Markle, Sandra L. 1946–

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Markle, Sandra L. 1946–

(Sandra Lee Markle)

Personal

Born November 10, 1946, in Fostoria, OH; daughter of Robert (a general foreman) and Dorothy (a secretary) Haldeman; immigrated to New Zealand; married William Markle (a programmer/analyst), August 10, 1968; children: Scott, Holly. Education: Bowling Green State University, B.S. (magna cum laude), 1968; graduate study at Ohio University, 1970-71, and University of North Carolina, 1973-74.

Addresses

Home—Amberley, New Zealand.

Career

Nonfiction author and curriculum designer. Teacher at elementary schools in Woodville, OH, 1968-69, Athens, OH, 1969-71, and Asheville, NC, 1971-79; Chapel Hill Middle School, Douglasville, GA, science teacher, 1979-80. CompuQuest, Inc., Bartlett, IL, founder, 1997, and director of Kit & Kaboodle curriculum pilot, 1997-99; freelance writer, beginning 1980. Developer of online learning programs, including On-line Expedition: Antarctica and On-line Expedition: New Zealand. Presenter at teacher workshops and science assembly programs; science consultant for publishers and educational television. Presenter and scriptwriter for television series, including Science Shop, WLOS-TV, 1978, and Ms. Whiz, WANX-TV, 1979-80; planner of television specials. Participant, Authors and Artist Program in Antarctica, National Science Foundation, 1996, 1998-99.

Member

Authors Guild, National Association of Science Writers.

Awards, Honors

Outstanding Book selection, National Science Teachers Association, for Exploring Winter; Pick of the List selection, American Booksellers Association, 1991, for

Outside and inside You, 1995, for Outside and inside Snakes, and 1997, for Outside and inside Bats; Best Books selection, National Council of Teachers of English, and Children's Book of the Year selection, Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College of Education, both 1993, both for Outside and inside Trees; Young Adults Choice designation, International Reading Association, 1994, and Society of School Librarians International Honor Book designation, 1998, both for The Fledglings; Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children designation, National Science Teachers Association/Children's Book Council, 1995, for Outside and inside Spiders, Outside and inside Birds, and Science to the Rescue, 1999, for Outside and inside Kangaroos, and 2003, for Growing up Wild: Penguins; Notable Books selection, American Library Association, 1995, for Outside and inside Birds; Best of Children's Nonfiction designation, Georgia Author of the Year Awards, 1997, for Discovering Graph Secrets, 1998, for Outside and inside Bats, 1999, for Outside and inside Alligators, and 2000, for Outside and inside Kangaroos; Women of the Year selection, Women in Technology International, 1999; Parents' Choice recommended book, 2000, for Down, down, down in the Ocean; Children's Book of the Year selection, Bank Street College of Education, 2002, for Growing up Wild: Wolves; Boston Globe/Horn Book Honor Book award, 2006, for A Mother's Journey.

Writings

NONFICTION

Kids' Computer Capers: Investigations for Beginners, illustrated by Stella Ormai, Lothrop (New York, NY), 1983.

The Programmer's Guide to the Galaxy, illustrated by Stella Ormai, Lothrop (New York, NY), 1984.

(And illustrator; with husband, William Markle) In Search of Graphics: Adventures in Computer Art, Lothrop (New York, NY), 1984.

(And illustrator) Digging Deeper: Investigations into Rocks, Shocks, Quakes, and Other Earthy Matters, Lothrop (New York, NY), 1987.

(And illustrator) Science Mini-Mysteries, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1988.

(And illustrator) Power Up: Experiments, Puzzles, and Games Exploring Electricity, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1989.

The Young Scientists' Guide to Successful Science Projects, Lothrop (New York, NY), 1990.

Earth Alive!, Lothrop (New York, NY), 1991.

(And illustrator) The Kids' Earth Handbook, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1991.

Discovering Science Secrets, Scholastic/Lucky (New York, NY), 1992.

Discovering More Science Secrets, Scholastic/Lucky (New York, NY), 1992.

Science in a Bag, Scholastic/Lucky (New York, NY), 1993.

(And illustrator) Math Mini-Mysteries, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1993.

A Rainy Day, illustrated by Cathy Johnson, Orchard Books (New York, NY), 1993.

Science: Just Add Salt, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1994.

Science to the Rescue, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1994.

Science in a Bottle, illustrated by June Otani, Scholastic/Lucky (New York, NY), 1995.

Measuring Up: Experiments, Puzzles, and Games Exploring Measurement, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1995.

What Happens Next?, Longstreet Press (Atlanta, GA), 1995.

What Happens Next? Two, Longstreet Press (Atlanta, GA), 1996.

Creepy, Crawly Baby Bugs, Walker (New York, NY), 1996.

Creepy, Spooky Science, illustrated by Cecile Schoberle, Hyperion (New York, NY), 1996.

Icky, Squishy Science, Hyperion (New York, NY), 1996.

Science Surprises, Scholastic/Lucky (New York, NY), 1996.

Still More What Happens Next?, Longstreet Press (Atlanta, GA), 1996.

A Hole in the Sky: Investigating the Ozone Problem, Sierra Club, 1997.

Discovering Graph Secrets: Experiments, Puzzles, and Games Exploring Graphs, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1997.

Super Science Secrets: Exploring Nature through Games, Puzzles, and Activities, Longstreet (Atlanta, GA), 1997.

Gone Forever! An Alphabet of Extinct Animals, illustrated by Felipe Dávalos, Simon & Schuster (New York, NY), 1998.

Windy Weather Science, Scholastic/Lucky (New York, NY), 1998.

Weird, Wacky Science, Hyperion (New York, NY), 1998.

Super Cool Science: South Pole Stations Past, Present, Future, Walker (New York, NY), 1998.

Down, down, down in the Ocean, illustrated by Bob Marstall, Walker (New York, NY), 1999.

After the Spill: The Exxon Valdez Disaster, Then and Now, Walker (New York, NY), 1999.

Super Science Magic, illustrated by Jamie Smith, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2001.

Really Wild Animals: Sea Babies, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002.

Can You Believe?: Insects, illustrated by Jo-Ellen C. Bosson, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002.

Can You Believe?: Hurricanes, illustrated by Jo-Ellen C. Bosson, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002.

Can You Believe?: Volcanoes, illustrated by Jo-Ellen C. Bosson, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002.

Amazing Human Body, illustrated by Jo-Ellen C. Bosson, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002.

Amazing Earth: Earthquakes, illustrated by Jo-Ellen C. Bosson, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2002.

Predators, illustrated by Jo-Ellen C. Bosson, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2003.

Grow a Giant Beanstalk, and Fifteen More Amazing Plant Projects, illustrated by Eric Brace, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2003.

Build a Room Alarm, and Sixteen More Electrifying Projects, illustrated by Eric Brace, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2003.

Build a Rocket Boat, and Eighteen More Wild Wind Projects, illustrated by Eric Brace, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2003.

Make Fake Blood, and Eighteen More Spooky Special Effects, illustrated by Eric Brace, Scholastic (New York, NY), 2004.

Spiders: Biggest! Littlest!, photographs by Simon Polard, Boyds Mills Press (Honesdale, PA), 2004.

Snakes: Biggest! Littlest!, photographs by Simon Polard, Boyds Mills Press (Honesdale, PA), 2004.

Rescues, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2005.

Chocolate: A Sweet History, illustrated by Charise Mericle Harper, Grosset & Dunlap (New York, NY), 2005.

Family Science, J. Wiley (Hoboken, NJ), 2005.

A Mother's Journey, illustrated by Alan Marks, Charlesbridge (Watertown, MA), 2005.

Little Lost Bat, illustrated by Alan Marks, Charlesbridge (Watertown, MA), 2006.

Slippery, Slimy Baby Frogs, Walker (New York, NY), 2006.

Tough, Toothy Baby Sharks, Walker (New York, NY), 2007.

Animals Christopher Columbus Saw, Chronicle Books (San Francisco, CA), 2008.

Animals Robert Scott Saw: An Adventure in Anarctica, illustrated by Phil, Chronicle Books (San Francisco, CA), 2008.

Finding Home, illustrated by Alan Marks, Charlesbridge (Watertown, MA), 2008.

"SEASON OF SCIENCE" SERIES; SELF-ILLUSTRATED

Exploring Winter, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1984.

Exploring Summer, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1987.

Exploring Spring, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1990.

Exploring Autumn, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1991.

"OUTSIDE AND INSIDE" SERIES

Outside and inside You, Simon & Schuster (New York, NY), 1991.

Outside and inside Trees, Simon & Schuster (New York, NY), 1993.

Outside and inside Spiders, Simon & Schuster (New York, NY), 1994.

Outside and inside Birds, Simon & Schuster (New York, NY), 1994.

Outside and inside Snakes, Simon & Schuster (New York, NY), 1995.

Outside and inside Sharks, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1996.

Outside and inside Bats, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1997.

Outside and inside Alligators, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1998.

Outside and inside Kangaroos, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1999.

Outside and inside Dinosaurs, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2000.

Outside and inside Rats and Mice, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2001.

Outside and inside Big Cats, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2002.

Outside and inside Giant Squids, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2003.

Outside and inside Killer Bees, Walker (New York, NY), 2004.

Outside and inside Mummies, Walker (New York, NY), 2005.

Outside and inside Woolly Mammoths, Walker (New York, NY), 2007.

"PIONEERING" SERIES

Pioneering Space, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1992.

Pioneering Ocean Depths, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1995.

Pioneering Frozen Worlds: Polar Region Exploration, Atheneum (New York, NY), 1996.

"GROWING UP WILD" SERIES

Growing up Wild: Bears, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2000.

Growing up Wild: Wolves, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2001.

Growing up Wild: Penguins, Atheneum (New York, NY), 2002.

"ANIMAL PREDATORS" SERIES

Polar Bears, Carolrhoda Books (Minneapolis, MN), 2004.

Owls, Carolrhoda Books (Minneapolis, MN), 2004.

Lions, Carolrhoda Books (Minneapolis, MN), 2004.

Killer Whales, Carolrhoda Books (Minneapolis, MN), 2004.

Great White Sharks, Carolrhoda Books (Minneapolis, MN), 2004.

Crocodiles, Carolrhoda Books (Minneapolis, MN), 2004.

Wolves, Carolrhoda Books (Minneapolis, MN), 2004.

"ANIMAL SCAVENGERS" SERIES

Army Ants, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2005.

Hyenas, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2005.

Jackals, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2005.

Tasmanian Devils, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2005.

Vultures, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2005.

Wolverines, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2005.

"ANIMAL PREY" SERIES

Skunks, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2007.

Zebras, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2007.

Musk Oxen, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2007.

Octopuses, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2007.

Porcupines, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2007.

Prairie Dogs, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2007.

"INSECT WORLD" SERIES

Diving Beetles: Underwater Insect Predators, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2008.

Hornets: Incredible Insect Architects, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2008.

Locusts: Insects on the Move, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2008.

Luna Moths: Masters of Change, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2008.

Mosquitoes: Tiny Insect Troublemakers, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2008.

Praying Mantises: Hungry Insect Heroes, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2008.

Stick Insects: Masters of Defense, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2008.

Termites: Hard-working Insect Families, Lerner (Minneapolis, MN), 2008.

OTHER

Primary Science Sampler, Learning Works, 1980.

Science Sampler, Learning Works, 1980.

Computer Tutor: An Introduction to Computers, illustrated by Bev Armstrong, Learning Works, 1981.

Computer Tutor Junior, illustrated by Bev Armstrong, Learning Works, 1982.

Weather/Electricity/Environmental Investigations, Learning Works, 1982.

The Fledglings (young adult novel), Bantam (New York, NY), 1992.

Author of books for instructors, including Instructor's Big Book of Health and Safety, 1985; Hands-on Science, 1988; and Creative Science Classrooms, 1991. Also author of monthly columns "Natural Wonder Notebook," in Instructor, and "The Learning Center," in Teaching and Computers. Contributing editor, Teaching and Computers, 1983—. Contributor to magazines, including Cricket, Highlights for Children, Jack and Jill, Ranger Rick, 3-2-1 Contact, Woman's Day, Macintosh Buyer's Guide, PC World, Early Childhood Teacher, Classworks, Big, Parenting, Family Fun, Instructor, National Geographic for Kids, Time for Kids, and Learning.

Sidelights

Sandra L. Markle, who once worked as a science teacher in the United States, now devotes much of her time to creating science books for children from her new home in New Zealand. With books on animals, science experiments, computers, exploration, geology, and other specific topics to her credit, Markle has also become a sought-after science education consultant through her company CompuQuest, Inc. "Few writers have quite the handle Markle does on how kids think about science," wrote a Kirkus Reviews critic in a review of Icky, Squishy Science. In Outside and inside Woolly Mammoths, an installment of one of the many book series she has created, "Markle works her magic on the topic," according to Horn Book contributor Danielle J. Ford. The author "is perfectly attuned to her elementary-age audience," the impressed critic continued, "employing a friendly tone and style, asking interesting questions to prompt further discussion, and making helpful references" that connect her prehistoric subject to the far-more-familiar elephant.

Critics have identified more than one reason for Markle's success as a science writer for children. Foremost, she carefully pairs science with fiction. In Little Lost Bat, for example, her profile of one of the world's largest bat colonies—in this case a colony of Mexican free-tail bats living in a Texas cave—is couched within the simple story of a bat's daily life during the first few months after birth. Noting that Markle's focus on the "motherly connection" is something even young children can relate to, Horn Book contributor Caitlin J. Berry cited the picture book for providing "a fascinating glimpse of a truly exquisite creature of the night." Praised as a "sparkling introduction to … our planet's most challenging environment" by Horn Book critic Mary Beth Dunhouse, Markle's award-winning A Mother's Journey introduces a female Antarctic emperor penguin as she gathers food for her young. Turning to technology, The Programmer's Guide to the Galaxy frames instruction about computer BASIC programming within an adventure story, an effort that R. Scott Grabinger lauded in Voice of Youth Advocates as "fun," "instructional," and an "excellent book for beginning and intermediate BASIC programmers."

Second, Markle writes about science in a lucid, straightforward manner. Reviewing Digging Deeper: Investigations into Rocks, Shocks, Quakes, and Other Earthy Matters, which educates children about geography while showing them how to construct volcanoes and conduct other projects, Beth Ames Herbert commented in Booklist that "Markle's lighthanded touch makes even technical jargon unintimidating." In A Rainy Day she explains such question-prompting things as how a cloud forms and why umbrellas are shaped the way they are. Janice Del Negro remarked in Booklist that A Rainy Day uses "a picture book format with strong visual narrative." Finally, in books like Icky Squishy Science and Creepy, Spooky Science, Markle encourages children to learn about science as they do something they love: get their hands dirty.

Markle's love of science is infectious, and it is this fact that makes her books so effective. She once told SATA, "I can't believe the opportunities writing provides me! … I was able to travel to the South Pole—something I'd always dreamed of doing—and was transported by helicopter to spend a few hours as the only human in the midst of a penguin rookery. I've also spent a few days behind the scenes with the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus, been up in the Good Year Blimp, and lots more. Each new project brings new adventures. I always think of myself as the eyes and ears and fingers of all the young readers that will eventually be sharing my experiences through my books and magazine articles."

Many of Markle's books are published in series or thematically related groups. The "Outside and inside" series provides children with a scientific understanding of some of their favorite plants and creatures, and incorporates color photos as well as glossaries, indexes, and pronunciation guides. Outside and inside Sharks, for example, explains how a shark's body works to make it a good hunter. Outside and inside Snakes, which, according to School Library Journal critic Karey Wehner, is a "remarkably perceptive introduction to the ever-fascinating slitherer," discusses the anatomy, bodily functions, habits, and life cycle of the snake. "Succinctly written," as Wehner explained in School Library Journal, Outside and inside Spiders "offers more detail on body functions than is currently available in other books." Booklist critic Chris Sherman described Outside and inside Birds as an "introduction to avian anatomy" that "will fascinate browsers," while a Kirkus Reviews critic asserted that young readers will "be captivated by [Markle's] … clear and detailed discus-

sion" of everything to do with rodents in Outside and inside Rats and Mice. Citing Outside and inside Kangaroos for particular praise, an Appraisal contributor noted that this book, like others in the series, "is full of intriguing science details and questions which encourage the reader to predict the reasons for adaptations and habits."

One of the "Outside and inside" books takes a look at a familiar creature: the healthy human child. Outside and inside You includes questions, suggestions, answers, and comparisons illustrated with close-up photos, X-rays, and computer-generated images that provide young readers with the opportunity to understand their bodies, right down to the skin, muscles, bones, and major organs. Stephanie Zvirin, writing in Booklist, described Markle's text as "accessible," commenting that the author's "clear explanations are rooted in children's everyday experience." In a twist on the subject that most children will find intriguing, Outside and inside Mummies also focuses on the human body, but in this case the bodies in question are ancient ones that have endured ritualistic burial for thousands of years. Featuring information about X-rays, carbon dating, and the forensic techniques used in studying mummies, Markle also "effectively supports scientific thinking by applying children's curiosity about mummies to their own lives," observed Ford in Horn Book. The book concludes with a home-mummification project, fortunately involving a piece of fruit rather than a creature of skin and bone!

Another group of books by Markle that focuses on animals is the "Growing up Wild" series, which includes Growing up Wild: Bears. In this series, which is designed for readers in grades two to four, full-color photographs accompany a clearly written text that describes the life of several species. In Growing up Wild: Bears, readers meet a day-old black bear cub, two young polar bears, and young grizzlies fishing for salmon. The volume on wolves describes the challenges a young wolf must overcome to reach its first birthday and also explains life in a wolf pack, where play and sleep are balanced with hunting and learning to identify predators. Markle presents Growing up Wild: Wolves through the eyes of the young animals, "an appealing angle that makes use of the experiences of young readers," according to a Horn Book contributor. Praising the same volume in Kirkus Reviews, a critic noted that Markle's selection of facts is "perfectly designed to interest young readers," going on to remark that the author adds "intimate details" aimed to "astonish and intrigue" young imaginations.

In Growing up Wild: Penguins, as in Growing up Wild: Wolves, Markle does not hide the fact that life in the wild is harsh and survival is not guaranteed, a fact that Horn Book contributor Danielle J. Ford claimed make the books noteworthy. Ford found "an element of tension" runs through Growing up Wild: Penguins due to the fact that the Adelie penguin chicks are constantly hunted by shore birds. Booklist contributor Kay Weisman commended Markle for her "clearly written, succinct text" and her "especially detailed picture of the [penguin's] infancy period."

Markle's "Pioneering" books allow children to witness the scientific exploration of far away worlds and encourage them to use their own scientific skills. In Pioneering Frozen Worlds: Polar Region Exploration, she follows scientists working in the North and South Poles and explains how they live and work. She describes the experiments the scientists are conducting and includes notes and suggestions for minor experiments that can help children better understand the rugged climate. Pioneering Space tells about space travel, space equipment, and future space colonization. It provides instructions for two experiments (one on rocket power and another on hydroponics systems). "This timely, attractively illustrated treatment of space exploration will excite young readers," Margaret M. Hagel commented in School Library Journal.

The "Season of Science" series, which is illustrated with Markle's own line drawings, explains seasonal changes as well as traditional seasonal activities. The books provide a variety of lessons, science experiments, crafts, and games for children. A number of historical facts, mythical stories, riddles, and jokes are also included. Exploring Spring, for example, shows readers how to identify flowers and teaches them about egg development. Gayle Berge explained in School Library Journal that Exploring Summer could "provide an entire summer of … growing in scientific knowledge." "The number of winter tidbits assembled here is amazing," School Library Journal contributor Jeffrey A. French wrote in a review of Exploring Winter. These seasonal books are designed to make learning fun, and Markle's style reflects this. As Hazel Rochman pointed out in her Booklist review of Exploring Autumn, "Markle isn't afraid to be lyrical … or silly."

Other series by Markle include her "Animal Predator," "Animal Prey," and "Animal Scavenger" series, as well as her "Insect World" titles, such as Diving Beetles: Underwater Insect Predators, Hornets: Incredible Insect Architects, Luna Moths: Masters of Change, and Praying Mantises: Hungry Insect Heroes. The "Animal Prey" books are particularly unique; in volumes that include Musk Oxen, Porcupines, and Octopuses, the author focuses on the creature's behavior as both predator and prey and how nature has provided the means to ward off or otherwise discourage creatures that pose a significant and frequent threat. Praising the "Animal Scavenger" books, which include Vultures, Hyenas, Army Ants, and Tasmanian Devils, Rochman commented in Booklist that each book's "astonishing color photos of action in the wild share space with [the] clear, dramatic zoological facts and connections" set forth in Markle's text.

In 1989, an oil tanker named the Exxon Valdez crashed near Prince William Sound, Alaska, spilling thousands of gallons of oil into the water and creating an ecological disaster for the region's wildlife. In After the Spill: The Exxon Valdez Disaster, Then and Now, Markle returns readers to the scene of the accident ten years later and studies the aftereffects. Dividing the book into several sections, she explains how local birds, fish, and otters fared, examines the economic impact to the area, and lists new regulations that have been implemented to prevent such a catastrophe from occurring again. An Appraisal reviewer commended the "wealth of practical experience" Markle brings to her task and praised the author for being able "to anticipate the questions and interests of her readers." Citing its "child-friendly format, and attractive photos," School Library Journal reviewer Dawn Amsberry commended the "clear, journalistic style" of After the Spill, while Deborah Stevenson maintained in the Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books that the photo-filled volume will give readers an enhanced "understanding of the different kinds of impact such an event can have."

Although most of Markle's books are nonfiction, she is also the author of an award-winning novel titled The Fledglings. In this story, Kate's mother is killed by a drunk driver, leaving the fourteen-year-old protagonist an orphan. Facing the prospect of living with the family of her disagreeable uncle and aunt, she then learns that her paternal grandfather is still alive. Although this grandfather has refused to care for her, Kate runs away to Cherokee, North Carolina, to find him. At first, her grandfather does not welcome her. Gradually, however, Kate earns his trust and comes to learn about her Cherokee heritage and life in the forest. In addition, she helps fight illegal poaching and cares for a fledgling eagle. Kate's resilience prompted a Publishers Weekly reviewer to praise her "pluck and resourcefulness in daunting surroundings," the critic going on to dub The Fledglings "fun to read."

Markle has not focused her talents solely on written text. She has also worked on television programs for many years and has also moved into cyberspace through an online science curriculum she has developed. "I've been communicating via the Internet and my special project called Online Expeditions," she once told SATA. "The Internet is perfect for me because now I'm able to share what's happening in real time—including digitized pictures—even from places as remote as an icebreaker in the middle of the Ross Sea off the coast of Antarctica."

Biographical and Critical Sources

PERIODICALS

American Scientist, November-December, 1997, Cynthia Harris, review of Icky, Squishy Science, p. 557.

Appraisal, spring-summer-fall, 2000, review of After the Spill: The Exxon Valdez Disaster, Then and Now, pp. 68-69, and Outside and inside Kangaroos, pp. 69-70.

Booklist, December 15, 1987, Beth Ames Herbert, review of Digging Deeper: Investigations into Rocks, Shocks, Quakes, and Other Earthy Matters, pp. 710-711; March 15, 1991, Stephanie Zvirin, review of Outside and inside You, p. 1494; November 1, 1991, Hazel Rochman, review of Exploring Autumn, p. 514; March 1, 1993, Janice Del Negro, review of A Rainy Day, p. 1233; November 1, 1994, Chris Sherman, review of Outside and inside Birds, p. 504; October 1, 1997, Sally Estes, review of Outside and inside Bats, p. 320; March 15, 1998, Carolyn Phelan, review of Super Cool Science, p. 1238; June 1, 1998, Kathleen Squires, review of Gone Forever!, p. 1722; December 1, 1998, Helen Rosenberg, review of Outside and inside Alligators, p. 681; August, 1999, Carolyn Phelan, review of After the Spill, p. 2054; January 1, 2000, Shelle Rosenfeld, review of Outside and inside Kangaroos, p. 914; May 15, 2000, Ellen Mandel, review of Growing up Wild: Bears, p. 1746; December 1, 2000, Carolyn Phelan, review of Outside and inside Dinosaurs, p. 702; April 1, 2001, Carolyn Phelan, review of Growing up Wild: Wolves, p. 1462; September 15, 2001, Shelle Townsend-Hudson, review of Outside and inside Rats and Mice, p. 220; December 15, 2001, Kay Weisman, review of Growing up Wild: Penguins, p. 728; September 15, 2003, Terry Glover, review of Outside and inside Giant Squids, p. 233; October 1, 2003, Lauren Peterson, review of Outside and inside Big Cats, p. 314; September 1, 2005, Julie Cummins, review of A Mother's Journey, p. 138; September 15, 2005, Ilene Cooper, review of Outside and Inside Mummies, p. 60; December 1, 2005, Hazel Rochman, review of Vultures, p. 61; May 1, 2006, Hazel Rochman, review of Slippery, Slimy Baby Frogs, p. 83; June 1, 2006, Hazel Rochman, review of Little Lost Bat, p. 74; April 1, 2006, Hazel Rochman, review of Rescues!, p. 43.

Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books, April, 1998, Deborah Stevenson, review of Super Cool Science, p. 288; July, 1999, Deborah Stevenson, review of After the Spill, pp. 395-396; June, 2006, Elizabeth Bush, review of Rescues!, p. 462.

Horn Book, January-February, 1998, Elizabeth S. Watson, review of Outside and inside Bats, p. 93; November, 1999, Marilyn Bousquin, review of Outside and inside Kangaroos, p. 759; September, 2000, review of Outside and inside Dinosaurs, p. 597; March, 2001, review of Growing up Wild: Wolves, p. 231; September, 2001, review of Outside and inside Rats and Mice, p. 612; May-June, 2002, Danielle J. Ford, review of Growing up Wild: Penguins, p. 347; July-August, 2003, Danielle J. Ford, review of Outside and inside Big Cats, p. 482; July-August, 2005, Margaret A. Bush, review of A Mother's Journey, p. 487; September-October, 2005, Danielle J. Ford, review of Outside and inside Mummies, p. 604; July-August, 2006, Caitlin J. Berry, review of Little Lost Bat, p. 465; January-February, 2007, Mary Beth Dunhouse, review of A Mother's Journey, p. 24; July-August, 2007, Danielle J. Ford, review of Outside and inside Woolly Mammoths, p. 414.

Kirkus Reviews, March 15, 1994, review of Outside and inside Spiders, p. 399; April 18, 1996, review of Icky Squishy Science, p. 230; January, 1998, review of Gone Forever!, p. 115; February 15, 2001, review of Growing up Wild: Wolves, p. 262; August 1, 2001, review of Outside and inside Rats and Mice, p. 1128; November 15, 2001, review of Growing up Wild: Penguins, p. 1613; June 1, 2003, review of Outside and inside Big Cats, p. 807; August 1, 2005, review of Outside and inside Mummies, p. 854; April 1, 2006, review of Slippery, Slimy Baby Frogs, p. 351.

Publishers Weekly, June 8, 1992, review of The Fledglings, p. 64; August 7, 2006, review of Little Lost Bat, p. 58.

Reading Teacher, May, 2002, review of Outside and inside Dinosaurs, p. 782.

School Library Journal, November, 1984, Jeffrey A. French, review of Exploring Winter, p. 126; April, 1987, Gayle Berge, review of Exploring Summer, p. 100; February, 1993, Margaret M. Hagel, review of Pioneering Space, p. 101; June, 1994, Karey Wehner, review of Outside and inside Spiders, p. 141; June, 1995, Karey Wehner, review of Outside and inside Snakes, p. 122; March, 1996, Melissa Hudak, review of Outside and inside Sharks, p. 212; April, 1997, Karey Wehner, review of Creepy, Crawly Baby Bugs, p. 128; July, 1997, Kathryn Kosiorek, review of Science Surprises, p. 85; September, 1997, Cynthia M. Sturgis, review of Super Science Secrets, p. 206; November, 1997, Margaret Bush, review of Outside and inside Bats, pp. 130, 132; March, 1998, Jody McCoy, review of Discovering Graph Secrets, p. 236; April, 1998, John Peters, review of Super Cool Science, p. 120; May, 1998, Marilyn Payne Phillips, review of Gone Forever!, p. 134; November, 1998, Anne Chapman Callaghan, review of Outside and inside Alligators, pp. 107-108; September, 1999, Dawn Amsberry, review of After the Spill, p. 238; November, 1999, Patricia Manning, review of Down, down, down in the Ocean, p. 146; December, 1999, Sally Bates Goodroe, review of Outside and inside Kangaroos, pp. 154-155; May, 2000, Randi Hacker, review of Growing up Wild: Bears, p. 163; November, 2000, Patricia Manning, review of Outside and inside Dinosaurs, p. 173; September, 2001, Susan Scheps, review of Growing up Wild: Wolves, p. 218; November, 2001, Cynthia M. Sturgis, review of Outside and inside Rats and Mice, p. 147; March, 2002, Margaret Bush, review of Growing up Wild: Penguins, p. 218; August, 2003, Patricia Manning, review of Outside and inside Big Cats, p. 182; December, 2003, Doris Losey, review of Outside and inside Giant Squids, p. 172; August, 2005, Patricia Manning, review of Outside and inside Mummies, p. 146; September, 2005, Pantricia Manning, review of A Mother's Journey, p. 194; February, 2006, Nancy Call, review of Jackals, p. 122; May, 2006, Christine Markley, review of Slippery, Slimy Baby Frogs, p. 152; August, 2006, Susan E. Murray, review of Little Lost Bat, p. 107, and Eldon Younce, review of Rescues!, p. 140; April, 2007, Debbie Whitbeck, review of Musk Oxen, p. 124; June, 2007, Patricia Manning, review of Outside and inside Wooly Mammoths, p. 174.