Wendy Pfeffer Author

After an oak tree falls in the forest, it has another life as home to a variety of creatures. As it decays over time, it provides food and shelter to porcupines, ants, mushrooms, salamanders, and many others, until it eventually turns into a mound of rich black earth. Very young children love spotting the animals as they learn about the life cycle of a tree.

*AWARDS*
The Giverny Award, and international award
"Best Children's Science Picture Book" for 2000
1997 JUNIOR LIBRARY GUILD selection
OUTSTANDING SCIENCE TRADE BOOK FOR CHILDREN 1998
and Named SELECTOR'S CHOICE
1997 GOLD MEDAL FOR PAPER CULTURE
from the Ninth Annual Art Directors and Illustrators Award show,
a competition which receives entries from all over the world
Society of Illustrators for their 1997 ORIGINAL ART SHOW in New York City
American Bookseller's "Pick of the Lists,' Fall, 1997
THE JOHN BURROUGHS LIST OF NATURE BOOKS FOR YOUNG READERS 1997,
given at the Museum of Natural History in NYC
PARENT'S CHOICE SEAL OF APPROVAL

SEASONAL BOOKS

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
by Wendy Pfeffer, Jesse Reisch (Illustrator) Ages 5-10, 40 pages,
Publisher: Dutton Books; 1st edition (September 2003) Activities Included
Hardback ISBN: 0525469680
The beginning of winter is marked by the solstice, the shortest day of the year. Long ago, people grew afraid when each day had fewer hours of sunshine than the day before. Over time, they realized that one day each year the sun started moving toward them again. In lyrical prose and cozy illustrations, this book explains what the winter solstice is and how it has been observed by various cultures throughout history. Many contemporary holiday traditions were borrowed from ancient solstice celebrations. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating the day in school and at home, and a further-reading list are included.
Voted "Best of the Best" book by Chicago Library, 2004

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal Using clear, concise language, Pfeffer discusses important ideas behind the shortest day of the year, such as the change from autumn to winter as well as the concept of the Earth's tilting away from the sun. The historical view provides a brief look at the days of prehistoric sun worship as well as chronological interpretations of the phenomenon from 5000 to 1000 years ago. Thus, young listeners are exposed to the ideas of ancient Egyptian, Chinese, Incan, and European astronomers and their efforts to explain this scientific wonder. The modern scene of the solstice celebration, though obviously at Christmas, features family, presents, and stockings on the mantle but has no religious overtones. The remaining pages feature more complete "Solstice Facts," four simple experiments, two party suggestions, and a short but up-to-date list for further reading. ... Pfeffer uses an easy, comfortable tone for conveying the basic information, and the end pages will provide additional opportunities for would-be astronomers to explore the principles on their own. Reisch's realistic craypas illustrations provide ... interpretations of the author's ideas. Nancy Menaldi-Scanlan, LaSalle Academy, Providence, RI Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Customer Reviews
Winter begins on the shortest day, Dec. 21st, and changes the lives and habits of all. Shortest Day uses lyrical prose and illustrations to explain the winter solstice and how it's been celebrated by various cultures throughout history. Fine color illustrations by Jesse Reisch create a warm, realistic atmosphere.

A New Beginning, Celebrating the Spring Equinox
by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), Linda Bleck (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 5-10, 40 pages Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (January 24, 2008)
Hardback ISBN-10: 0525478744

The spring equinox signals the time of year when the days are getting longer, the growing season has begun, and animals give birth to their young. With accessible, lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, this book explains the science behind spring and shows how the annual rebirth of Earth has been celebrated by various cultures throughout the ages and the world. Teachers will appreciate the simple science, the multicultural history, and the hands-on activities in this book. Parents and librarians will enjoy sharing it with children at Easter and Passover time.
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Pfeffer combines basic science with cultural traditions and celebrations to describe this seasonal event. A simple explanation and equally clear graphics serve to contrast the light of summer solstice with the darkness of winter solstice and also to demonstrate the fact that both the vernal and autumnal equinoxes occur when day and night are of equal length. Bleck's cheerful cartoon illustrations are well matched to the text and sport suitably bright hues. Springtime festivities within Chinese, Persian, Indian, and Mayan cultures are explored, with reference to ancient mythology and architectural structures. The significance of special holiday foods is also discussed, including pancakes for the Russian celebration of Maslenitsa , fresh berries for the Cree Native Americans, the symbolic seder plate for Jews at Passover, and eggs for Easter. The back of the book offers a craft activity or recipe for each holiday mentioned. Useful for seasonal units, the book offers a list of print resources and Web sites but could be considered an additional purchase for libraries that have Ellen Jackson's The Spring Equinox (Millbrook, 2002).- Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT Copyright 2008 Reed Business Information.

We Gather Together - Celebrating the Harvest Season
by Wendy Pfeffer, Linda Bleck(Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 , 40 pages Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (August 17, 2006)
Hardback ISBN: 0525476695
The fall equinox signals the time of year when we gather our harvests and give thanks for their bounty. With accessible, lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, this nonfiction picture book explains the science behind autumn and the social history of harvest-time celebrations. We Gather Together presents a remarkable range of cultural traditions throughout the ages and the world, many of which have influenced our contemporary Thanksgiving holiday. Simple science activities, ideas for celebrating in school and at home, and a further reading list are included in the back of the book.

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal Pfeffer's lively writing style will keep readers engaged. Bleck's vibrantly hued illustrations, reminiscent of the work of Leonard Weisgard, are carefully interwoven with the text and enhance the book. A useful and
attractive addition for most collections.–Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist In a companion to Pfeffer's The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice (2003), this picture book begins with a description of what some animals and humans do during the autumn season to prepare for winter. There's information on the autumnal equinox, a history of harvesting in various cultures, a look at harvesting celebrations in several cultures, and more. The text is short, clear, and to the point, and the full-page illustrations, which have a 1950s retro look, are very child friendly. Inviting pictures of animals and people from past and current times and cultures will draw readers into the text. The book concludes with two simple experiments along with activities and information to encourage children to learn more about the equinox and harvest festivities. Randall Enos Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

The Longest Day: Celebrating the Summer Solstice
by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), Linda Bleck (Illustrator), 40 pages, Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (May 2010) Reading level: Ages 5-10,
Hardback ISBN-10: 0525422374
In this fourth and final book in the series about seasons, Wendy Pfeffer turns her attention to summer, when butterflies emerge from silky cocoons and daylight hours stretch longer and longer With lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, The Longest Day takes us on a journey through the history and science behind the summer solstice, with a focus on summer celebrations from various cultures around the world. Teachers and students alike will treasure the varied and accessible knowledge, and activities in the back let everyone in on the festivities.
Summer begins on the longest day of the year, on or about June 21. In the warm summer sun, families fill playgrounds and parks, and children play in the daylight hours long after dinner is over.
People around the world have long revered the life-giving sun, and different cultures have celebrated the return of the summer season with singing and dancing, bonfires and flowers. From the Midnight Sun Festival in Alaska to the midsummer celebrations in Sweden, from giggling under the sprinkler to growing sunflowers in the earth, readers will recognize the universal summer joy in each unique tradition.

Editorial Reviews
"A comfortable, multidimensional investigation of the Summer Solstice that transcends time and place." --Kirkus

In this fourth and final book in the series about seasons, Wendy Pfeffer turns her attention to summer, when butterflies emerge from silky cocoons and daylight hours stretch longer and longer With lyrical prose and vibrant illustrations, The Longest Day takes us on a journey through the history and science behind the summer solstice, with a focus on summer celebrations from various cultures around the world. Teachers and students alike will treasure the varied and accessible knowledge, and activities in the back let everyone in on the festivities.

A students review....
The Longest Day is non-fiction, but it reads like fiction since Pfeffer paints vivid in the reader's mind with the language she purposefully selects.

LETS READ AND FIND OUT Science Books
Life in a Coral Reef
by Wendy Pfeffer (author),Steve Jenkins (Illustrator), Paperback: 40 pages,Publisher: HarperCollins (2009)
Paperback ISBN-10 0064452220 Coral reefs are beautiful underwater cities that bustle with excitement and activity. From clown fish to spiny lobsters, hundreds of plants and animals live on coral reefs, making them one of nature's greatest treasures. What happens during a typical day in these marine metropolises? Read and find out

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
The span of activities occurring in a reef is seamlessly presented in a "day in the life of" picture-book format. Each easy-to-read sentence is packed with information. Like the text, the paper-cutout illustrations combine simplicity and sophistication. Utterly gorgeous, they amplify the material presented on every page. Vibrant reds, purples, golds, and black and white pop off the page. A lime green moray eel glides across a spread as it stalks fish in the dark by smell. Why does it ignore a sleeping parrot fish?, the narrative asks. Readers see a muted blue fish on the page next to the eel and learn that it oozes out a filmy body covering that disguises its color and masks its odor while it sleeps. The book concludes with two pages of facts about coral reefs, a list of famous reefs, and the current and future threats to these endangered habitats. The endpapers silhouetting the reef animals in shades of blue and black are inviting and haunting at the same time. Outstanding.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA

From Tadpole to Frog
by Wendy Pfeffer, Holly Keller (Illustrator), Peter Lerangis (Narrator), Ages 4 to 8 32 pages HarperTrophy Paperback ISBN: 0064451232
Hardback    ISBN 0060230444
Ppr & Cass. ISBN: 0694700460
How does a tadpole become a frog? Awarded the Parent's Choice Seal of Approval, this Stage 1 Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science book explores this amazing metamorphosis. Now, children can take their first leap into the wonders of the natural world as they read, listen, and learn with this full-color book and cassette package

*AWARDS*

BEST CHILDREN'S SCIENCE BOOKS OF 1994 in the Science & Films magazine

PICK OF THE LIST' by American Bookseller magazine

1996 PARENT'S CHOICE SEAL OF APPROVAL

Editorial Reviews
From Horn Book This lovely introduction sketches the most basic aspects of frog life -- the laying and hatching of eggs, the stages of growth, eating and the danger of being eaten, and hibernation. Pleasing views of plants and animals sharing the pond environment are rendered in bold economy. The text's clarity and shape make the book an inviting read-aloud science lesson. -- Copyright 1994 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved. .
From School Library Journal An introduction to the life cycle of frogs, with additional facts about individual species on the last two pages. Sentences are simple, with questions and exclamations to help break up the informative text. Keller's clean, clear watercolor illustrations, similar in style to those of Nancy Tafuri, show a variety of pond animals and plant life through the seasons. Other books on this topic are generally geared to older readers, making this attractive picture book a good starting point for beginning readers interested in nature. Sandra Welzenbach, H.K. Williams Elementary School, San Antonio, TX Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

What's It Like to Be a Fish?
by Wendy Pfeffer, Holly Keller (Illustrator) Ages 5-10, 1996 HarperCollins Children's Books;
Hardback ISBN: 0060244291
Paperback ISBN 0064451518

How can fish live in water and why don't they drown? The answer to this fishy question and more can be found out in this addition to the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series. What's It Like to Be a Fish? clearly explains how a fish's body is perfectly suited to life underwater, just as our bodies are suited for life on land.

*Awards*

Pick Of The List by American Bookseller magazine, 1996

Named one of the Children's Books of the Year,
by the Child Study Children's Book Comm. 1997

Editorial Reviews
From Booklist
How pet goldfish feed, breathe, swim, and rest in water is the focus of this lively Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science book. Large, clear, labeled pictures in pen-and-ink, watercolor, and pastel and a simple, informative text explain how scales and slime keep fish healthy, how their sleek shapes help them swim, what it means to be cold-blooded, etc. There's some general information at the beginning about fish in lakes and ponds, and one double-page spread shows them in the sea, but the focus is on caring for a pet goldfish. The final instructions for setting up a goldfish bowl are straightforward and practical. The book design is open and inviting, and Keller's brilliantly colored fish swim through pages washed in aquatic blue and green. Hazel Rochman Copyright 1996, American Library Association. All rights reserved

From Horn Book
.. Pfeffer is careful as well to make the appropriate analogies between the captive fish in their bowl and fish living in the natural world. Holly Keller's crisp sketches and attractive watercolors include smaller views of life in the bowl and pleasant double-page aquatic scenes in which "bigger fish feed on worms, crabs, shrimp, and other fish" as they participate in the food chain. The decision not to cover the whole life cycle pares the book into a sharply focused presentation for beginning readers. Practical concluding instructions for setting up a goldfish bowl make the book a good introduction to pet care as well as a useful science lesson.
Customer Reviews

Wendy Pfeffer has a talent for making difficult science concepts understandable to young children. This is a lively and very kid-friendly book with cheerful illustrations that kids will enjoy and learn from.

Dolphin Talk : Whistles, Clicks, and Clapping Jaws
by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), Helen K. Davie (Illustrator) Ages 5-9, 40 pages, Publisher: Harpercollins Children's Books; (September 2003)
Hardback ISBN: 0060288019
Paperback ISBN: 0060288027
Dolphins are smart. They are so smart that they can talk to each other. Dolphins communicate underwater for the same reason people talk on land: to let others know who they are, where they are, and maybe even how they feel. Also included are activities that explore how dolphins talk to each other.
Editorial Reviews

From Booklist This attractive book from the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series discusses the sounds made by dolphins. Pfeffer draws parallels between people's words and dolphins whistles, human babies' gurgles and baby dolphins' chirps, human mothers' warning words and dolphin mothers' scolding movements. Besides relating the wide range of sounds dolphins make, the author also describes how the sounds are made, their use in echolocation, and a variety of underwater noises made by whales. Davie's paintings portray the world beneath the waves with particular grace and surprising variety. The book closes with an excellent two-page diagram showing a dolphin's interior organs and bone structure. An inviting addition to science collections. Carolyn Phelan Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved

Wiggling Worms at Work
by Wendy Pfeffer(Author), Steve Jenkins (Illustrator) Ages 4-8 40 pages ; Publisher: HarperCollins; 1st edition (December 23, 2003)
Paperback: ISBN: 0064451992
Hardcover: ISBN: 006028448X
Deep underground and on the surface, worms are hard at work! Worms work like little plows, burrowing through soil by swallowing it. As they make their way through the dirt, worms loosen the soil so roots can spread and grow. Worms eat the bits of leaves and plants mixed with the dirt and leave behind castings that feed the plants. Find out how worms help us as they wiggle their way underground.

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal ...The well-organized text explains how worms improve the quality of soil and covers the basics about the animal's body structure, movement, diet, and reproduction. The writing is clear and engaging; in one instance, Pfeffer compares the segments on a worm's body to "the coils on a Slinky toy." .... the collage artwork is visually appealing...The book ends with suggestions for examining a worm in the field and a science-fair-type project using castings. --Jean Lowery, Bishop Woods Elementary School, New Haven, CT Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist From the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science series, this book provides a good introduction to a familiar animal: the earthworm. Pfeffer discusses the worm's habits, anatomy, locomotion, food, and life cycles, as well as explaining the importance of castings and tunneling in maintaining soil richness, moisture, and aeration. The final two pages encourage children to explore earthworms on their own by closely observing a worm and a tunnel entrance and by planting seeds in ordinary soil.

From Seed to Pumpkin
by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), James Graham Hale (Illustrator) Ages 4-8 40 pages Publisher: HarperCollins; (September 1, 2004) Edition: Lib. Binding
ISBN: 0060280395
Hardcover: ISBN: 0060280387
Paperback: ISBN: 0064451909

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journall Another entry in the popular and useful science series, this title explains in simple, clear language the stages in the development of a seed into a pumpkin. A couple of easy recipes and experiments are appended. Appealing watercolor-and-pencil illustrations show children involved in planting and tending the pumpkins, and help make the process and the passage of time understandable to this audience.–Sally R. Dow, Ossining Public Library, NY Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
From Booklist This satisfying volume from the Let's-Read-and-Find-Out series tells and shows how a pumpkin plant grows. With a level of detail that seems just right for young children, the text clearly presents how the plant develops from seed to mature pumpkin as well as how it obtains and distributes water and nutrients. Pfeffer uses plain English rather than specialized terminology, explaining processes with precision while keeping the text accessible to her audience. ... the artwork features three children who join (the farmer) to drop seeds into the ground, water them, and observe the plants as they grow. Their cheerful presence adds to the appeal of the illustrations, which are precise, pleasing drawings tinted with sunlit colors. The last two pages give instructions for two activities, "Roasted Pumpkin Seeds" and "How Plants Drink Water." An excellent introduction to plant development in general and pumpkins in particular. Carolyn Phelan Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
SOUNDS ALL AROUND
by Wendy Pfeffer, Holly Keller (Illustrator) Ages 4-8, 32 pages (January 1999) HarperCollins Children's Books;
Hardback ISBN: 0060277122
Paperback ISBN: 0064451771
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews
This appealing title .... provides a simple explanation of sounds and hearing. Beginning with snaps, claps, and whistles, Pfeffer describes how sound waves vibrate through the air, and how tiny bones in the ear vibrate. She also explains how animals hear, from bats and echolocation to whales using sound waves to locate their young in the ocean, and notes that sound waves travel through the solid ground as well as air and water. Keller's charming illustrations show very young children .... with its suggestions for activities and clear language, it's a welcome addition to the series. -- Copyright 1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All Rights Reserved.
OTHER TITLES
Many Ways to Be a Soldier (On My Own History)
by Wendy Pfeffer (author). Elaines Verstraeta (illustrator) Reading Level: Ages 4-8, 48 pages Publisher: Millbrook Press (December 2007)
Library Binding ISBN: 0822572796
Hardback   ISBN: 978-082257294

More than anything, em Goldin wants to fight the British in the American Revolution. His father and the other men of Sites Point, New Jersey, have all left town to join the fighting. But ten-year-old Rem is too young to go with the men. Disappointed, he climbs up Foxborough Hill to look out over the ocean. What is that murky shape he sees through the fog? Could it be a British warship? Can Rem find a way to save his town?
Editorial Reviews
From KISS     Posted by Cindy Mitchell ....Rem is too young to join his soldier father during the American Revolution. Instead he must stay at home. When he runs to check the town cannon one day, he spots boatloads of British soldiers. With the help of some of the town women, they light the cannon, but Rem must come up with a special trick in order to save the town. Rem's story is a good early reader in history.
To order the Mondo books below
call this phone number 1-888-886-6636

Mysterious Spinners
by Wendy Pfeffer, Julie J. Kim (Illustrator), ages 4-8, Publisher: Mondo Publishing; (April 2005) paperback ISBN: 1593363168 Many years ago, China's beautiful legendary princess, His-ling Shih, sat sipping tea under the branches of a Mulberry tree. Suddenly, something shiny caught her eye. The sunlight illuminated a small creature on one of the tree's branches. One long strand of shiny thread oozed from a white worm's lower lip. "How strange this creature is," thought the empress. What Empress His-ling Shih did next would change the course of her beloved China... and forever enrich the rest of the world. Also included at the end of this book are 8 pages describing the life cycle of this strange creature.

WINGS!
by Wendy Pfeffer, ages 4-8, Publisher: Mondo Publishing; ISBN# 978-1-60201-968-3

It’s likely you’ve seen an airplane flying in the sky above. Perhaps you’ve even been on one. Did you ever wonder how such a heavy machine could lift off the ground, fly above the clouds, and then come down safe and sound. Think about the birds you’ve seen soaring over treetops. Do you sometimes wonder how they are able to lift off the ground and fly for miles? From nose to tail, airplanes and birds have many parts that help them fly.

But how do they get up there? What keeps them aloft? And how do they return safely to the ground? Read how they do it all with WINGS.

The Strange Life of the Land Hermit Crab
by Wendy Pfeffer, ages 4-8, Publisher: Mondo Publishing; ISBN# 978-1-60201-949-2
A land hermit crab journeys to the ocean. She is a mother and is ready to lay her eggs. She drops her eggs into the water. Then she returns to the beach never to see her babies.
A hermit crab’s tiny eggs must hatch in the ocean. However, adult hermit crab’s can live only on land. Discover the extraordinary life of this common house pet as you follow the land hermit crab from the beach to the ocean and then back to land as it completes the circle of life.
Whale Songs and Sounds
by Wendy Pfeffer, ages 4-8, Publisher: Mondo Publishing; ISBN# 978-1-60201-978-2
Dive into the world of the humpback whale! Explore the mammal’s diverse habitats. Visit the cold waters where humpbacks feed in the summertime,including the oceans and seas of Antarctica and Alaska. Then travel to warm waters where they breed, such as those that surround Mexico and Hawaii. Discover the many sounds of these noisy saltwater creatures. You’ll learn that wherever humpbacks live, they fill their watery world with sound. You’ll also discover the most amazing sound the humpback whales make--- song.

THUNDER AND LIGHTING
by Wendy Pfeffer, Edition: Paperback Publisher: Scholastic Reference; (June 2002)

ISBN: 0439425042 by calling 1-800-724-6527 press 3
or 1-800-242-7737

Kids are fascinated with storms. Clouds roll in, the wind blusters,
suddenly there are flashes of lightning, and claps of thunder.
Young meteorologists will learn what causes lightning and thunder,
how rain falls from the clouds, the different types of lightning,
why they see lightning before they hear thunder, and much more.
Children will also find out ways in which to prevent themselves
from being harmed during thunderstorms.

CREATURES IN WHITE SERIES

Arctic Wolves
Library Binding 32 pages (1997) Silver Burdett Press;

ISBN: 0382393201
Enhanced by brilliant photographs of these animals in their natural habitats, this informative guide provides young readers with fact-filled information about Arctic wolves, their survival skills in such harsh surroundings, and more.

White Swans
by Wendy Pfeffer, Ages 4-9 Library Binding 32 pages 1996 Silver Burdett Press;
ISBN: 0382393252
Spring has arrived at Swan Lake and so have the swans. Year after year, the samepure-white pair carefully builds a nest and raises its young, called cygnets, painstakingly teaching them how to fly. The family stays until the weather turns cool, then it joins other groups of white swans migrating to warmer waters.

Snowy Owls
by Wendy Pfeffer, Sylvie Chausse Ages 4-9 Library Binding -
32 pages (April 1997) Silver Burdett Press;
ISBN: 0382393228

A new addition to the Creatures in White series offers an illustrated study that provides insight into the life of the Snowy owl, her brood, and how she and her mate go about feeding their downy babies until they can go off on their own

POLAR BEARS
by Wendy Pfeffer Ages 4-9 Library Binding 1996 Silver Burdett Press;
ISBN: 0382393279

Deep in her winter den near the North Pole, a polar bear gives birth to two helpless, toothless, furless cubs, that, by spring, grow thick white fur, sharp claws, and teeth and follow their mother into the snowy world, learning how to protect themselves.

LIVING ON THE EDGE SERIES

           Strikingly photographed, this series takes readers to the far reaches of the Earth. Using clear, concise language readily accessible to budding naturalists, it introduces them to the world's harshest terrain's and hardiest inhabitants, offering fascinating facts about animal physiology, behavior and survival strategies.

       Intended for young audiences. Living on the Edge provides just the right amount of information in just the right terms. This is an outstanding early introduction to animal and earth sciences while telling how animals adapt in order to survive. It is also a celebration of life. Grades 2-5.

Arctic Frozen Reaches
by Wendy Pfeffer
Edition:Library Binding
Publisher: Benchmark Books;
(Oct. 2002)
ISBN: 0761414371

High Mountains
by Wendy Pfeffer
Edition: Library Binding
Publisher: Benchmark Books;
(May 2002)
ISBN: 076141441X

Hot Deserts
  by Wendy Pfeffer
Edition: Library Binding
Publisher: Benchmark Books;
(May 2002)
ISBN: 0761414401

Icy Antarctic
Waters
by Wendy Pfeffer
Edition: Library Binding
Publisher: Benchmark Books;
(April 2002)
ISBN: 076141438X
Deep Oceans
by Wendy Pfeffer Edition: Library Binding
Publisher: Benchmark Books;(April 2002)
ISBN: 0761414398

Marta's Magnets by Wendy Pfeffer, Gail Piazza (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-9 (June 1995) Silver Press;
Paperback ISBN: 0382249321
Marta's sister Rosa calls her magnet collection junk, but Marta's magnets help her make friends in her new home and help her retrieve a lost key for Rosa's new friend.

*AWARDS*
OUTSTANDING SCIENCE TRADE BOOK FOR CHILDREN for 1996
by the National Science teachers Association and the Children's Book Council
"1996 CHILDREN'S BOOKS MEAN BUSINESS" exhibit and catalog, and ABA and CBC project

Editorial Reviews

From The Horn Book, When Marta's family move to a new place, she finds that her magnet collection helps her attract friends. Colored-pencil illustrations show the ethnically diverse children's faces and other focal points in highly realistic detail, while the remainder of the illustrations are drawn with quick, assured lines. Instructions for making a refrigerator magnet are included at the end.

From School Library Journal: Marta is a collector...of keys, paper clips, gum wrappers, and magnets. When she moves to a new neighborhood, she uses her magnet collection to make friends and to help her older sister's best friend retrieve a key that has fallen through a sidewalk grate. Directions are included for making a refrigerator magnet. Large, understated, but realistic colored-pencil drawings depict attractive multiethnic youngsters. A pleasant but slight story about fitting in that could also be used to introduce a unit on magnetism.Eunice Weech, M. L. King Elementary School, Urbana, IL

Other Titles

ALL ABOUT ME, First Teacher,

1990 THE WORLD OF NATURE, First Teacher
Coming Soon!

LIGHT IS ALL AROUND US, Harper Collins

Presentations Wendy shows how her work progresses from the idea, research, manuscript, galleys, artist's sketches, press sheets and F and G's to a finished book.

In kindergarten she tells the students how she gets ideas from kindergarten children. She uses puppets, a flannel board with a song, and when she reads to them, she asks them to listen carefully for specific details.

With older children Wendy leads narrative non-fiction workshops and guides them to write a story in that genre.

Schools respond to Wendy's presentations:

"Dear Wendy,

Just wanted to give you this quick "thank you" for a wonderful day. It couldn't have gone better. The children were engaged and excited, the teachers were pleasantly surprised, and I was so grateful to have you once again at Livingston spinning your magic. B.L."

"I was amazed at how weil she presented to the kindergarteners. They were captivated! Although many authors can write well for young readers, they cannot all PRESENT well to young readers. She is phenomenal at both! Her classroom management skills were excellent as well! She met with our first to fifth graders. Her presentations and book selections were geared toward each grade level/reading level. ALL of the students K-5 enjoyed her visit and learned from her presentation. I'd love to have her come back next year"