- Diane Swanson
-
Diane Swanson is an award-winning Canadian author of science books for children.
Contents
Biography
Born on April 5,[1] Swanson grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta.[2] As a child, she and her terrier Sammy would spend summers looking for ladybugs and spiders outside.[3]
She graduated from the University of Alberta with an Honors Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences.[2][1] She taught in the West Indies for two years.[2] She researched water resources for the Canadian government while living in Ottawa.[2]
Swanson's first book was published when she was 18.[1] She has written over 70 books and 450 magazine articles.[2]
Swanson lives in Victoria, British Columbia.[2] Her hobbies are hiking, piano-playing, and reading.[1] She is married and has two children.[4]
Reception
The Toronto Globe and Mail described Swanson's A Crash of Rhinos, A Party of Jays as providing "a cheerfully educational vantage point from which to view the natural world and its denizens".[5] Booklist called it "part science and part English lesson", deeming it "great for individual or classroom consumption".[6]
The Globe and Mail called The Wonder in Water a "well-laid-out and attractively illustrated book".[7]
Nzong Xiong, writing for The Fresno Bee, described The Dentist & You as an "easy-to-read" book designed to help make dentist visits for children ages 4 to 7 "easier and less fearful".[8] Resource Links found it to be useful for "parents wanting to prepare their children for their first visit to the dentist" or teachers, but found the book "a bit too long and detailed" for the target audience.[9] School Library Journal, however, tagged it as "excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject".[10]
Buffalo Sunrise was called "a full-bodied photo essay" and an "exemplary book" that "ably" recounts the history of the American buffalo by the San Francisco Chronicle.[11] Booklist called it "a useful resource for middle-graders".[12]
Reviewing Alligators and Crocodiles, Frogs and Toads and Penguins from the Welcome to the World of Animals series for the School Library Journal, Arwen Marshall of the Minneapolis Public Library criticized the narrow scope of the books, saying "These serviceable overviews might be useful for brief reports, but they don't cover any new ground."[13] Resource Links found the series to provide "enough information to satisfy [students'] curiosity while also meeting their research needs",[14] recommending the books "for any elementary school library".[15]
Published works
You Are Weird: Your Body's Peculiar Parts and Funny Functions, Kids Can Press, 2009, illustrated by Kathy Boake
Animals Aha!: Thrilling Discoveries in Wildlife Science, Annick Press, 2009
Bugs Up Close, Kids Can Press, 2007, illustrated by Paul Davidson
Cheetah Cubs and Beetle Grubs, Annick Press, 2007, illustrated by Mariko Ando Spencer
Canada's Bugs, Scholastic Canada, (French edition: Insectes de chez nous) 2007
A Crash of Rhinos, A Party of Jays, illustrated by Mariko Ando Spencer, Annick Press, 2006
The Wonder in Water, Annick Press, 2005
Turn It Loose, Annick Press, 2004, illustrated by Warren Clark
The Balloon Sailors, Annick Press, 2003, illustrated by Krystyna Lipka-Sztarballo
Tunnels! true stories from the edge, Annick Press, 2003
Welcome To The Whole World series (Whitecap Books)
The Dentist & You, Annick Press, 2002
Nibbling on Einstein's Brain, 2001 (Annick Press, illustrated by Warren Clark)
Norwegian edition of Nibbling on Einstein's Brain called Smak Pa Einsteins Hjerne! (Humanist Forlag, 2003, illustrated by Warren Clark)
The Doctor and You, 2001 (Annick Press)
"Mysterious You" Series
- Hmm? 2001 (Kids Can Press, illustrated by Rose Cowles)
- Burp! 2001 (Kids Can Press, illustrated by Rose Cowles)
Animals Can Be So Series
Animals Can Be So Playful, 2002
Animals Can Be So Hard to See, 2002
Animals Can Be So Sleepy, 2001
Animals Can Be So Speedy, 2001
Animals Eat the Weirdest Things (Whitecap Books and Henry Holt, 1998, illustrated by Terry Smith)
Bug Bites (Whitecap Books, 1997, illustrated by the Royal British Columbia Museum)
Buffalo Sunrise (Whitecap Books and Sierra Club Books for Children, 1996)
The Day of the Twelve-Story Wave (Whitecap Books/Longstreet Press, 1995, illustrated by Laura Cook)
Sky Dancers (Whitecap Books and Voyageur Press, 1995, illustrated by Doug Penhale)
Safari Beneath the Sea (Whitecap Books and Sierra Club Books for Children, 1994, photography by the Royal British Columbia Museum)
Coyotes in the Crosswalk (Whitecap Books, 1994 and Voyageur Press, 1995, illustrated by Doug Penhale); French edition: Attention! Coyote Au Carrefour (Heritage jeunesse, 1995)
Squirts and Snails and Skinny Green Tails (Whitecap Books, 1993, 1997 and Bob Adams, 1994, illustrated by Warren Clark); French edition: Coquilles, Coquillages Et Tresors De La Plage (Heritage jeunesse, 1995)
The Emerald Sea (Whitecap Books and Alaska Northwest Books, 1993, photography by Dale Sanders)
Why Seals Blow Their Noses (Whitecap Books, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997 and Voyageur Press, 1994, illustrated by Doug Penhale); French edition: Pourquoi Les Phoques Ont-Ils Un Ballon Sur Le Nez? (Heritage jeunesse, 1995)
A Toothy Tongue and One Long Foot (Whitecap Books, 1992, 1993 and Bob Adams, 1994, illustrated by Warren Clark and Carolyn Swanson)
Welcome to the World series (Whitecap Books)
Welcome to the World of Spirit Bears, Walrus Books, 2007
Welcome to the World of Wolverines, Walrus Books, 2007
Welcome to the World of Orangutans, Walrus Books, 2004
Welcome to the World of Kangaroos, Walrus Books, 2004
Welcome to the Whole World of Penguins, 2003
Welcome to the Whole World of Elephants, 2003
Welcome to the World of Alligators and Crocodiles, 2002
Welcome to the World of Frogs and Toads, 2002
Welcome to the World of Hummingbirds, 2002
Welcome to the World of Wild Horses, 2002
Welcome to the World of Sharks, 2001
Welcome to the World of Snakes, 2001
Welcome to the World of Coyotes, 2001
Welcome to the World of Squirrels, 2001
Welcome to the World of Octopuses, 2000
Welcome to the World of Rabbits and Hares, 2000
Welcome to the World of Skunks, 1999
Welcome to the World of Porcupines, 1999
Welcome to the World of Moose, 1999
Welcome to the World of Beavers, 1999
Welcome to the World of Bats, 1998
Welcome to the World of Raccoons, 1998
Welcome to the World of Foxes, 1998
Welcome to the World of Eagles, 1998
Welcome to the World of Owls, 1997
Welcome to the World of Wild Cats, 1997
Welcome to the World of Bears, 1997
Welcome to the World of Otters, 1997
Welcome to the World of Wolves, 1996
Welcome to the World of Whales, 1996
Up Close series (Greystone Books)
Headgear that Hides and Plays, 2001
Skin that Slimes and Scares, 2001
Feet That Suck and Feed, 2000
Teeth That Stab and Grind, 2000
Tails That Talk and Fly, 1999
Noses That Plow and Poke, 1999
Nature Detectives—The Living World series (Pacific Edge Publishing Ltd.)
The Kingfisher Camp River Detectives, 1998
The Gibson Park Grassland Detectives, 1997
The Central School Seashore Detectives, 1997
The Cedar Club Forest Detectives, 1996
The Sixth Street Wetland Detectives, 1996
More than Meets the Eye: Student Book and Teachers' Guide (Pacific Educational Press, 1989, co-authored by Vivien Bowers)
Technology for the Home (British Columbia Ministry of Education, 1987)
Exploring Canada (Douglas & McIntyre (Educational) Ltd., 1985, co-authored by Vivien Bowers); French Edition: Explorons le Canada (Douglas & McIntyre (Educational) Ltd., 1987)
Awards
Bugs Up Close -Finalist, Silver Birch Express Award, 2009 -Finalist, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 2008
The Wonder in Water - shortlisted for the Silver Birch Award, 2006/07
Turn It Loose - shortlisted for the 2006/07 Red Cedar Award
Tunnels! True stories from the edge, Winner of the Hackmatack Award, 2004–05
Nibbling on Einstein's Brain - Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 2003/2004 - White Raven, International Youth Library, Munich, 2002 - Nonfiction Honor List, Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), American Library Association, 2002 - Notables 2002, Canadian Library Association - Short-listed, Science in Society Award, 2002 - Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001
Hmm? (Kids Can Press, 2001, illustrated by Rose Cowles) - Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 2003/2004 - Short-listed, Utah Children's Informational Book Award, 2002–03 - Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 2002 - Winner, Informal Education Product of the Year Award for Linguistic Intelligence, 2002
Burp! (Kids Can Press, 2001, illustrated by Rose Cowles) - Notables 2002, Canadian Library Association - Children's Choices for 2002, International Reading Association and Children's Book Council - Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 2002 - Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Award, 2002–03 - Short-listed, Atlantic Provinces Hackmatack Award, 2002–03 - Winner, Informal Education Product of the Year Award for Linguistic Intelligence, 2002
Up Close: Skin That Slimes and Scares, (Greystone Books, 2001) - Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 2003/2004
Animals Eat the Weirdest Things (Whitecap Books & Henry Holt, 1998, illus. by Terry Smith) - Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Book Award, 2001
Welcome to the World of Rabbits and Hares, 2000 Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre Welcome to the World of Octopuses, 2000 Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre Feet That Suck and Feed, 2000 Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre Teeth That Stab and Grind, 2000 Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, 1995, for Safari Beneath the Sea
Animals Eat the Weirdest Things (Whitecap Books & Henry Holt, 1998, illus. by Terry Smith)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 2000/2001
- Short-listed, Mr. Christie's Book Award, 1999
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 1999
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1999
Bug Bites (Whitecap Books, 1997, illustrated by the Royal British Columbia Museum)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 1999/2000
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1998
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 1998
Buffalo Sunrise (Whitecap Books and Sierra Club Books for Children, 1996)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, International Reading Association's Young Adult Choice Award, 1998
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 1997
The Day of the Twelve-Story Wave (Whitecap Books/Longstreet Press, 1995, illus. by Laura Cook)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Sky Dancers (Whitecap Books and Voyageur Press, 1995, illustrated by Doug Penhale)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 1997/98
Safari Beneath the Sea (Whitecap Books & Sierra Club Books for Children, 1994, photography by the Royal British Columbia Museum)
- Winner, Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children (USA), 1995
- American Library Association Recommended Book for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, Garden State (New Jersey) Children's Book Award, 1997
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1995
- Short-listed, Utah Children's Informational Book Award, 1995–96
Coyotes in the Crosswalk (Whitecap Books, 1994 and Voyageur Press, 1995, illustrated by Doug Penhale); French edition: Attention! Coyote Au Carrefour (Heritage jeunesse, 1995)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 1996
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1995
Squirts and Snails and Skinny Green Tails (Whitecap Books, 1993, 1997 and Bob Adams, 1994, illustrated by Warren Clark); French edition: Coquilles, Coquillages Et Tresors De La Plage (Heritage jeunesse, 1995)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
The Emerald Sea (Whitecap Books and Alaska Northwest Books, 1993, photography by Dale Sanders)
- Short-listed for the Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice, B.C. Book Prizes, 1994
Why Seals Blow Their Noses (Whitecap Books, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997 and Voyageur Press, 1994, illustrated by Doug Penhale); French edition: Pourquoi Les Phoques Ont-Ils Un Ballon Sur Le Nez? (Heritage jeunesse, 1995)
- Winner, Best Illustrated Book, One Color, Mid-America Publishers Association Awards, 1995
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1993
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
A Toothy Tongue and One Long Foot (Whitecap Books, 1992, 1993 and Bob Adams, 1994, illustrated by Warren Clark and Carolyn Swanson)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Welcome to the World series (Whitecap Books) Welcome to the World of Porcupines, 1999
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- B.C. 2000 Book Award
Welcome to the World of Skunks, 1999
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- B.C. 2000 Book Award
Welcome to the World of Beavers, 1999
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- B.C. 2000 Book Award
Welcome to the World of Moose, 1999
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- B.C. 2000 Book Award
Welcome to the World of Bats, 1998
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Welcome to the World of Raccoons, 1998
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Welcome to the World of Foxes, 1998
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Welcome to the World of Eagles, 1998
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Welcome to the World of Owls, 1997
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Welcome to the World of Wild Cats, 1997
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
Welcome to the World of Bears, 1997
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Winner of a Parents' Choice Award, US, 1998
Welcome to the World of Otters, 1997
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Winner of a Parents' Choice Award, US, 1998
Welcome to the World of Wolves, 1996
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
Welcome to the World of Whales, 1996
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
Other Memberships
CWILL B.C. Canadian Children's Book Centre
References
- ^ a b c d "Diane Swanson, Author". Kids Can Press. Corus Entertainment. Q & A. http://www.kidscanpress.com/Canada/CreatorDetails.aspx?cid=208. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
- ^ a b c d e f "Diane Swanson, Author". Kids Can Press. Corus Entertainment. Biography. http://www.kidscanpress.com/Canada/CreatorDetails.aspx?cid=208. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
- ^ "Author of the Week—Diane Swanson". 1998 Summer Reading Club. British Columbia Library Association. 1998. http://www.bcpl.gov.bc.ca/src/src_1998/kids/swanson.html. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
- ^ "Diane Swanson". Annick Press. Annick Press. http://www.annickpress.com/authors/swanson.asp?author=294. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
- ^ Perren, Susan (2006-10-21). "Children's Books". Globe and Mail (Toronto: Bell Globemedia): p. D26.
- ^ Zvirin, Stephanie (2007-01-01). "A Crash of Rhinos, A Party of Jays: The Wacky Ways We Name Animal Groups". Booklist (American Library Association) 103 (9–10): 112.
- ^ Perren, Susan (2005-10-22). "Children's Books". Globe and Mail (Toronto: Bell Globemedia): p. D22.
- ^ Xiong, Nzong (2002-06-03). "Brush kids' fears away". The Freson Bee (Fresno, CA): p. E1.
- ^ Cohen, Nancy (October 2002). "The Dentist and You. (Non-Fiction: Preschool–Grade 6)". Resource Links 8 (1): 23.
- ^ Moesch, Christine A. (June 2002). "Swanson, Diane. The Dentist & You". School Library Journal 48 (6): 126.
- ^ Faust, Susan (1996-04-28). "How the West was Run". San Francisco Chronicle (San Francisco): p. 14.
- ^ Sherman, Chris (1996-05-01). "Buffalo Sunrise: The story of a North American giant". Booklist (American Library Association) 92 (17): 1504.
- ^ Marshall, Arwen (September 2004). "Swanson, Diane. Alligators and Crocodiles". School Library Journal 50 (9): 194.
- ^ Jollimore, Karen (December 1998). "Welcome to the world series—raccoons". Resource Links 4 (2): 11–12.
- ^ "Whales". Resource Links 2 (3): 122. February 1997.
External links
Categories:- Canadian children's writers
- Canadian women writers
- Writers from Alberta
- People from Lethbridge
- Living people
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