Susan Stockdale began her professional art career as a textile designer for the apparel industry. Her work with textiles gave her an opportunity to express her love of pattern and color, which continues to inspire her artwork today.
Susan has written and illustrated five picture books for young readers that celebrate animal life: Some Sleep Standing Up, which examines the many ways in which animals sleep; Nature's Paintbrush, which explores how patterns and colors help living things survive; Carry Me! Animal Babies on the Move, which looks at how animal parents carry and care for their young; Fabulous Fishes, which introduces children to both exotic and familiar fishes; and her newest book, Bring On the Birds. Susan's love of pattern extends to her writing, which often features descriptive, rhyming text.
Her nonfiction books have won numerous awards from the science and literary community. Nature's Paintbrush was selected as an "Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children" by the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) and a "Best Children's Book of the Year" by Bank Street College of Education. Carry Me! won a 2005 Parents' Choice Award and was a Science Books & Films "Outstanding Science Read Aloud." Fabulous Fishes was an NSTA "Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children" and a Science Books and Films "Best Book." Her book illustrations were selected for the 2005 and 2008 Society of Illustrators "Original Art Exhibition" in New York City.
Selected Reviews of Susan's Books
Carry Me!: Animal Babies on the Move
Susan Stockdale
In extremely simple, non-rhyming text and bold, colorful paintings, Susan Stockdale shows the many different ways that animal mothers carry their young: “riding on their backs . . . and clinging to their bellies. . . propped on their shoulders . . . and perched on their feet. . . .” The diversity of the animal kingdom is celebrated through the fourteen featured animals, ranging from the giant anteater to the African jacana, the American alligator to the European beaver. A helpful two-page list at the end of the book identifies each pictured animal and gives its geographical location; also included is a partial bibliography for further reading. The book concludes with a satisfying last page that shows a human baby cuddled close in its mother’s arms, suggesting the commonality of maternal love and protection that shines through all these different forms of locomotion. A comforting first exposure to the amazing variety found in nature, and ideal for bedtime sharing. 2005, Peachtree, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Fabulous Fishes
Susan Stockdale
Bold illustrations accompany the rhyming text in this stunning new book by author/illustrator Susan Stockdale. Students will delight at the rhythm as, "Sand fish, land fish, fish that light their lights", come alive with vibrant, stylized drawings of each fish as it fills the pages before them. Even the end pages invite you to join the underwater world of fish as they swim right off the pages before your eyes. Each picture incorporates details from that fish's environment, such as the coral which surrounds the bouncing seahorses along with the swaying sea grasses to which they are tethered or the murky ocean or riverbed floor that comes up to greet the whiskered catfish. The final double-page spread offers the reader information including the proper name of each fish, an interesting fact and information about the fish's habitat. This book would be a lovely addition to any library or personal collection. Teachers could use Fabulous Fishes as an introduction to primary non-fiction and it would be a fantastic way to incorporate an art or a language art lesson into science. 2008, Peachtree Publishers, Ages 3 and up, $15.95. Reviewer: Theresa Finch
Bring On the Birds
Susan Stockdale
Enter the world of birds via the rhyming text and simple, bold illustrations of each one. Twenty-one different birds are introduced by their unique characteristics or features. Some birds have puffy, red chests, some have fluffy crests, and some have impressive tails. There are birds that seek their food on land and others that find their prey on other animals. At the back of the book, the featured birds are identified and there is brief information that connects the bird to the characteristic mentioned in the poem. For instance, the swimming birds are the Adelie penguin that enjoy the Antarctic waters. The words may be few on a page; however, children may be enticed to seek additional information about these feathered animals. For those children wishing to read more about birds, the author-illustrator included a list of several resources on birds. This book makes a wonderful addition to introduce a study unit on birds. 2011, Peachtree Publishers, Ages 3 to 7, $15.95. Reviewer: Carrie Hane Hung (Children's Literature).
In her lively K-5 presentation, Stockdale introduces students to the many steps involved in writing and illustrating nonfiction picture books and the fascinating world of nature and animal behavior, the themes of her books. The difference between fiction and nonfiction is uncovered when Susan describes research techniques, manuscript revisions, and the illustration process using visual props and a PowerPoint presentation. The goal of her program is to leave students with a clear understanding of how a book is created and an eagerness to create their own. Students will also leave her program knowing why a toucan waves its brilliant bill like a flag, why flower petals so often grow in a circle, and how the cichlid fish carries its babies.
"I begin by sharing the story of how I got inspired as an author/illustrator," says Stockdale. "Then I show the many steps involved in making a book. I demystify the creative process by emphasizing my extensive research, the countless drafts I write and the many revisions I go through to develop my illustrations. I want children to understand that creating is joyous but hard work, and that mistakes are a wonderful and vital part of the creative process."
Program Requirements: LCD equipment (including a laptop and preferably a hand-held remote) for the PowerPoint presentation; a screen; a microphone (preferably a lapel type); a table for props; and a room which can be darkened. It is better to present in a library or classroom than in a cafeteria or gymnasium.
Fees: $500 for one presentation and $150 for each additional presentation for local school visits with up to three presentations given during one visit; $700 for one presentation and $150 for each additional presentation for school visits one hour or more from her home in Chevy Chase, Maryland: $1400/day plus travel expenses for presentations that are more than two hours from her home. Payment is requested the day of the visit.
Susan is delighted to speak as an author/illustrator before adult audiences and has done so at numerous conferences and literary festivals.
To learn more about Susan's books and to read testimonials from teachers and students who have experienced her program, please visit www.susanstockdale.com.
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