GINJER L. CLARKE
Author
 

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    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!).

Above Ginjer Clarke reads to students at Coventry Elementary School, in Yorktown, Virginia, on October 5, 2006, as part of a two-day visit presenting to grades K through 5. Click presentations for more information on her school visits.

PUBLISHED BOOKS 

Black Out! Animals That Live in the Dark  All Aboard Science Reader, station stop 2 by Ginjer L Clarke(Author), Pete Mueller(Illustrator) (Summer 2008)
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap 
ISBN-10: 0448446561
ISBN-13: 978-0448446561

• Did you know that the mimic octopus can change its shape, skin color, and texture to match its surroundings, or that there is a type of goat that faints whenever it feels threatened? Find out about these and other creatures with bizarre behaviors in our fourth farout book in our Ginjer L. Clarke All Aboard Science Reader sub-series!

 Fake Out!: Animals That Play Tricks (All Aboard Science Reader) by Ginjer L. Clarke (Author), Pete Mueller (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 6-9 Paperback: 48 pages Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (Nov. 2007)

ISBN-10: 0448446561
ISBN-13: 978-0448446561

Did you know that the mimic octopus can change its shape, skin color, and texture to match its surroundings, or that there is a type of goat that faints whenever it feels threatened? Find out about these and other creatures with bizarre behaviors in our fourth farout book in our Ginjer L. Clarke All Aboard Science Reader sub-series!  

Bug Out!: The World's Creepiest, Crawliest Critters
(All Aboard Science Reader)
by Ginjer L. Clarke, Pete Mueller (Illustrator) Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (May 10, 2007)
ISBN-13: 978-0448445434

ISBN: 0448445433  

You’ve Freaked Out! and been Grossed Out! Now it’s time to Bug Out! This beginning reader features some of the most disgusting, far-out bugs on the planet. Learn how a scorpion uses its poison, discover how the jumping spider hunts, marvel at the weight of the giant wetapunga (three times heavier than a mouse), and so much more in this book that will have everyone itching for more!

Cheetah Cubs
(All Aboard Science Reader, Station Stop 2)
by Ginjer L. Clarke  illustrations by Lucia Washburn,
reading level: ages 6-9, paperback: 48 pages,
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap, January 18, 2007,
ISBN 0448443619

This young reader follows a family of adorable cheetah cubs as they grow up, play, and learn to hunt. The cheetah is the fastest animal on land, and kids will be fascinated by the unusual facts.

Gross Out!
Animals That Do Disgusting Things
(All Aboard Science Reader, Station Stop 2)
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (October 5, 2006)
ISBN: 0448443902
by Ginjer L. Clarke
It’s time for more freaky, fact-filled fun!  This sequel to Freak Out! gives you a glimpse into the horrible habits of some of the most disgusting animals on earth.  You’ll want to keep a barf bag handy as you read about the slimy hagfish, exploding tick, poison-squirting cane toad, vomit-spraying fulmar, bloodthirsty vampire bat, and many other nasty animals.

Click here for Owl Barf Balls Recipe

Freak Out! :
Animals Beyond Your Wildest Imagination
(All Aboard Science Reader Station Stop 2)
by Ginjer L. Clarke
Peter Mueller (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (February 16, 2006)

ISBN: 0448443082
The giant squid, hissing cockroach, flying lizard, cassowary, and narwhal are just a few of the strange sea creatures, insane insects, crazy lizards, bizarre birds, and amazing mammals that are so unusual you won't believe they're real. Are you ready to freak out?

Giant Lizards:
(All Aboard Science Reader Station Stop 2)
by Ginjer L. Clarke
Michael Rothman (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 6-9
Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (June 16, 2005)
ISBN: 0448431203

Leapin’ lizards! Kids have always been fascinated by reptiles, both living and extinct. Now, in our latest All Aboard Science Reader, they’ll learn all about lizards that lived with the dinosaurs and still roam the earth today. With clear, simple text and bright, bold artwork, this Station Stop 2 Easy Reader is perfect for the home and classroom!

Editorial Reviews
From Horn Book This is an easy-reader introduction to the world's large lizards, including Komodo dragons, marine and land iguanas, and Gila monsters. Clarke's entertaining narrative discusses many features of these unusual creatures, and Rothman's lifelike illustrations support the information in the limited text. Maps are helpful but not very detailed.

From The Kutztown University Book Review This book is written for children who are reading with assistance. It provides information on the habitat, diet, and personalities of seven of the largest lizards in the world. This colorfully illustrated book, written in concise simple sentences, provides interesting information on giant lizards. I was pleased that the author points out several times that, although popular in pet stores, these lizards are best kept in their natural habitats. To describe the size and strength of these lizards, the author uses examples that kids can relate to, such as "this lizard weighs as much as you and five of your friends." Jill H. Mahon

Platypus! (Step into Reading Step2) by Ginjer L. Clarke, Paul Mirocha (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback: 32 pages Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers (August 24, 2004)

ISBN: 0375824170

Dive and swim. Spin and swoop. The platypus loves to play. Beginning readers will enjoy learning about this unusual animal through simple language and high-interest action, encouraging them to think about their own behaviors.
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist  "The sun is setting. Many animals are going to sleep. But the platypus is just waking up." Short sentences in boldface type introduce a day in the life of this curious animal, imparting a surprising amount of information in just a few words. Beginning readers will learn what platypuses eat, what they look like ("about as long as a cat" with "thick, slick fur" and a "long strong tail like a beaver"), where they make their homes, and so on. A passage that reads, "The platypus is a mammal. People are mammals, too" may confuse young children, who may need a fuller explanation of mammal. But Clarke neatly combines facts with a simple, exciting text filled with engaging action words ("She twists and twirls. She spins and swoops") and glossy computer-generated close-ups of the animal at work and play. Suggest this Step into Reading title to new readers looking for a good nonflctlon choice. Gillian Engberg

From Children's Literature One of the most interesting animals on the planet, 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. Danielle Williams

From National Science Teachers Association (NSTA) Platypus! is part of a series called Step into Reading that includes leveled books which relate high-quality science. The focus of this book is that strange egg-laying mammal, the platypus. The information presented is more than most adults might know about this unusual animal with its strange duck-like beak and webbed feet. The book is filled with detailed, colorful illustrations of mother and baby animals. Many leveled books place more emphasis on the reading than the science, but this series serves both purposes well. I think this would be a welcome addition to the classroom because it supports content objectives on classification and life cycles as well as the development of informational reading skills. Donald Logsdon Jr.

Wild Moms! by Ginjer L. Clarke, Betina Ogden (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Paperback: 24 pages Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers; 1st edition (March 25, 2003)
ISBN: 0375822054 OUT OF PRINT

A sea otter mom teaches her baby to crack open a crab. Meerkat moms send up a dust cloud to hide their babies from a hawk. This simple, sweet, nonfiction Picturebook is full of fun facts about animal babies and their moms. A great Mother’s Day gift, this will be a favorite read-aloud with preschoolers and their moms the whole year through!

Wild Dads! by Ginjer L. Clarke, Betina Ogden (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Random House Books for Young Readers;
1st edition (April 23, 2002)
ISBN: 0375814493  OUT OF PRINT

From sea horses to prairie dogs to gorillas, animal babies have dads that take care of them. Male sea horses give birth. Male penguins keep their eggs safe and warm under their bellies. This nonfiction Picturebook details the methods in which fathers take care of their young.

Sharks (All Aboard Reading: Level 1) by Ginjer Clarke, illustrations by Steven James Petruccio, Reading level: Ages 4-8, Paperback 32 pages Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap  (May, 2001)
ISBN: 0448424908

The very youngest readers can learn all about sharks-the fiercest of the fish family-in this informative Level 1. The simple, clear text and striking pictures makes this a perfect first introduction to these amazing creatures

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal  An easy-reader look at those most popular, if fearsome, fish. Eye-catching illustrations accompany Clarke's text, which includes basic facts on shark physiology and reproduction (no mention of mating), and their wide variety of size, shape, and coloration (speaking of which, Petruccio's lemon shark is brilliantly yellow, and his pink goblin shark, determinedly pink). ... the topic is surefire, and this book,.... will circulate nicely. Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Baby Alligator (All Aboard Reading Level 2) by Ginjer Clarke, illustrations by Neecy Twinem Reading level: Ages 6-9 Paperback 48 pages Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (March, 2000)
ISBN: 0448420953

Deep in the swamp, a baby alligator crawls out of its broken shell. What's in store for this little reptile? Follow it through its first adventures, and get a glimpse into the world of these amazing creatures. The easy-to-read text describes how alligators live, from what they eat to how they swim so quickly. You'll also find fun facts about alligators' dinosaur-hunting ancestors and their more contemporary cousin, the crocodile.--

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist This introduction to alligators first follows a little one in Florida from the time she hatches out of the egg until, with the coming of cold weather, she digs a tunnel in the lake-side mud to wait for spring. Though lightly fictionalized, this account also provides facts about the physical features and habits of the species. The book concludes with 15 pages of information about alligators and their current and prehistoric relatives. The full-color paintings, effectively depict alligators in the wild. However, superimposing the type over the sometimes rather dark or mottled backgrounds makes the text a little harder to read than it should be for beginners. Still, this is an informative and accessible book for young readers. Carolyn Phelan Copyright American Library Association.

Coming in the Future!

Baby Elephant (All Aboard Science Reader Station Stop 2)

Ginjer L. Clarke (author),
Robbin Cuddy (illustrator)
                    (Spring 2009),
reading level: ages 5-9,
paperback: 48 pages;
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap;
ISBN: 978-0-448-444825-1

Flip Out! Animals That Do Amazing Things (Summer 2009), AASR, station stop 2

Maxed Out! The World’s Most Gigantic Creatures (Fall 2009) AASR, station stop 2

Presentations 

Schedule a School Visit with Author Ginjer L. Clarke. Fun, fact-filled, action-packed animal nonfiction brings reading and learning to life for curious beginning readers.

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!).

Fees for school presentations within a one-hour driving distance of Richmond, Virginia, are $600 per day, which includes four 45-minute sessions based on groups of no more than 100 kids. Presentations within a two-hour driving distance are $800 per day. Schools a three-hour driving distance are $1000 per day plus meals and accommodation for overnight stay.  All fees include mileage and any additional time needed for book signing, usually one to two hours. Fees are subject to negotiation and change at the author’s discretion. Appearance per diems at non-Virginia schools or conferences and festivals are variable, and travel expenses will be extra but reasonable.  The author limits out-of-state travel to be with her family but will consider special requests.

Mrs. Clarke is also available to appear in conjunction with your school's bookfair. This is a great way for kids to get signed, personalized copies of the books they have heard her read and for the school to raise funds at the same time. Schools can take preorders and purchase books directly from the bookfair company or from the publisher at a discount and offer them for sale to students in advance of the author visit. Mrs. Clarke will sign books on the day(s) of her visit so students can have a special memento of the event.

Ginjer Clarke reads to the pajama-clad kids at Byrd Elementary School in Goochland, Virginia, on January 24, 2006, for their Reading Zone program 

School Recommendations

Just a note to thank you for such a wonderful visit yesterday.  The kids were so excited, and you did such a great job of talking to them and working with their enthusiasm.  I have already sent out notes to my colleagues about how great your visit was, and I look forward to having you back in the future!  Thank you, thank you.  —Anita Mays, Media Specialist, Baker-Butler Elementary School, Charlottesville, VA

I would like to thank you so much for coming to our school and presenting us with your book talk. Our children (and parents as well) were thrilled to have you visit us and were even more delighted to hear about all the fascinating animals in your books. The children loved the opportunity to ask you questions, and you were so gracious in answering all of them. Your lovely gift of your autographed books will be a great asset to our library. You were the highlight of our children’s Book Week celebration!  Thank you for sharing it with us.  —Debbie Wilson, Librarian, Toras Chaim, Portsmouth, VA