Tardigrades
Let’s talk about tardigrades. Also known as water bears, they are an average 1 mm in size. Yet despite their size, they are among the hardiest organisms on Earth. To start, this micro-animal has survived all five mass extinctions. Yes, … Continue reading
Grackles
Every year I anxiously await the return of meadowlarks to my area. For me they are a true sign that spring is actually coming. In the past couple weeks, I’ve been actively listening for them when I’m out on a … Continue reading
A Booklist Top 10!
BIODIVERSITY: Explore the Diversity of Life on Earth (Nomad Press, 2019) IS ON A TOP 10 LIST!!! Specifically, it is on the Booklist editors’ Top 10 Books on the Environment & Sustainability for Youth 2020. I couldn’t be happier. Not … Continue reading
Priceless
On November 27, 1995 Bill Watterson published this cartoon. Its message is as important today as it was over 20 years ago – maybe more so. Calvin may be known, in part, for being cynical, mischievous, and adventure seeking, but … Continue reading
World Whale Day
World whale day was actually yesterday, the third Sunday of February. But in my opinion, any day is a good day to celebrate whales. Whales are marvelous, mysterious, powerful, and highly intelligent creatures. They are mammals, like humans: they are … Continue reading
Antifreeze, Leaf Costumes, and Other Fabulous Fish Adaptations
With this blog I’ve reached the end of my cover reveal party. Antifreeze, Leaf Costumes, and Other Fabulous Fish Adaptations (Nomad Press, August 2020; illustrated by Katie Mazeika) is the last of the five picture books about animal adaptations coming … Continue reading
Water-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptile Adaptations
Cover reveal 4 of 5: Water-Walking, Sidewinding, and Other Remarkable Reptile Adaptations (Nomad Press, August 2020; illustrated by Katie Mazeika). I’ll be honest…I’m not much of a reptile fan. Or at least, I wasn’t. But, in researching these prehistoric creatures, I’ve … Continue reading
Sunscreen, Frogsicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations
The third of the five books in the adaptations picture book series is about amphibians – Sunscreen, Frogsicles, and Other Amazing Amphibian Adaptations (Nomad Press, August 2020; illustrated by Katie Mazeika). Amphibians are the evolutionary link between fish and land-dwelling … Continue reading
Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations
Today’s adaptations book cover reveal is for the bird book – Spit Nests, Puke Power, and Other Brilliant Bird Adaptations (Nomad Press, August 2020). I love birds, but researching this book made me appreciate them even more. I have always … Continue reading
Stink Fights, Earwax, and Other Marvelous Mammal Adaptations
Last year I was given the incredible honor of writing a series of five nonfiction picture books for Nomad Press about animal adaptations (they will be published in August 2020). I knew right away that I wanted to go beyond … Continue reading