GINJER L. CLARKEAuthor
GINJER L. CLARKE
Author
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Ginjer L. Clarke writes fun, fact-filled nonfiction children's books about weird, wonderful animals. Her books have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide since 2000; have been positively reviewed in Booklist, School Library Journal, and Horn Book; and are featured in both Scholastic and Bedford Falls book fairs. Her book Platypus! was 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 including research and revisions, and writing workshops for older grades. She has presented at more than 75 elementary schools, spoken at reading and writing conferences, and appeared at many bookstores and libraries, and even a zoo. Ginjer graduated from James Madison University and lives in Richmond, Virginia, with her husband, young son, and some silly-looking pets.
 | 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. |
Far Out!: Animals That Do Amazing Things (All Aboard Reading)
by Ginjer L. Clarke (Author), Pete Mueller (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Paperback: 48 pages Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (July 9, 2009)
ISBN-10: 0448448262 ISBN-13: 978-0448448268 
Did you know that the European eel can migrate far distances simply from memory? Did you know that chimpanzees can learn sign language? Far Out! is packed with interesting facts about animals that can do amazing and humanlike things, such as the dolphin, silverback gorilla, Egyptian vulture, and monarch butterfly.
Baby Otter (All Aboard Reading) (Paperback)ISBN-10: 0448451050 ISBN-13: 978-0448451053
Baby otters are playful and adorable creatures A—from their first steps outside of the cozy den their mother prepared for them to their first paddles in the icy water. Veteran science book author Ginjer L. Clarke highlights plenty of facts about baby otters, including how they learn to swim, what they eat, and where they live.
Baby Elephant (All Aboard Science Reader Station Stop 2)
by Ginjer L. Clarke (author) Robbin Cuddy (Illustrator) Publisher:
Grosset & Dunlap; Jan. 2008 Reading Level 5-9, paper back: 48 pages.
ISBN-10 0448448254 IBN-13 978-044844251
From their first steps in the African grassland to their first time using their trunks to drink water, baby elephants are fascinating and beautiful creatures! Veteran All Aboard Science Reader author Ginjer L. Clarke highlights the many interesting facts about these animals, including the differences between African and Asian elephants, by weaving them into a sweet story about a baby elephant and her family.
Black Out! Animals That Live In The Dark (All Aboard Science Reader Station Stop 2)
by Ginjer Clarke (author), Pete Mueller (illustrator)
Reading Level: Ages; 6-9, Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap
ISBN-10 0448448246 ISBN-13 978-0448448244
Did you know that the luna moth only flutters around at night—and that it has a wingspan that is as wide as a bowl of soup? Black Out! is packed with interesting facts about all the creepy animals that we never get to see during the daytime, such as the barn owl, the blind cave fish, the vampire squid, and the trapdoor spider.
Fake Out!: Animals That Play Tricks
(All Aboard Science Reader)
by Ginjer 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 “Far Out” 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 Clarke (author), Pete Mueller (illustrator)
Paperback: 48 pages, Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (May 2007)
ISBN-10 04488445433 ISBN-13 978-0448445434
You’ve Freaked Out! and been Grossed Out! Now it’s time to Bug Out! This Station Stop 2 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 Clarke (Author) Lucia Washburn (illustrator), Reading Level: Ages 6-9, paperback: 48 pages, Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap, Jan. 2007
ISBN-10 0448443619
Kids love cheetahs. Not only are they the fastest land animals, they also have the most adorable cubs that love to play and roll around all day long. Veteran science book author Ginjer L. Clarke seamlessly intertwines a narrative about a cheetah mother and her cubs with facts and figures about these fascinating animals. And with realistic and beautiful illustrations, beginning readers will love this book.
Gross Out! Animals That Do Disgusting Things
All Aboard Science Reader, Station Stop 2
by Ginjer Clarke (author), Reading Level: Ages 6-9, Paperback: 48 pages
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (Oct. 2006)
ISBN: 0448443902
Did you know that the horned lizard squirts blood out of its eyes to scare off predators? Learn more about this creature as well as the leech, the naked mole rat, the hagfish, and many more creepy critters in this sickening and super science book. Not for the faint of heart, this revolting reader will be a favorite among boys and everyone interested in the strange and unusual!
Freak Out!: Animals Beyond Your Wildest Imagination
All Aboard Science Reader Station Stop 2
by Ginjer Clarke (author) Peter Mueller (illustrator), Reading Level: Ages 6-9, Paperback: 48 pages, Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap Feb. 2006
ISBN 0448443082
Giant Lizards
All Aboard Science Reader, Station Stop 2
by Ginjer Clarke (author) Michael Rothman (illustrator), Reading Level: Ages 6-9, Paperback: 48 pages, Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap June 2006
ISBN: 0448431203
Leaping’ 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, Step 2 by Ginjer Clarke (author) Paul Mirocha (illustrator), Reading Level: Ages 4-8, Paperback: 32 pages. Publisher Random House Books for Young Readers, Aug. 2004 ISBN: 060630861X Dive and swim. Spin and swoop. The platypus loves to play! 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 nonfiction choice. Gillian Engberg From Children's Literature One of the most interesting animals on the planet, the platypus has a strong tall, 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, non-fiction Picturebook is full of fun facts about animal babies and their moms. Wild Dads! by Ginjer Clarke (author) Betina Ogden (illustrator) 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 non-fiction Picture Book details the methods in which fathers take care of their young. Sharks (All Aboard Reading: Level 1) by Ginjer Clarke (author), Steven James Patricio (illustrations) ISBN: 0448424908 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 (author) Neecy Twinem (illustrator) 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. New Books Coming in 2010 Maxed Out!: Gigantic Creatures from the Past Baby Meerkats WATCH OUT! The World’s Most Dangerous Creatures Animals Are Fun! Thank you so much for your wonderful presentations last Friday! The children are still talking about you and your books. I love it! And we have sold almost all of the ones left over from presales'. I am attaching thank-you notes from the second-grade classes. I think you also gave the teachers some good ideas. I wish you lots of luck and success. I will be looking for your new titles in the future! —Jennifer Stacy, Media Specialist, Patrick Henry Elementary, Arlington, VA Ginjer fascinated our children at every level, K-5, with her descriptions of animals, her story of being an author, and some read-alouds that kept them hooked. I particularly liked the way she adapted each presentation to the grade level. The 5th graders were enthralled and even had a chance to do some writing themselves! Every presentation ended just early enough for Q&A which is so important to address and affirm the students' own curiosity. Thanks for the great time and the fresh appreciation you gave us of our wonderful animal kingdom. -Susan Holt, Reading Specialist, J.B. Watkins Elementary, Chesterfield, VA —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 You did a wonderful job; you really spoke on the students' level and were extremely patient with them! I think that your presentation was perfect for students in grades K, 1, and 2 and that your books are well suited to their interests and reading level(s). I am recommending you to my colleagues in the county! —Wendy Collins, Media Specialist, A.M. Davis Elementary, Richmond, VA Our October PTA meeting was greatly enjoyed by readers of all ages. Author Ginjer Clarke enthralled both young and old with her nonfiction, colorful books on animals. She really seemed to capture the children's attention. I know she had mine. We learned unusual facts about animals we often hear about and some we've never heard of. She also took us through the steps of how a book is made. She is delightful to work with and very accommodating. Mrs. Clarke donated an autographed copy of each of her books to our own Pemberton library. —Corrine Cooper, PTA, Pemberton Elementary, Richmond, VA The students and teachers are still talking about your visit to Twin Hickory. Many thanks for your very personal sessions with both the students and teachers. I found your in-service to be both informative and entertaining. Your handouts and tips about writing are very valuable and kid-friendly. I will certainly use them in my instruction. Thanks for sharing. The books you donated to our collection are requested almost daily. On behalf of our principal and our PTA, thanks so much for sharing your talents and your gift of books to our library. —Joyce Ricks, Librarian, Twin Hickory Elementary, Glen Alien, VA Featured speaker, 2007 Virginia Educational Media Association Conference — Williamsburg, VA Featured panel speaker, 2003 James River Writers' Festival Richmond, VA Featured speaker, 2002 Chesterfield County Writers' Conference—Chesterfield, VA Featured speaker, 2002 Virginia Family Literacy Institute Conference—Roanoke, VA Featured author, 2002 7th Annual Baltimore Book Festival—Baltimore, MD Featured author, 2002 Fall for the Book—Fairfax, VA Appeared at many bookstores, libraries, schools, writers' groups, the Richmond Children's Museum, and Lowry Park Zoo in Tampa, Florida Received recognition in Richmond Times-Dispatch article entitled "Wild about Animals," by Janet Caggiano, June 4, 2002, p. D6. Ginjer Clarke Phone (804) 272-1312 To Schedule a School Visit today! OWL BARF BALLS Would you like to fool your friends and tell them you're eating owl puke? Its easy and fun to make this recipe for yummy, pretend owl barf balls. Don't worry they taste much better than they look! And always remember to get an adult to help you when you are cooking in the kitchen. Ingredients: 1/4 cup butter (half a stick) Supplies: Large wooden or plastic spoon Medium saucepan Teaspoon Wax paper Cookie sheet Directions: 1. Mix the butter, sugar, milk, and cocoa in the medium saucepan with the large spoon. 2. On the stove, heat the pan on medium high and stir the mixture with the spoon until it is smooth. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil for 1 minute. 4. Turn off the burner and remove the pan from the heat. 5. Add the peanut butter, oats, pretzel pieces, and coconut to the mixture, and stir until combined. Allow mixture to cool for 5 minutes in pan (until it is cool enough to touch). 6. Scoop out the mixture and drop by the teaspoonful onto the cookie sheet lined with wax paper. (Use a little butter or margarine on the teaspoon so the mixture doesn't stick.) 7. Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for 10 minutes. 8. Remove the blobs from the wax paper and form into balls. Store in a container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 2 months for fun snacking anytime. Makes 2 to 3 dozen Owl Barf Balls. To Return to State page click HERE 03/09/2009 date page last edited
Beginning readers will dive right into this simple, Step 2 nonfiction book about one of the most unique animals on earth.
Reading Level: Ages 4-8, Paperback: 24 pages
Publisher: Random House Books For Young Readers
April 2002
ISBN: 0375814493 Out of Print
Reading Level: Ages 4-8, Paperback 32 pages, Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (May 2001)
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 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. All rights reserved
(All Aboard Science Reader) (Paperback)by Ginjer L. Clarke (Author), Pete Mueller (Illustrator)
Reading level: Ages 4-8, Paperback: 48 pages,
Publisher: Grosset & Dunlap (March 18, 2010)
ISBN-10: 0448448270 ISBN-13: 978-0448448275
Ginjer reads short books, plays a true-or-false listening game, leads the kids in an animal pretending game, and gives brief information about her background and the book process. For grades K-1 (30-45 minutes).
Really Reading
This program has more discussion about the book process from concept to publication. It includes longer, selected book readings with background anecdotes, interactive questions, and a question-and-answer session. For grades 2-3 (45 minutes).
Let's Get Writing!
The same as the Really Reading program but with a fun 15-minute writing workshop and a more in-depth discussion of the research and revision processes. For grades 4-5 (45-60 minutes).
Fees
Ginjer will give up to four presentations of between 30 minutes and one hour per day. Group sizes should be limited to no more than 100-150 students per session to keep the presentations intimate and interactive. For schools within a 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, travel, and accomodations, if necessary. 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 book fair. 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 book fair 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 ProgramAuthor Appearances
1633 Robindale Rd.
Richmond, VA 23235
E-mail mailto:ginjerc@comcast.net
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup milk 1 teaspoon cocoa
1/4 cup chunky peanut butter
1 1/2 cups oats (not instant oatmeal)
1/2 cup pretzel sticks (broken into small pieces to look like bones) (optional)
1/4 cup coconut flakes (for fur) (optional)