The Lizard Scientists reviewed in The Horn Book magazine
The Horn Book magazine review of The Lizard Scientists mentions the “easily understandable” text and high-quality photos.
I love sharing fascinating information about the amazing world we live in with readers, especially children. When i was young, the natural world intrigued me, and I spent hours outside, chasing butterflies, catching tadpoles, and hunting for salamanders. Riding horses, hiking with my cocker spaniel Buffy–interacting with the animals that live with us also fed me. So sharing my curiosity and knowledge through writing is a natural outcome for a person like me–and in this section you can learn about the books I’ve written and what I’ve learned. Enjoy!
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 share more about my visit with Eclipse and Jeff, her person. Eclipse was a very patient dog. When Jeff and I sat to have coffee …
Dog on Board: The True Story of Eclipse, the Bus-Riding Dog
ISBN13: 9780399549885 ISBN10: 0399549889 Publisher: Crown Books for Young Readers, January 2016 Eclipse, Seattle’s bus riding dog, died in her sleep in late October. She had been sick, and she was old after a busy and happy life with her person Jeff. My book, Dog on Board, tells her story. Take a look for …
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, illustrated by abundant photos, is for you. You’ll be amazed to read how scientists studying lizards on Caribbean islands are discovering how quickly these resilient …
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.
When the Wolves Returned: Restoring Nature’s Balance in Yellowstone
In 1995 wolves were brought back to the Yellowstone ecosystem after an absence of about 70 years. Since then, the wolves have thrived, and the ecosystem has continued to become more diverse as other keystone species such beavers are returning and adding new habitat for a huge variety of living things.
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.
Garden of the Spirit Bear
Artist Deborah Milton and I traveled to the wild islands of British Columbia to experience the habitat and life of the Kermode bear, a rare subspecies of the American black bear that often produces creamy white cubs. They are not albino; their eyes and skin are dark. This rarity lives only in this temperate rainforest.
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.