LAURENCE PRINGLE
Author
Laurence Pringle's roots can be traced to an isolated farm in western New York. Some details are revealed in his 84th book, One Room School, a memoir of the school he first attended, and in Nature! Wild and Wonderful, a Meet the Author book. He studied wildlife biology at Cornell University and the University of Massachusetts, then was a teacher and a magazine editor before becoming a full time freelance writer.
He has written about such high-interest subjects as dinosaurs, bats, penguins, and the Lewis and Clark Expedition, as well as global warming and other environmental issues that concern young people. Pringle's books invite children to explore and appreciate the natural world. Many of his titles appeal to the older elementary and junior high grades. His books for grades K-2, both fiction and nonfiction, enable him to give school programs for young children as well. Educators call his programs "warm. funny, and wise." Laurence Pringle is the recipient of major awards for his body of writing
He lives in West Nyack, New York
ISBN-10: 1563973286 ISBN-13: 978-1563973284
Imagine a scaly creature over a hundred feet long that spews fire from its mouth and beats its wings to
fly. Or imagine another creature with the head of a camel, horns like a deer, and paws like a tiger.
Dragon lore is found in cultures throughout the world, and different cultures imagine dragons differently.
An English dragon might terrorize the countryside, while a Chinese dragon might cause a drought, a flood,
or even a hurricane! In this stunning book, richly illustrated by Eukin Kim Neilan, Laurence Pringle
explains how people came to believe in dragons, and offers young readers a lively look at dragons from
cultures around the world.
Editorial Reviews
"The book is interesting with lots of materials without being overwhelming. It provides a good
introduction to dragon myths in world literature. The pictures, done in acrylic, are strong and powerful.
Most are a full page with rich colors and bold action. The book will be a great addition to any collection
whose users are into the current dragon stories. Recommended." April/May 2008 issue of Library Media
Connection:
"Pringles succinct text provides an engaging overview of penguin life ... and is filled with
enough interesting factoids that even penguin fans will find out something new."
From Booklist "Enthusiastic and wonderfully informative, this
will grab readers and listeners alike."
From
Kirkus Reviews"
[A] refreshing, detailed account of penguin species. ...Pringle's straightforward writing packs in an
impressive amount of scientifically rich information. ...The clear text assists readers in noticing
the details in Henderson's illustrations."
Horn Book
"This attractive picture book will
satisfy report writers and browsers alike. Pringle describes how the "strange geese" were
first sighted by Portuguese explorers off the coast of South America in 1520 and concludes with current
concerns about global warming and pollution. In between is a wealth of information, from pooping to
parenting, presented in an engaging, accessible narrative."
American Slave, American Hero: York of the Lewis And Clark Expedition
by Laurence Pringle, Cornelius Van Wright (Illustrator), Ying-Hwa Hu (Illustrator) Reading level:
Ages 9-12 Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Calkins Creek Books (October 2006) ISBN: 1590782828
Editorial Reviews
From
School Library Journal Pringle pieces together much of York's story using journals from Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition and other sources. .... Large, expressive watercolor illustrations portray York as a vibrant young man and reflect the remarkable landscapes and grueling work of exploration. Pringle tells the story well, describing York's contributions to this specific expedition while setting a much broader context.“ Pat Leach, Lincoln City Libraries, NE With a detailed text and handsome watercolor paintings, this illustrated biography celebrates the heroic role of Clark's personal slave on the famous expedition out west in 1804, with the horror of slavery in the background. Pringle is meticulous about what is documented and what is "probably" true: "No one knows exactly when he was born or his mother's name," he notes. Nor is there a record of the slave York married. Words and stirring pictures focus on the role of the powerful black man on the thrilling journey, including his association with several of the Indian peoples; he was hailed as a national hero. Perhaps 10 years later, Clark gave York his freedom. The personal oppression is a quiet part of this daring frontier adventure, which is also a slice of history. Pair this with Rhoda Blumberg's York's Adventures with Lewis and Clark (2004). Hazel Rochman Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved Snakes!: Strange and Wonderful (Strange and Wonderful) by Laurence Pringle, Meryl Henderson (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 31 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (September 1, 2004) Editorial Reviews From Booklist *Starred Review*
Whales!: Strange and Wonderful by Laurence Pringle, Meryl Henderson (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: Hardcover 32 pages ; Publisher: Boyds Mills Pr; 1st edition (April 2003) ISBN:1563974398 Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
by Laurence Pringle, Kate Salley Palmer (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8, Edition: Paperback, 32 pages ; Publisher: Boyds Mills Pr; 1st edition (March 2003)
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
ISBN1590780280 Editorial Reviews
ISBN: 1563978997 Editorial Reviews A fascinating look at aspects of this clever bird's social behavior-mobbing, food gathering, and family cooperation. The text is vividly written and easy to understand, and the detailed color illustrations are striking. The picture-book format provides views that will be familiar to everyone who has ever observed these creatures, from pecking at trash in a park to soaring over a winter landscape. This excellent overview captures the crow's quirky playfulness as well as day-to-day actions. For more in-depth coverage for older readers, Pringle's Listen to the Crows (HarperCollins, 1976) is hard to beat.Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, OR Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. ISBN: 0531303152 Editorial Reviews ISBN: 0590522531
by Laurence Pringle, Meryl Henderson (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 School & Library Binding - 32 pages (January 2001) Boyds Mills Press; ISBN: 1563978636 by Laurence Pringle Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover - 48 pages (April 2001) Seastar Pub Co; ISBN: 1587170094 Editorial Reviews STARRED REVIEW From Kirkus This super work on global warming by a noted science writer is an essential replacement for aging titles on the topic. Following the format of his 1991 edition on the same topic, this one has been completely revised and provides current research and information. The unusually inviting format, vivid writing, striking photographs, extensive glossary, further reading, and index make this a first choice on the subject. Pringle states in the introduction: "This book tells why the Earth's climate is warming. It describes the alarming effects of climate change that are already occurring and those that scientists forecast for the years ahead. And it tells what people must do in order to prevent a potential worldwide disaster of their own making." Then he does just that in 48 pages divided into short, readable chapters. He takes the reader from the last ice age to the Kyoto Protocol, which sets global goals for emissions to be met by 2012. Visually striking, current, and informative, this is a must read. (Nonfiction. 10-14) by Laurence Pringle, Meryl Henderson (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 ISBN: 1563973278 Editorial Reviews STARRED REVIEW School Library Journal , A lucid text describes some general physical and behavioral characteristics common to all types of bats. The ways in which these flying mammals benefit world ecosystems (e.g., through insect consumption, seed dispersal, and plant pollination) are emphasized. Vibrant, realistic watercolors of representative species extend the text on every page. Some illustrations are enclosed in boxes and superimposed on larger paintings; in most, body parts extend beyond the frames, giving them a 3-D effect. A particularly effective series of paintings shows a vampire bat's ungainly walk on its hind legs toward a sleeping cow. While this title provides information similar to that in Betsy Maestro's Bats (Scholastic, 1994) and Gail Gibbons's Bats (Holiday, 1999), its simpler text conveys complex concepts in terms that most children understand. With its appealing illustrations in an eye-catching arrangement and clearly written text, Pringle's Bats! is equal to the best introductions on the subject for this age level. From Booklist "If you were a bat, you could stay up all night." So begins Pringle's child-friendly introduction to bats. Carefully crafted to overcome misconceptions and fears concerning bats, the text also provides basic information about the variety and habits of the flying mammals as well as their importance in the ecosystem. Readers may be surprised by some of the information, such as the fact that if hibernating bats are disturbed several times over the winter, they may die because they use too much energy in their wakened state. The text never descends to a "gee-whiz" tone, and the book is stronger for it. In an afterward, Pringle suggests ways to learn about bats first-hand and tells readers how to contact a bat conservation organization. Meryl Henderson's watercolor paintings illustrate the text with beauty and finesse. The many evening and night scenes set up dramatic contrasts using silhouetted figures. Harmonious colors, softly shaded from deep browns to glowing hues, are often accentuated by black backgrounds. Presented with respect for the subject and for the audience, this is one of the best of the many bat books, especially for a somewhat younger audience. Carolyn Phelan
ISBN: 1563975831
Editorial Reviews From Booklist , March 1, 1998 "Warm, specific memories fill the book and give children a sense of both history and place. Grandparents will especially enjoy using this book as a springboard for talking about their own childhood to their grandchildren." Susan Dove Lempke Copyright 1998, American Library Association. All rights reserved
Nature! Wild and Wonderful (Meet the Author Book) by Laurence Pringle,
From Horn Book Published spring 1997. "Each author tells a concise version of his or her life story. As in the other books in the series, the text is heavily illustrated with photographs, and when appropriate, illustrations. The format is accessible, the tone casual, and the information especially well suited to children doing author studies." -- Copyright 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved. by Laurence Pringle, Bob Marstall (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover - 64 pages (March 1997) Orchard Books; ; Winner, 1998 Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, from the National Council of Teachers of English. Editorial Reviews " Rather than giving the usual survey of the habits, habitat, life cycle, and predators of butterflies, Pringle brings immediacy to his subject by focusing sharply on one monarch, whom he names Danaus. ... The surprisingly absorbing story of Danaus' life is followed by a discussion of the monarchs' endangered winter refuges in Mexico and an explanation of how to raise monarch butterflies from the caterpillar stage. Throughout the book, Marstall's colorful paintings offer clear, brilliantly colored illustrations of the caterpillars growing, eating, resting, mating, avoiding predators, and flying, flying, flying. An excellent book on a popular species." Carolyn Phelan Copyright 1997, American Library Association. All rights reserved Still More Available Titles Awards and Honors 2005 1999 1998 1996 1983 1977 1973 Present
School Presentations Laurence Pringle Email To Return to State Page Click HERE
07/16/2010 date last edited
Laurence Pringle, whom the Chicago Tribune calls "one of America's top nonfiction writers for young readers," concentrates mainly on biological and environmental subjects. He is the highly acclaimed author of over one hundred books for young people, among them
Sharks! Strange and Wonderful
and Strange Animals, New to Science.
the Eva L. Gordon Award for Children's Science Literature,
the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Nonfiction Award,
and, in 2005, a Lifetime Achievement Prize from
The American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Alligators and Crocodiles!: Strange and Wonderful 
From baby alligators that call to their mothers from inside their eggs to grown
alligators and crocodiles that bellow and roar, Laurence Pringle takes readers into the world of
Earth’s largest living reptiles. With bold, realistic illustrations by Meryl Henderson, here is a
lively look at one of nature’s ancient and mysterious creatures
From School Midwest Book Review
"An amazing nonfiction children's book packed cover to cover with information about alligators
and crocodiles--ancient reptiles that once preyed upon, and have now outlived the dinosaurs... Realistic
color illustrations add the perfect touch to this excellent gift book for young adult reptile lovers.
Highly re-commended for public library young adult nonfiction shelves as well."
From Booklist
Pringle adds to his series of Strange and Wonderful animal introductions this survey of our planet’s largest living reptiles. ...These illustrations are drawn and colored in such clear, precise detail that young students may prefer them to the photographs in otherwise similar titles. .... Grades 2-4. --John Peters
Penguins Strange and Wonderful
ISBN: 1590780906
In 1520, while sailing near the coast of South America, Portuguese explorers saw strange black-and-white
birds that could dive, swim, and leap out of the water. One thing they couldn't do, however, was fly.
Today we know these flightless birds as penguins. There are seventeen species of penguins. They come in
all sizes, from the little blue penguin that stands about sixteen inches high to the emperor penguin
that stands almost four feet tall. Some penguins are named for how they look, such as the black-footed
penguin, while others are named for where they live, such as the Galapagos penguin. In this fascinating
and informative book, Laurence Pringle and Meryl Henderson introduce young readers to the life and
behavior of one of nature's most remarkable birds."
School Library Journal
The little-known life of York, the Africa American slave owed by
William Clark, and his contributions to the success of the Lewis and Clark expedition are examined in
this carefully crafted book. Award-winning author Laurence Pringle gives an accurate account of York's
life--before, during, and after the expedition. Using quotations from the expedition's journals, he
tells how York's skills, strength, and intelligence helped in the day-to-day challenges of the journey.
Artists Cornelius Van Wright and Ying-Hwa Hu consulted with a Lewis and Clark expert to create thoroughly
researched and stunning watercolor paintings of York's life.
From Booklist 
ISBN: 1590780035
From the opening series of questions ("Can you climb a tree without using arms or legs? Snakes can.") to the final page on "Snakes and People" throughout history, this fascinating book offers an excellent introduction to the subject. Well researched and vividly written, the text surveys the wide variety of snakes in the world and explains the unusual behaviors that characterize various types. Even children who think they know all about snakes will probably learn something new here: constrictors cause death by pressure on their victims' hearts; venomous snakes can bite without releasing their poisons. Sometimes showing dramatic scenes, sometimes presenting seldom-seen details, Henderson's excellent watercolor paintings mirror the text to illustrate both physical characteristics and behavior. With this handsome addition to the series that began with Dinosaurs! Strange and Wonderful (1995), even readers fearful of snakes may find the subject a little less strange, a little more wonderful. Carolyn Phelan Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved 
From Kirkus Reviews
From a take-notice beginning ("If you were a great whale, you could open your mouth
wide enough to hold an elephant.") to a thoughtful treatment of whale conservation at the end,
Pringle (Crows, 2002, etc.) does a bang-up job on his 100th outing. Here he covers all aspects of the
giants, from physiology to diet to migration, and all types, from narwhals with their spiral tusks (really
a left tooth) to blue whales that grow to be 100 feet long (and eat four tons of food a day). Pringle'
s smooth prose explains not only the what, but the why of whales-they can grow so big, for example, because
the water they live in supports their weight. Henderson's annotated watercolors dramatize and enliven
the text, as well as provide a useful sense of scale. A rare nonfiction picture book that works beautifully
as a read-aloud, as a whole, it's as wonderful as the whales.
This companion volume to Bats! (2000) and Sharks! (2001, both Boyds Mills) combines a lucid,
informative text with strong, realistic illustrations. The popularity of the topic will ensure readers'
interest (as will the eye-catching artwork), while the carefully composed narrative will introduce the
complexities of a variety of whales. Physical characteristics, communication, feeding methods, range, size,
and some behaviors are given space, as are a brief history of whaling and a plea for whale conservation.
Addresses for further research are included. Marred by a couple of labeling errors, this book is still .
ideal for those who want more than what is offered in Gail Gibbons's sea-colored Whales (Holiday, 1991),
but are not quite ready for Seymour Simon's handsome Whales (Harper Trophy, 1992) or the demanding richness
of Helen Roney Sattler's Whales, the Nomads of the Sea (Lothrop, 1987; o.p.). Whales! is attractive,
inviting, and informational. Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright
2003 Reed Business Information Inc.
From Booklist 
Bear Hug
ISBN: 1563978768
Come to the Ocean's Edge: A Natural Cycle Book
ISBN: 1563977796
A poetic text and beautifully composed watercolor paintings describe coastal creatures and their habitat. Beginning at dawn,
when a "fog's wet breath hides the seashore" and gulls take flight, "their shadowy forms
like ghosts in the mist," Pringle takes readers through a 24-hour period. As the day brightens,
sanderlings
investigate the beach, a mole crab rides a wave to shore and digs into the sand,
and people arrive to relax and explore. Afternoon brings low tide, exposing tidal pools as well as shells and other
objects scattered along the beach. At night, the wind rises and waves pound the shore. However, all is
peaceful beneath the surf, where kelp sways with the currents and lobsters and bluefish search for food.
Morning begins the cycle again. Filled with descriptive language, the text progresses smoothly through the
day, providing just enough information to interest readers but never getting bogged down with too much
detail. Additional facts about the animals mentioned and their environment are provided on the last page.
The spreads alternate between dramatic seaside vistas and close-ups of different creatures. While
providing a realistic view of this environment, the artwork also echoes the expressive tone of the
narrative, depicting the seashore as "the edge of something vast, wild, and mysterious." A
wonderful choice to share with children before a summer vacation or to use as an introduction to an
ecology unit. Joy Fleishhacker, formerly at School Library Journal Copyright 2003 Reed Business
Information, Inc. 
Dog of Discovery: A Newfoundland's Adventures With Lewis and Clark
From School Library Journal
. . . This is a richly detailed and historically accurate account of the expedition, told as dated entries, with clarity and descriptive language. Pringle closely follows and highlights the adventures of Seaman as they appeared in the journals of Lewis and Clark, and the loyalty and devotion he exhibited as he risked his life many times. Selections from their journals appear throughout the story, and Pringle also offers evidence, first discovered in 2000, about what happened to the animal after the expedition came to an end. Intriguing sidebars, maps, historical illustrations, and original art make this a treasure trove of information about the expedition, and the dog that was its most unusual participant.
Janet Gillen, Great Neck Public Library, NY Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Crows!: Strange and Wonderful
by Laurence P. Pringle, Bob Marstall (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Edition: School & Library Binding 32 pages Publisher: Boyds Mills Press;
From School Library Journal
A Dragon in the Sky : The Story of a Green Darner Dragonfly
by Laurence P. Pringle, Bob Marstall (Illustrator), Reading level: Ages 9-12, Hardcover - 64 pages (May 2001), Orchard Books;
From School Library Journal
Like An Extraordinary Life: The Story of a Monarch Butterfly (Orchard, 1997), this book is carefully researched and extraordinarily detailed in text and art. Readers follow one particular green darner, Anax, from his birth in a swamp in New York to mating and death in a Florida pond. Specific incidents in his life are augmented with more general information about dragonflies and damselflies. Sidebars give facts about other creatures that share his habitats. Information on raising dragonfly nymphs for study is appended, and several Web sites are suggested. In Marstall's watercolor-and-oil paintings, soft greens and browns predominate. This is an exemplary nature-study book-accurate, explicit, and satisfyingly complete.-Ellen Heath, Orchard School, Ridgewood, NJ Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.
From Horn Book
Pringle tells a richly detailed story of one green darner dragonfly, Anax, and his journey from hatching in a New York state swamp to mating and dying in a Florida pond. Rarely do books of this nature delve so deeply into one species and its life cycle, migration, habitats, and interactions with other animals and plants. The narrative is packed with factual information yet is not tiresome to read. Indeed, the depth of the explanations may further stimulate readers' interest in dragonflies and other winged insects. Marstell's delicate watercolor and oil illustrations in predominately light browns and greens provide intricate detail and close-up views of the stages of dragonfly anatomical development. Throughout the book, interesting tidbits about dragonflies, the researchers who study them, and related scientific facts can be found in the margins. Directions for catching and caring for dragonfly nymphs at the end of the book encourage observation of several of the molting stages. Suggested resources for further reading are plentiful, though readers should be aware that many of the sources listed (and all of the websites) are for an older audience than that of the book.Copyright 2001 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved.
Scholastic Encyclopedia of Animals
The SCHOLASTIC ENCYCLOPEDIA OF ANIMALS highlights a splendid variety of 140 animals, from alligators to zebras, and many in between! Most of the animals featured are common to kids experience, whether found in their neighborhoods or at the zoo. With spectacular photographs of each animal and a discussion of physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats, this is a fascinating and useful reference for any child interested in the animal kingdom. 
Sharks! : Strange and Wonderful
From the tiny cookie cutter to the great white, more than 400 kinds of sharks live in the oceans. There's the giant whale shark--longer than two school buses but gentle enough for humans to swim with. And the swell shark, which can wedge itself into a hideout and then swell so that it cannot be pulled out. Join acclaimed author Laurence Pringle as he discovers the wide variety of fish classified as sharks. Meryl Henderson's striking and realistic illustrations enhance the simple but informative text and allow young readers a glimpse of the amazing world under the sea. Readers will discover there is a lot more to sharks than what's portrayed in the movies. 
Global Warming: The Threat of Earth's Changing Climate
It's not your imagination: Earth is getting warmer. Global warming is perhaps the most prominent environmental issue of the past decade. Award-winning writer Laurence Pringle describes the causes of this worldwide trend, exploring its past, present, and potential future damage to our climate, ecology, and economy. He also offers practical solutions that will help avert a global disaster of our own making. With over thirty striking color photographs, here is an incisive, clear, authoritative look.
School & Library Binding - 32 pages (February 2000) Boyds Mills Press;
June 2000 Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library
Tim Holmstrom (Photographer) Hardcover (May 1997) Richard C. Owen Publishing;
ISBN: 157274071X
Editorial Reviews 
hardcover ISBN: 0531300021
paperback ISBN: 0531071693
Follows a young butterfly's life cycle from her birth as a caterpillar in a Massachusetts hayfield through her metamorphosis into a butterfly, culminating in her flight south and return migration in spring.
From Booklist March 15, 1997
From Kirkus Reviews , February 15, 1997 "... A superb, well-researched book that finds extraordinary science in the everyday life of a butterfly." -- Copyright 1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. Taking Care of Earth: Kids in Action
1996 (Boyds Mills Press)Octopus Hug
1993 (Boyds Mills Press)The AAAS/Subaru Science Books and Films Prize for Excellence in Science Books--a lifetime achievement award from The American Association for the Advancement of Science for "his lasting contribution to science literature." Washington Post/Children's Book Guild of Washington Nonfiction Award for work that has contributed "significantly to the quality of nonfiction for children." The Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children, for AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE: THE STORY OF A MONARCH BUTTERFLY (illustrated by Bob Marstall) Honor Book, Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for children, for DOLPHIN MAN: EXPLORING THE WORLD OF DOLPHINS. Eva Gordon Award from the American Nature Study Society, "for many contributions to the literature of natural history (that) have helped others to discover, enjoy and understand the world of nature. Special Conservation Award from the National Wildlife Federation, "for numerous outstanding environmental books aimed at children and young adults." Since the 1973 inception of this honored list, nearly 50 of Laurence Pringle's titles have been selected as Outstanding Science Trade Books for children by the National Science Teachers Association and the Children's Book Council.
Larry happily gives up to 6 programs a day, since working with smaller
groups enables him to tailor the content to different grade levels, and also
allows more students to participate. Whether about a half hour for K-1, or
at least 45 minutes for older students, some time is allowed for questions
and answers.
Plenty of references are available upon request. Here are a few comments
from educators:
“The teachers have made many positive comments about how you exposed the
kids to the revision process, and your candidness in answering their
questions.”—Seneca Falls, NY
“You inspired one of my struggling readers to write two books!” — Dumont, NJ
“The best author visit our school has ever had!” —
Tacoma, WA
Contact
Post Office Box 252
West Nyack, NY 10994
Phone (845) 623-7275
mailto:octopushug@aol.com
