Children's Nonfiction Book Author - Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Dorothy Hinshaw Patent

Sharing the Amazing Natural World with Young Readers

Welcome to my Website!

My colleagues call me Nature’s Animal Ambassador. I love the title and this emblem, where I hold a baby Tasmanian devil in Australia while researching my book “Saving the Tasmanian Devil.” The National Science Teachers Association named it a Best STEM Book of the year.

My newest project is a free newsletter. Take a look-So far I’ve posted about visiting grizzly bears in Alaska and Tasmanian devils in Australia. Most recently is my story How I Became an Author. My path was very unusual! Check it out at A Quirky Nature Newsletter on Substack.com.

Enjoy Dorothy Patent’s Newsletter!

My newsletter is now live on Substack, where I recount my experiences as a born naturalist. As an author of books for kids, I've been able to have some very special experiences that tourists never encounter that I will share with you.

At Home with the Prairie Dog

At Home with the Prairie Dog tells how this appealing small animal is vital to the health of prairies. Its burrows provide refuge for other animals from beetles to rattlesnakes and burrowing owls. Altogether, 150 different kinds of animals have been found in and around prairie dog burrows!

The Lizard: Scientists Studying Evolution in Action

Scientists study related lizards in the Caribbeans to learn how evolution happens. Anole lizards evolved independently on different islands into similar species–bright green giants in the treetops. Sleek camouflaged speedsters in bushes and grasses, and more.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!