This is the season for gift giving. Why not give a gift that educates as it entertains, builds language skills, and can be enjoyed over and over again? Books are always a great gift for any age.
Not Your Average Picture Book
What makes my picture books worthwhile? Immense amounts of scientific information are included within the rhyming text. In addition, each page is filled with bold, colorful illustrations. Sometimes, the books contain extra features, such as the photographs of real boas in Bahamian Boas: A Tabby Tale.
As a scientist, my first goal is to provide science to my readers. However, I enjoy the fact that my texts are also capable of increasing literacy and vocabulary, as well as stimulating an interest in poetry and enjoyment of reading. Of course, we mustn’t forget the special bond formed when an adult reads to a child.
Great for Children Ages 0-200
Sadly, as we grow older, our books include fewer and fewer illustrations. Shoppers often comment that they don’t have children to buy books for. However, my books are suitable for all ages. Everyone enjoys a great illustration, and the ones included in my titles are unique; they appeal to children without appearing ‘babyish’, and contain bits of humor that older kids and adults enjoy. I’m very fortunate to have incredibly talented artists, and their illustrations work with my words to enhance the reading experience.
You’ll find that in my books, I use scientific terminology and refuse to talk down to children. If a reader doesn’t immediately understand a word, it will become familiar with time. Some may consider them too advanced for younger children due to the terms used, but they are all explained in the storyline, often with additional information in a glossary. Despite the abundance of information, the repetition of the rhymes ensures that readers are not overwhelmed. These are picture books, after all. They absolutely may be read before bed.
Teaching Empathy and Compassion
I truly hope that through my books, people will gain compassion for animals that they might disregard and fear. Perhaps, through that compassion, they’ll be able to raise the level of empathy in the world and contribute to better treatment of the animals in our world.
My Most Popular Books
A variety of picture books are currently available. Many were written with the Sonoran Desert in mind, although they are appropriate for other regions of North America and the world. Below are but a few options:
Myrtle the Tortoise helps explain the differences between turtles and tortoises. There are more than you realize!
Roadrunners are fascinating birds who prefer to run instead of fly!
The truth about rattlesnakes just might replace fear with respect.
Queen of the Night: Night-blooming Cereus
This Sonoran Desert native is astonishing in that all the flowers bloom in one night, all together for one night only! How do they all know when bloom night is?
Squirrels of the Sonoran Desert
I didn’t realize that the chipmunk and tree squirrels in my backyard are ground squirrels. Learn why these desert-adapted rodents are so important to the ecosystem.
To combat discrimination against snakes in The Bahamas, similar to that seen against rattlers, I wrote this book. It includes photographs taken by scientists in the field.
Silent Rocks: Iguanas of Cayman Brac
The first picture book I wrote for the Cayman Islands is a call-to-action to save the endemic rock iguana, the Sister Isle Rock Iguana, Cyclura nubila caymanensis.
People confuse freshwater turtles with sea turtles, with tragic results. Native freshwater hickatees are often thrown in the ocean as if they sea turtles!
Can’t Quite Choose?
If you’re unsure as to which books may be right for your family, feel free to contact me. Remember – picture books are appropriate for everyone. What you read in the privacy of your own home is your own business, so enjoy a picture book!
