, look, it's a
big dog, even though they're notlike big dogs, right, but they
are just as sweet. Sometimes youcan't kids, and I I don't mind
going to muggled by a horse,right, So how long did it take
for you to, like, forthis whole book to get together? Which,
by the way, I'm not donewith it yet because there are so
(02:10):
many, so many interesting facts andphotos and I'm trying trying to absorb it
all in even though I'm not betweenseven and ten. But how long?
So actually, it's also good foradults who like horses like me. But
how long did it take to putthe whole thing together and then to edit
it and like to get to yourfinal product. Absolutely. So yeah,
(02:31):
we like to say that we havea specific age range for these books,
but you're right, this is foranyone and you can literally just open it
up and learn something new on everypage. Yes, yes, So this
book honestly takes about two years.That's usually how long it takes to make
a book. And we had agreat team involved. So there's always an
(02:51):
editor who oversees all the different aspects, but we also have this phenomenal writer
his name is Neil Kavanaugh. Andthen we bring in an expert that's one
of the hallmarks from that Quo Kidsbooks. We always have somebody who's really
specialized in the field, and wehad Carrie Turner from the University of Georgia
who oversaw and gave us some feedback. I'm making sure everything was accurate.
(03:14):
We have a photo team that pullstogether all of these amazing photos. And
when I say amazing photos, thisbook is just peppered with every kind of
expression type of course, just reallyinteractive photography that makes this fun so much
fun, uh huh. And thenwe have and then we take it and
we bring it to our copy editors, making sure all the grammars right,
(03:37):
and then we're sending off and haven'tactually made into a physical book and sell
at your local bookstores, right right. I means it takes you know,
it's like that whole thing. Ittakes a village, but it does.
It takes a lot of people toput together this book. And I mean,
and it's so I like the factthat it's glossy and it's colorful,
and with all the different color likefonts and print, you know, I
(03:59):
mean, I can definitely see howit appeals to kids, but it really
does appeal to adults too, right. I'm sure you enjoyed going through it
the first time, you know,as soon as it was done right,
Honestly, even just the first page, I was already blown away because I
don't know about you, but Ialways thought that horses and ponies were different
creatures. They aren't at all.We immediately debunked that, and we say,
(04:24):
actually, a horse is a ponythere. It's just horses are over
fifty eight inches and ponies are underor as fifty eight inches. They both
come from the same species, whichis heckless calabus. So we teach kids
right off the front exactly. That'swhat you're about to learn so much.
That's true, It's true. Imean I, like I said, I
(04:45):
didn't finish it, but I hadno idea that the way horses eyes are
on the sides of their heads.And I found this to me is fascinating
that they, unlike us, theycan see two different images. Like if
one eye is looking at you approachingon the right, and say another horse
is approaching on the left, theycan see that in their brains two images,
(05:09):
right, is that? I mean, that's what I got out of
it, which is incredible, Likewow, how does that? How did
that happen? Right? Well?And it's so funny because you start to
learn, especially in this book,and we never spell it out exactly.
And I think that's the really funpart is we just scratch the surface here
and really provote gets to go andlearn more. Lots of games and it's
(05:29):
all experiential learning. But in thatcase, it's like wait why and you
start to learn Wait a minute,that's the difference sometimes between prey and predators,
Like yeah, as humans, wehave our eyes in front, we
only need to see one image becausewe're not scared about anyone attacking us from
the back, right, as manypredators aren't. But the prey they always
have to be aware or see thehorse's ears. They can go all the
(05:51):
way around and listen behind them,in front of them, and independently too.
Yeah, and who knew that,I mean other than you kind of
not thought that. But if yousee a horse moving its ears different and
you're like, oh, look atthat. But to actually like see it
and read about it and know likethat's a fact, it's true, it's
fascinating. I mean, I think, and I guess I can't wait to
(06:12):
finish reading it. And I'm suremy listeners for their kids or even for
themselves who like horses, which isprobably everybody. I don't think I know
anyone who dislikes a horse, right, it's just so perfect. So of
all the different I guess, andI want to say chapters, but it's
not more of sections. Do youhave a favorite section of the book?
(06:34):
You know, I am handling myinner child here, But I love our
personality quizzes personally. Okay, wehave two of them, and what we
did was purposely made them very aspirational. So one of them on you know,
seven ten year old are famous persaying, oh, what do I
want to be when I grow up? And they're trying to come up with
(06:54):
all of these like flower and bea farmer or a firefighter or a doctor.
And in this one, this isfor that kid who's like, I
love horses, but I don't knowwhat I can do with a horse unless
I'm a veterinarian. And here wego, Okay, take a personality quiz
and see what you are. Andfor me, I ended up being a
horse trainer if I wanted to bebased on my personality. So it teaches
(07:15):
kids a little bit about themselves.Sure also tells them, hey, there's
these other jobs. And then weeven I mean go so far as to
introduce them to experts in the horsefield, right, such as one who's
putting cave arts to find out oneis a history of horses, or a
woman who takes many horses to hospitalsto help dough therapy. It's incredible,
(07:35):
it is, It really is,and it's so funny because I can hear
the excitement about it in your voiceand it's so sincere. So I know
that you really loved putting this together. I could tell you. I'm so
ready for it to be. Ican't wait to see a child have it
in their hands because now that it'sfinally out, I'm like, now you
can read about it and get excitedtoo. Sure. I had the pleasure
(07:57):
of helping my mom with a littlegirl during the pandemic and helping raise her
and her horses, her thing.We just played and learned about horses the
whole time. And let me tellyou, I cannot wait to give her
this book because I'm like, justyou wait, there's even more facts that
we didn't even know and discovered follows. Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness.
(08:20):
She's gonna be so excited to seethis book. That's awesome. I
know it's awesome. And you know, you know, because kids, to
me are just pure honesty. Soyou know you're going to see the full
reaction for real, and you knowit's gonna be amazing because she's gonna love
it. Oh yeah. And thenshe's gonna want to play horses. Why
not? Oh yeah, that's true. And then you can you can actually
as an adult, play horses becauseyou're playing with a child, right,
(08:45):
It's too funny. So well,I do. I'm so excited to talk
to you about this book, Andlike I said, for my listeners to
pick it up, they can getit in any bookstore or at the National
Geographic website. Is that a placeas well? Absolutely? We also have
Shop Disney or anywhere where you buyyour books online. Okay. And for
(09:05):
you, what and I know whatis because I know you love doing horses.
What's your next project as an editor? There? Oh? You know,
I am all about historical projects.So I am right now looking for
the next big history's topic, whetherit's ancient Egypt or the Titanic or the
(09:26):
Holocaust. I really want to tella story of from survivors, right.
Oh yeah, that would be agood one. Okay, Well, good
luck with that. But thank youso much for all you did with this
because it's just I love it.Giddy up, let's go. Can't get
enough horse stuff. It's so perfect. So Christina Saur, thank you for
(09:46):
your time and for all of youreffort and energy. And I know that
you loved putting it together. AndI know anyone who picks this book up,
whether they're between seven and ten orthey're ninety five years old, they're
going to be fascinated with it.And honest sleep I didn't want to take
that personality quiz because I saw it, but I didn't take it, so
now I'm intrigued. So thank youso very much for your time. Thank
(10:09):
you, and make sure you tellme what you end up being. Of
course I will Operator Operator
It's Maria's MutS and Stuff. Whata great idea on iHeart Radio. Welcome
to Maria's MutS and Stuff and withme today. I'm very excited to speak
with National Geographic Kids editor Christina sourabout can't get enough horse stuff. So,
(00:22):
Christina, I'm so excited to talkto you about this beautiful book.
I am so excited to be hereyet. This is probably one of my
favorite books that National Geographic Kids hasdone for seven to ten year old all
about one of their favorite subjects.Yes, it's so funny. So I
mean, and you've probably edited somany different of Nazio Kids books. So
(00:46):
what is it about horses just likekids that makes you love them? Well,
I will say I'm a little biasedbecause I was absolutely that horse girl
as a kid. Huh. Ihad horses growing up. I wanted to
be a part of the Stattle Clubif you remember that. Sure, I
just loved them, and I feellike a lot of kids do. There's
(01:07):
something about horses that just resonates andconnects us. And they aren't very intuitive
creatures that we kind of feel like. Dog may be man's best friend,
but I really think horses are everyone. I think so too, I think,
and maybe also because it's funny yousay that because it's true, And
maybe it's because it's easier for usand for kids especially to have dogs,
(01:27):
but not everybody can have a horse, right, it's true, And the
fact that you can ride them andtake care of them, there's something this
nurturing aspect that goes both ways.Yeah, that's interesting. I never thought
of it like that. Like sometimesI tease my dog if somehow or other
there's like a horse, like amounted police officer on a horse, because
(01:48):
I live in the city and it'slike, hey, look, it's a
big dog, even though they're notlike big dogs, right, but they
are just as sweet. Sometimes youcan't kids, and I I don't mind
going to muggled by a horse,right, So how long did it take
for you to, like, forthis whole book to get together? Which,
by the way, I'm not donewith it yet because there are so
(02:10):
many, so many interesting facts andphotos and I'm trying trying to absorb it
all in even though I'm not betweenseven and ten. But how long?
So actually, it's also good foradults who like horses like me. But
how long did it take to putthe whole thing together and then to edit
it and like to get to yourfinal product. Absolutely. So yeah,
(02:31):
we like to say that we havea specific age range for these books,
but you're right, this is foranyone and you can literally just open it
up and learn something new on everypage. Yes, yes, So this
book honestly takes about two years.That's usually how long it takes to make
a book. And we had agreat team involved. So there's always an
(02:51):
editor who oversees all the different aspects, but we also have this phenomenal writer
his name is Neil Kavanaugh. Andthen we bring in an expert that's one
of the hallmarks from that Quo Kidsbooks. We always have somebody who's really
specialized in the field, and wehad Carrie Turner from the University of Georgia
who oversaw and gave us some feedback. I'm making sure everything was accurate.
(03:14):
We have a photo team that pullstogether all of these amazing photos. And
when I say amazing photos, thisbook is just peppered with every kind of
expression type of course, just reallyinteractive photography that makes this fun so much
fun, uh huh. And thenwe have and then we take it and
we bring it to our copy editors, making sure all the grammars right,
(03:37):
and then we're sending off and haven'tactually made into a physical book and sell
at your local bookstores, right right. I means it takes you know,
it's like that whole thing. Ittakes a village, but it does.
It takes a lot of people toput together this book. And I mean,
and it's so I like the factthat it's glossy and it's colorful,
and with all the different color likefonts and print, you know, I
(03:59):
mean, I can definitely see howit appeals to kids, but it really
does appeal to adults too, right. I'm sure you enjoyed going through it
the first time, you know,as soon as it was done right,
Honestly, even just the first page, I was already blown away because I
don't know about you, but Ialways thought that horses and ponies were different
creatures. They aren't at all.We immediately debunked that, and we say,
(04:24):
actually, a horse is a ponythere. It's just horses are over
fifty eight inches and ponies are underor as fifty eight inches. They both
come from the same species, whichis heckless calabus. So we teach kids
right off the front exactly. That'swhat you're about to learn so much.
That's true, It's true. Imean I, like I said, I
(04:45):
didn't finish it, but I hadno idea that the way horses eyes are
on the sides of their heads.And I found this to me is fascinating
that they, unlike us, theycan see two different images. Like if
one eye is looking at you approachingon the right, and say another horse
is approaching on the left, theycan see that in their brains two images,
(05:09):
right, is that? I mean, that's what I got out of
it, which is incredible, Likewow, how does that? How did
that happen? Right? Well?And it's so funny because you start to
learn, especially in this book,and we never spell it out exactly.
And I think that's the really funpart is we just scratch the surface here
and really provote gets to go andlearn more. Lots of games and it's
(05:29):
all experiential learning. But in thatcase, it's like wait why and you
start to learn Wait a minute,that's the difference sometimes between prey and predators,
Like yeah, as humans, wehave our eyes in front, we
only need to see one image becausewe're not scared about anyone attacking us from
the back, right, as manypredators aren't. But the prey they always
have to be aware or see thehorse's ears. They can go all the
(05:51):
way around and listen behind them,in front of them, and independently too.
Yeah, and who knew that,I mean other than you kind of
not thought that. But if yousee a horse moving its ears different and
you're like, oh, look atthat. But to actually like see it
and read about it and know likethat's a fact, it's true, it's
fascinating. I mean, I think, and I guess I can't wait to
(06:12):
finish reading it. And I'm suremy listeners for their kids or even for
themselves who like horses, which isprobably everybody. I don't think I know
anyone who dislikes a horse, right, it's just so perfect. So of
all the different I guess, andI want to say chapters, but it's
not more of sections. Do youhave a favorite section of the book?
(06:34):
You know, I am handling myinner child here, But I love our
personality quizzes personally. Okay, wehave two of them, and what we
did was purposely made them very aspirational. So one of them on you know,
seven ten year old are famous persaying, oh, what do I
want to be when I grow up? And they're trying to come up with
(06:54):
all of these like flower and bea farmer or a firefighter or a doctor.
And in this one, this isfor that kid who's like, I
love horses, but I don't knowwhat I can do with a horse unless
I'm a veterinarian. And here wego, Okay, take a personality quiz
and see what you are. Andfor me, I ended up being a
horse trainer if I wanted to bebased on my personality. So it teaches
(07:15):
kids a little bit about themselves.Sure also tells them, hey, there's
these other jobs. And then weeven I mean go so far as to
introduce them to experts in the horsefield, right, such as one who's
putting cave arts to find out oneis a history of horses, or a
woman who takes many horses to hospitalsto help dough therapy. It's incredible,
(07:35):
it is, It really is,and it's so funny because I can hear
the excitement about it in your voiceand it's so sincere. So I know
that you really loved putting this together. I could tell you. I'm so
ready for it to be. Ican't wait to see a child have it
in their hands because now that it'sfinally out, I'm like, now you
can read about it and get excitedtoo. Sure. I had the pleasure
(07:57):
of helping my mom with a littlegirl during the pandemic and helping raise her
and her horses, her thing.We just played and learned about horses the
whole time. And let me tellyou, I cannot wait to give her
this book because I'm like, justyou wait, there's even more facts that
we didn't even know and discovered follows. Oh my goodness, Oh my goodness.
(08:20):
She's gonna be so excited to seethis book. That's awesome. I
know it's awesome. And you know, you know, because kids, to
me are just pure honesty. Soyou know you're going to see the full
reaction for real, and you knowit's gonna be amazing because she's gonna love
it. Oh yeah. And thenshe's gonna want to play horses. Why
not? Oh yeah, that's true. And then you can you can actually
as an adult, play horses becauseyou're playing with a child, right,
(08:45):
It's too funny. So well,I do. I'm so excited to talk
to you about this book, Andlike I said, for my listeners to
pick it up, they can getit in any bookstore or at the National
Geographic website. Is that a placeas well? Absolutely? We also have
Shop Disney or anywhere where you buyyour books online. Okay. And for
(09:05):
you, what and I know whatis because I know you love doing horses.
What's your next project as an editor? There? Oh? You know,
I am all about historical projects.So I am right now looking for
the next big history's topic, whetherit's ancient Egypt or the Titanic or the
(09:26):
Holocaust. I really want to tella story of from survivors, right.
Oh yeah, that would be agood one. Okay, Well, good
luck with that. But thank youso much for all you did with this
because it's just I love it.Giddy up, let's go. Can't get
enough horse stuff. It's so perfect. So Christina Saur, thank you for
(09:46):
your time and for all of youreffort and energy. And I know that
you loved putting it together. AndI know anyone who picks this book up,
whether they're between seven and ten orthey're ninety five years old, they're
going to be fascinated with it.And honest sleep I didn't want to take
that personality quiz because I saw it, but I didn't take it, so
now I'm intrigued. So thank youso very much for your time. Thank
(10:09):
you, and make sure you tellme what you end up being. Of
course I will Operator Operator
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