Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Sharing the Amazing Natural World with Young Readers

Welcome to my Website!

I love Nature, and sharing my curiosity with my readers. iNK! my group of nonfiction authors has dubbed me Nature’s Animal Ambassador. I love the title and this emblem, where I”m holding a baby Tasmanian devil I met while in Australia researching my book “Saving the Tasmanian Devil.”

The natural world is so amazing that I wanted to share it with young readers. My career writing about Nature for young readers allows me to visit scientists and their fascinating subjects, like this young Tasmanian devil.

Sadly, my dear friend and founder of iNK Think Tank, Vicki Cobb, passed away on Jan. 7. See the link below for my story about Vicki and me.

I also teach online and help other writers improve their work through editing. I ran my first online course in October and will teach more in the future. If you need help with your writing, contact me to see if I can be of aid.

~ Enjoy, Dorothy

My Visit with Eclipse The Bus Riding Dog
Eclipse, the star of my book "Dog on Board: The True Story of Eclipse, the Bus Riding Dog,"  died in late October. I want to...
Read More "My Visit with Eclipse The Bus Riding Dog"
The Lizard Scientists–just published!
My new book "The Lizard Scientists: Studying Evolution in Action" is now published!  If your family loves reptiles or is fascinated by evolution, this book,...
Read More "The Lizard Scientists–just published!"
Pika Country: Climate Change at the Top of the World
This award-winning book tells about the unique pika, an appealing rabbit relative living high up in the cold, snowy Rockies.
Read More "Pika Country: Climate Change at the Top of the World"
At Home with the Beaver: The Story of a Keystone Species
This book's text and gorgeous photos show how beavers create an environment for thousands of living things. Their ponds become homes for microscopic life, fish, birds, turtles, and more.
Read More "At Home with the Beaver: The Story of a Keystone Species"
Saving the Tasmanian Devil
Learn how scientists are studying this unique species to help it survive an unusual kind of cancer that has been ravaging the Tasmanian devil populations. They study the genetics, ecology, and immunology of the devils to unravel the disease's secrets.
Read More "Saving the Tasmanian Devil"

Explore my site

Here are some pages on my site you might find interesting. Go ahead and explore.
Vicki Cobb’s Eulogy
Vicki Cobb, outstanding author on children's nonfiction books and Founder of iNK Think Tank, an organization of nonfiction writers for young readers, passed away on January 7, 2023. When she persuaded me to join her in founding iNk Think Tank, she revised my life.
Read More "Vicki Cobb’s Eulogy"
Homesteading: Settling America’s Heartland
Congress passed the Homestead Act in 1862, and President Abraham Lincoln signed it. Homesteaders had to build their home and plow at least 20 acres for crops to "prove up" the claim to get full ownership of the property. Then even the poor could own land if they worked hard enough.
Read More "Homesteading: Settling America’s Heartland"
Pigeons
When schools aren't open--no field trips, no biology classes-- nature-loving city kids don't need to feel deprived--they've got piegons!   They don't need to go that far to watch nature in action--the windowsill or sidewalk edging can show you wildlife in action, as pigeons forage for food and male pigeons display, strut, and coo in hopes of finding a mate.
Read More "Pigeons"
The Inspiration for “Dogs on Duty”
The inspiration for book topics can come in surprising ways. When U.S. Navy Seals Team Six killed El Quida leader Osama bin Laden, the crew included a military working dog. When people learned a dog was involved in the raid, they wanted to learn everything about it--what breed, gender, and what work such dogs do.
Read More "The Inspiration for “Dogs on Duty”"

Dorothy Hinshaw Patent, who writes Nature, animal, and history books books for young readers suggests a great learning resource.

She is an author for the Nonfiction Minute, which has has FREE online 400 word stories about fascinating science and history topics for students. Each week day a new post.  Each story also has a recording of the piece by the author and suggestions for further learning.  Take a look!