Ginjer Clarke specializes in writing nonfiction children's books about animals, especially extreme or unusual animals. Her books have sold more than 1 million copies worldwide since 2000; have received recognition as outstanding nonfiction writing; have been positively reviewed in Booklist, School Library Journal, and Horn Book; and are featured in both Bedford Falls and Scholastic book fairs. Her book Platypus! was recently awarded the 2005 Maryland Library Association Blue Crab Young Reader Award for Nonfiction and selected by the National Science Teachers Association as recommended classroom reading.
Mrs. Clarke is an experienced and lively school and library presenter, who can provide tailored talks to grades K through 5. Her programs include engaging book readings, discussion of how she got started writing and got published, the process of how a picture book gets made, and concrete writing tips and exercises for older grades (and teachers too!).
Selected Reviews of Ginjer Clarke's Books
Baby Elephant
Ginjer Clarke
This nonfiction book is part of the “All Aboard Science Reader” series. The level two book is for children who are reading with help and is written in short sentences and brief paragraphs. Illustrations painted in soft colors on each page show the African elephants in their habitat. The book begins when one of the female elephants is having her first baby. Details are given about how the baby looks and how her mother and the rest of the elephant family care for the baby. Further description is given about how the elephants find water, what they eat, their appearance, and how they sometimes fight. Other interesting information is given about their ivory tusks, elephants’ relation to the mammoths, and the differences between Asian and African elephants. A pleasant ending explains how people and elephants do many things in the same way. The book contains much information presented in a simple way that should be just right for young readers. 2009, Penguin Group/Grosset & Dunlap, $3.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Vicki Foote (Children's Literature).
Gross Out!: Animals That Do Disgusting Things
Ginjer Clarke, Illustrated by Pete Mueller
What may seem gross to us as humans is sometimes commonplace in nature. Some of the gross behaviors are related to defense, but most have to do with animals finding unique ways to obtain food. Some spit out a sticky liquid to entrap prey, others may bite and suck blood, while some may eat the poop or regurgitated food of others. I had no idea that the cane toad could grow to the size of a rabbit and is a danger to humans. There is also an effort to dispel fears of some of these creatures by noting that most bats eat fruits and insects and that only a few bats live on animal blood. The illustrations are graphic; and if you want to see animals in action either killing prey or eating it, then this reader will be a big hit. Overall, kids will really find an amazing amount of information in this offering that is part of the “All Aboard Science Reader” series. 2005, Grosset & Dunlap/Penguin, $3.99. Ages 6 to 8. Reviewer: Marilyn Courtot (Children's Literature).
Platypus!
Ginjer Clarke
One of the most interesting animals on the plant, the platypus has a strong tail, thick, slick fur, and is about the size of a cat. They make their nests near water, and, though they are mammals, they lay eggs about the size of gumballs. The text explains how platypuses swim, search for food, and make their homes. The author also explains how platypuses defend their homes from predators and shows female platypuses teaching their children how to swim and hunt for food. The information provided gives an adequate first look at these very interesting creatures and the large font and simple text is easy to understand and quite appropriate for beginning readers. In addition, difficult words are provided by a pronunciation guide. The full color illustrations showcase the platypus in each scenario presented in the book, and the illustrations will assist children in understanding unfamiliar words and the action narrated in the text. Platypus is in level two of the "Step into Reading" series. 2004, Random House, $3.99. Ages 6 to 7. Reviewer: Danielle Williams (Children's Literature).
School Presentations
Mrs. Clarke is an experienced school and library presenter, who can provide tailored talks to grades K through 5. Her programs include book readings, discussion of how she got started writing, the process of how a book gets made, and concrete writing tips and exercises for older grades (and teachers too!).
Animals Are Fun!Ginjer reads short books, plays a true-or-false listening game, and gives brief information about her background and the book process. For grades K-1.
Really ReadingThis program has more discussion about the book process. It includes book readings with interactive questions and a question-and-answer session. For grades 2-3.
Let's Get Writing!The same as the Really Reading program but with a 15 minute writing workshop and a discussion of revisions. For grades 4-5.
FeesGinjer will give up to four presentations of between 30 minutes and one hour per day. For schools within one hour driving distance of Richmond, Virginia, the fee is $600 per day. Presentations within a two hour driving distance are $800 per day. Schools three hours or more from Richmond are $1000 per day plus meals and accomodations, if necessary.
To learn more about Ginjer Clarke and her publications please visit her web page.
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