Frequently Asked Questions

My books span ages 3 to 10, but each title targets a specific range within that spectrum. Books like 'Meadow Morning' and 'Moonlight in the Garden' work best for ages 3-6, featuring simpler narratives, shorter text, and concepts like basic animal needs and seasonal changes. Titles such as 'The Oak Tree's Year' and 'The Sparrow's Secret' suit ages 4-8, introducing life cycles and simple ecological relationships. My more complex books like 'River's Journey' and 'When Winter Whispers' engage ages 7-10 with longer narratives covering migration, ecosystem interdependence, and more sophisticated environmental concepts. The age ranges printed on each book reflect both reading level and conceptual complexity, though many families successfully use books across age groups by adjusting how they discuss the content.

The entire process takes 14 to 18 months per book. I spend 2-3 months on initial research and concept development, reading scientific papers, consulting with experts, and observing the species or ecosystems I plan to feature. Writing and revising the manuscript takes 4-6 months, during which I typically create 8-12 complete drafts. The illustration phase is the longest at 6-8 months, including thumbnail sketches, detailed pencil drawings, and final watercolor paintings for 14-16 spreads. After completing the art, there's another 2-3 months of production work with my publisher, including color correction, layout refinement, and pre-press preparation. I typically work on two books simultaneously at different stages to maintain a publication schedule of one book per year.

Yes, I conduct 15-20 school visits annually, both in-person and virtual. In-person visits work best within Washington, Oregon, and Northern California, where I can drive rather than fly, reducing both cost and environmental impact. These visits typically include a 45-minute presentation for up to 100 students, covering my creative process, demonstrating watercolor techniques, and answering questions. I also offer 30-minute virtual sessions via video conference, which have become popular with schools across the country. Virtual visits cost $350 per session, while in-person visits range from $800 to $1,500 depending on distance and whether multiple sessions are requested. I reserve 4-6 spots each year for Title I schools at reduced rates. Schools interested in booking should contact me between June and August for the following academic year, as my calendar fills quickly.

I paint exclusively with watercolor and gouache on Arches 140-pound cold-press watercolor paper. My palette includes about 30 colors from Winsor & Newton and Daniel Smith, though each book uses a limited selection of 8-12 colors to maintain visual cohesion. I start with detailed pencil drawings on tracing paper, transfer them to watercolor paper using a lightbox, then build up layers of paint over several days. Watercolor goes down first for transparent washes and background elements, followed by gouache for opaque details and highlights. Each spread takes 15-25 hours to complete. I use Kolinsky sable brushes in sizes 000 to 8, replacing them every 3-4 months as they wear. The traditional media approach creates texture and subtle color variations impossible to achieve digitally, giving the work a warmth that resonates with children and adults alike.

Every book undergoes review by at least two scientific experts in relevant fields. For 'Meadow Morning,' I worked with entomologists from Cornell University and the Xerces Society to verify monarch butterfly behavior and anatomy. 'River's Journey' was reviewed by a hydrologist from the U.S. Geological Survey and a fisheries biologist from the University of Washington. I provide these experts with both manuscript and illustrations, asking them to flag any inaccuracies, oversimplifications that mislead, or missed opportunities to show important ecological relationships. I also spend significant time in field observation—I watched salmon spawning for three weeks while developing 'River's Journey' and monitored a specific oak tree through all four seasons for 'The Oak Tree's Year.' This combination of expert consultation and direct observation ensures that children receive accurate information that reflects how nature actually works.

Absolutely. Teachers in 34 states currently use my books to support Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) in elementary grades. 'The Oak Tree's Year' aligns with standards about seasonal patterns and how plants and animals survive in their habitats. 'Meadow Morning' supports units on life cycles and interdependent relationships in ecosystems. Several titles appear on the National Science Teaching Association's recommended reading lists. I provide free downloadable teaching guides on my publisher's website, including discussion questions, observation activities, and extension projects. These guides connect book content to specific NGSS performance expectations and include both indoor and outdoor activities. Many teachers use the books as pre-reading before field trips or outdoor education experiences, finding that students make more detailed observations and ask more sophisticated questions when they've encountered the concepts first through story.