We believe in the literacy value of having students interact with authors and illustrators in the field of children's literature. These guests share their creative process, encourage young writers and artists and bring a joy-filled day of surprises. You may view a gallery of memories from past author visits.

This year's guest author is Sneed B. Collard III. A Montana resident, his biography is available on his website. The son of biologists, he is also a biologist and computer scientist in addition to being a children’s author.  His world travels to research the mysteries of science, nature and the environment  have become subjects of his books. Collard has received the Washington Post Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award in recognition of his body of work.

Sneed B. Collard III

Using large graphic illustration and text on simple and more detailed levels, the books desrcibe the differences in these physical features and their usefulness in animals' survival.

Illlustrated with large cut-paper collage figures, Animal Dads looks at the role of fathers in caring for young creatures in the world of nature.

*Starred review from School Library Journal.

In photgraphs and text, this book decribes marsupials around the world, thier habitats and characteristics. *Starred reviews from School Library Journal, Horn Book and Kirkus.

Some of nature's creatures, which at first seem scary, may not be so when they are examined in detail.

In soft watercolor art, this picture book presents the sleep habits of a wide variety of creatures from all over the world.

This is a detailed study of the platypus, an animal found only in Australia. Included are descriptions of its habitat, shelter-building skills and parenting behaviors.

Twelve-year-old Slate Stephens and his friend Daphne McSweeney compile clues that send them racing against time to locate the governor’s missing dog.

Pen image is open source from http://www.clker.com
Book images are courtesy of http://www.charlesbridge.com, http://www.houghtonmifflinbooks.com, https://www.lernerbooks.com