SUSAN STOCKDALE

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Author/Illustrator, 3506 Raymond Street, Chevy Chase, MD 20815; (301) 654-0292
E-mail:
susan@susanstockdale.com
Website: www.susanstockdale.com
Books:

Five picture books about nature:

Bring On the Birds (Peachtree Publishers, 2011) introduces young readers to both exotic and familiar birds in their natural habitats.

Fabulous Fishes (Peachtree Publishers, 2008) introduces young readers to both exotic and familiar fishes in their underwater home.

Carry Me! Animal Babies on the Move (Peachtree Publishers, 2005) explores how animals around the world carry their young.

Nature's Paintbrush: The Patterns and Colors Around You (Simon & Schuster, 1999) examines how pattern and color help plants and animals survive.
Some Sleep Standing Up (Simon & Schuster, 1996) shows children the many ways in which animals sleep.

Fee: $500 for one presentation and $150 for each additional presentation for local school visits; $700 for one presentation and $150 for each additional presentation for schools more than one hour from my home in Chevy Chase, MD. Fee for out-of-town engagement negotiable.
Availability: Grades K-5. Can be easily adapted for older students and adult audiences.
Features: Creating Nature Books for Children
My lively presentation introduces students to the many steps involved in writing and illustrating a nonfiction picture book and the fascinating world of animal behavior and nature, the themes of my books. Kids are awestruck when I show them thumbnail dummies, text drafts, illustration sketches, galleys, and proof sheets. They learn the difference between fiction and nonfiction when I describe research techniques, manuscript revisions, and the illustration process through visual props and a PowerPoint presentation. My goal is to leave students with a clear understanding of how a book is created as well as an eagerness to create one of their own. Students also learn amazing facts about nature, such as why a toucan waves its brilliant bill like a flag, why flower petals so often grow in a circle, and how the cichlid fish carries its babies.

Lunch with students and a book signing session can be easily added to school visits and add a wonderful dimension to the day.
Awards: Fabulous Fishes
  • Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children, National Science Teachers Association, 2009
  • Science Books & Films Best Book for Children, 2008
  • 2009 Baker's Dozen: The 13 Best Books for Family Literacy,  Pennsylvania Center for the Book
  • ReadBoston's Best Read Aloud Book Award finalist, 2009
  • Cybils Award finalist, 2008
  • Curators' Choice, Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of Natural History, 2008
  • 28th Society of Illustrators Original Art 2008 Exhibition and Original Art 2008-2009 Traveling Exhibition selection

Carry Me! Animal Babies on the Move

  • Parents' Choice Approved Award, 2005
  • Society of Illustrator's Original Art 2005 Exhibition
  • National Science Teachers Association Recommends, 2005
  • Best Children's Book of the Year, Bank Street College of Education, 2005

Nature's Paintbrush

  • Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children, National Science Teachers Association, 2000
  • Georgia Author of the Year Award Nominee, 2000
  • Best Children's Book of the Year, Bank Street College of Education, 2000
  • Society of School Librarians International Book Awards Honor, 1999

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