Wendy Pfeffer Author

Wendy Pfeffer, award winning author of many children's books, has also written WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS: GETTING STARTED, for adults. She has taught elementary school, directed a nursery school and led adult classes in writing. She especially enjoys visiting schools, teaching writing workshops and leading interactive presentations with children.

Wendy lives in Pennington, New Jersey and is available to visit your school to help children discover the joy of writing. By sharing real life experiences, she hopes these entertaining and informative tales will inspire the children to write, too..

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

The Shortest Day: Celebrating the Winter Solstice
by Wendy Pfeffer, Jesse Reisch (Illustrator) Ages 5-10 Edition: School & Library Binding, 40 pages, Publisher: Dutton Books; 1st edition (September 2003) Activities Included

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.

by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), Linda Bleck (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (January 24, 2008)
ISBN-10: 0525478744 ISBN-13: 978-0525478744
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 Hardcover: 40 pages Publisher: Dutton Juvenile (August 17, 2006)
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

Many Ways to Be a Soldier (On My Own History Series) by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), Elaine Verstraete (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Library Binding: 48 pages Publisher: Millbrook Press (December 15, 2007)
ISBN-10: 0822572796 ISBN-13: 978-0822572794
More than anything, Rem 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?

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

Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal 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
Firefly at Stony Brook Farm (Smithsonian's Backyard) by Wendy Pfeffer, Larry Mikec (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages
Publisher: Soundprints; 1st edition (March 2004) ISBN: 1592492835
Paperback ISBN: 1592492843
Firefly crawls out of the ground and flies into the night sky. Can he use his flashing light to attract a mate? And what will happen when a little girl tries to catch him? Includes a glossary of key plant and animal terms.

Mallard Duck at Meadow View Pond (Smithsonian's Backyard) by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), Taylor Oughton (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-8 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Soundprints; Casebound Hardcover book edition (September 1, 2001)
ISBN-10: 1568999569 ISBN-13: 978-1568999562
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal Mallard Duck at Meadow View Pond follows the first season of a newly hatched mallard and his family. From his first swim on the second day of his life and his first meals of water fleas, mayflies and aquatic plants, to his early encounters with hawks and snapping turtles, young mallard matures under the warm spring sun. With the coming of summer, he and his siblings begin to lose their soft brown feathers. As fall approaches, the brood is mature and ready to test their wings. Wendy Pfeffer's descriptive text captures the habitat and clearly explains the development of the ducklings. At times the text is challenging for beginning readers, introducing such terms as clutch, plumage, preen, and iridescent. The luminescent paintings by Taylor Oughton bring the duck's pond world to life. The light and color of the art are beautiful. The accompanying cassette is well narrated and includes realistic sounds that bring alive the duck's world. Many young children are exposed to a plethora of humorous duck tales by the time they reach school, but this realistic story will put them in touch with the natural world of mallard ducks and the wildlife that surrounds them. Emily Herman, Mary Lin Elementary School, Atlanta, GA Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist Illustrated with attractive, realistic paintings, these titles in the Smithsonian Backyard series follow their animal subjects through a year, from birth to independence. Although classified as fiction, the series' focus is on the facts, not the stories. Zeroing in on one animal, each spread offers information about the birth process, diet, parenting, and development of new skills. The art brings readers up close to the animals and their worlds: children see the ducks at pond level, for example. Neither book shies away from the dangers of predators and the harsh realities of separating from a parent; in fact, Islands draws these aspects out a bit too long and tends toward unnecessarily flowery prose in places. But Mallard offers a well-balanced read, and both books introduce basic animal facts in an engaging, memorable format. Reviewed with Kathleen M. Hollenbeck's Islands of Ice. Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved

Dolphin Talk : Whistles, Clicks, and Clapping Jaws
by Wendy Pfeffer (Author), Helen K. Davie (Illustrator) Ages 5-9 Edition: Library Binding, 40 pages, Publisher: Harpercollins Children's Books; (September 2003)
ISBN: 0060288019
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) Library Binding ISBN: 0060284498
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.
A Log's Life
by Wendy Pfeffer, Robin Brickman (Illustrator), Stephanie Lurie (Editor) Reading level: All Ages School & Library Binding - 32 pages (September 1997) Simon & Schuster (Juv);
ISBN: 0689806361

Now In Paperback
Publisher: Aladdin ISBN-10: 1416934839 ISBN-13: 978-1416934837
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. Full color.
*AWARDS*
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
The Giverny Award, and international award - "Best Children's Science Picture Book" for 2000
PARENT'S CHOICE SEAL OF APPROVAL

Editorial Reviews

From Horn Book A quiet text describing the abundant environments and inhabitants within oak tree limbs and logs is well matched with life-like paper collage that creates a textured look. The narrative details how a giant tree topples during a storm, becomes a giant log on the forest floor, then decomposes, becoming soil in which a seedling oak sprouts and grows into a giant tree. -- Copyright 1998 The Horn Book, Inc. All rights reserved--

A note from the illustrator Robin Brickman October 8, 1997 "I made the illustrations by cutting, painting, sculpting, and then gluing together pieces of watercolor paper. There are no found objects or real or preserved specimens in the artwork. With the exception of an occasional use of human hair, the illustrations consist only of painted paper and glue. The original art is three-dimensional and it was photographed to produce the book."

Customer Reviews
A Log's Life" is a little masterpiece of children's literature that can become a child's favorite book. The amazing paper-sculpture photo illustrations of Robin Brickman and the sparse but powerful alliterative language of author Wendy Pfeffer unite to tell an important ecological story about the life OF a log and the life IN a log. No wonder this book won the 2000 Giverny Award for best children's science picture book! What's fun for children is searching for and finding the organisms in Brickman's artwork on succeeding pages, once each has been initially introduced in the text. And later, when they hike in the woods with their parents, they can actually SEE this story come alive in nature itself.
The Big Flood
by Wendy Pfeffer, Vanessa Lubach (Illustrator), Ages 4-9, Library Binding - 32 pages (April 2001) Millbrook Press
ISBN: 0761316531
Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal - A picture book about the Midwestern flood of 1993 and one girl's experiences throughout the ordeal. The story opens with young Patti Brandon's life revolving around her farm, family, friends, and softball. Things are interrupted by the heavy rains and it soon becomes apparent that everyone will have to pitch in to keep the Mississippi River from ruining the fields. Patti is shown calling for help over her ham radio. She joins her neighbors as they stack sandbags at the water's edge. She gets her pet goat out of harm's way. She calls for a helicopter to come and save a man caught in the river. Although everyone works hard, the flood does much damage. When the water subsides and Patti returns to her bed, she discovers fish and worms under her blankets. Weeks later, her life has returned to normal, and she has a new respect for the mighty river. This realistic story is softened by the finely drawn pastel illustrations. The text is formatted like poetry, but the words are pure prose. An appended fact sheet reveals the damage of the flood-around $17 billion. ... Pfeffer capably shows how disasters can sometimes bring out the community spirit in people. Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist   The "Big Flood" of 1993 is the subject of this story describing one community's efforts to fight back the rising Mississippi River and save its farms. Patti's family runs a soybean farm on the banks of the swollen river. When Grandpa says in a worried tone, "Every farm along this river could be flooded," Patti's dad asks her to get on her ham radio and call for help. Lubach's nicely rendered realistic illustrations, all double-page spreads, show the neighbors in action, some stacking sandbags and working the pumps, others busily preparing food for the hungry workers. The story has a happy ending--the workers successfully hold back the waters until the rain ends--but an endnote describes a much different reality for thousands of people who live along the Mississippi. ... Lauren Peterson Copyright American Library Association. All rights reserved
From Tadpole to Frog (Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science Books & Cassettes) by Wendy Pfeffer, Holly Keller (Illustrator), Peter Lerangis (Narrator), Ages 4 to 8 32 pages HarperTrophy
Paperback ISBN: 0064451232
Hardback ISBN 0060230444
Paperback & Cassette 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.
SOUNDS ALL AROUND (Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science. Stage 1)
by Wendy Pfeffer, Holly Keller (Illustrator) Ages 4-8 Library Binding - 32 pages (January 1999) HarperCollins Children's Books;
ISBN: 0060277122
Paperback ISBN 0064451771
Editorial Reviews
From Kirkus Reviews, December 1, 1998 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.
What's It Like to Be a Fish? (Let's-Read-and Find-Out Science)

by Wendy Pfeffer, Holly Keller (Illustrator) Ages 4-8 Library Binding (February 1996)
HarperCollins Children's Books;
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 on of the Children's Books of the Year, by the Child Study Children's Book Comm. 1997
Editorial Reviews
From Booklist, March 15, 1996 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. Illustrated by Holly Keller.... 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.
Marta's Magnets
by Wendy Pfeffer, Gail Piazza (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 4-9 Paperback (June 1995) Silver Press;
    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, Inc:
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

Thunder and Lightning by Wendy Pfeffer
Edition: Paperback
Publisher: Scholastic Reference; (June 2002)

ISBN: 0439425042
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.

ADULT BOOK

Writing Children's Books: Getting Started
by Wendy Pfeffer Hardcover: 62 pages plus audio tape ;
Publisher: Drew Publications; 5rd edition (January 2004)
ISBN # 0-9722907-0-2
Available for $54.95 plus $4.50 shipping from:
Bernadette Boyles, Marketing Director
Drew Publications
139-30 Grand Central Parkway
New York, NY 11435
Wendy Pfeffer has combined forty years of teaching experience with the knowledge of what it takes to become a published author to create WRITING CHILDREN'S BOOKS: GETTING STARTED. It is not just another "how-to" book for budding authors; rather, it is a course. Through the use of an audio-cassette and a workbook, you will be guided through the process of creating a children's book... from generating the idea to submitting your completed manuscript to a publisher. Wendy has taught this course and several of her students have become published authors.
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
CREATURES IN WHITE SERIES
Arctic Wolves
(Creatures in White Series)
by Wendy Pfeffer Ages 4-9 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.
Mute Swans
(Creatures in White Series)
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 same pure-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
(Creatures in White Series)
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
(Creatures in White Series)
by Wendy Pfeffer
Ages 4-9
Library Binding
(August 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.
Other Titles
ALL ABOUT ME, First Teacher,
1990 THE WORLD OF NATURE, First Teacher,
Coming Soon!
THE LONGEST DAY: Celebrating the Summer Solstice

LIGHT SO BRIGHT, Harper Collins

SNOW: What Good is It?
With an author's note on global warming

LEAVES: What Good Are They?
with an author's note on how leaves change color
Presentations
Wendy shows how her work progresses from the idea, manuscript, galleys, artist's sketches, press sheets and F&G's to a finished book. Wendy also leads narrative non-fiction workshops in some grades and guides the children to write a story in that genre. Her Professional Fee is $1100.00 a day. Over 50 miles $1400.00 a day (plus air travel and hotel for overnight trips)
Schools respond to Wendy's presentations:
"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" Hamilton, NJ
On behalf of the staff and students ... I want to thank you for a memorable day. This was the first author visit for our school, and you have set a precedent that will be difficult to match. You were so gracious and accommodating with your time and schedule. What impressed us most was the manner in which you related to our students! The staff also enjoyed visiting with you and your ability to share stories with them. Hugh J. Boyd, Jr. .Elementary School, Seaside Heights, NJ
"Your level of enthusiasm and energy amazed me. As the day wore on and the grade level got progressively higher, your patience and encouragement remained steadfast. That spirit proved most successful. Many children were heard to say that they want to be authors when they grow up and many teachers told me that you provided the "best author day yet." Oak Knoll Lower School, Summit, NJ
"Your warm and caring nature was evident in the way you listened and spoke to the children. The presentation was age appropriate and interesting." Spruce Run School, Clinton, NJ
"It was such a delight to have you visit our school! Your presentation was timely, well thought out and extremely well received. It was a pleasure to see how well you held everyone's attention throughout your presentation, not always easy to do." Lamb Elementary School PTA, Jacobstown, NJ
Contact
Wendy Pfeffer
3 Timberlane Drive
Pennington, NJ 08534
Phone 609-737-1569
mail to:TomWendyPf@aol.com
Want to receive notice of Wendy Pfeffer's new books, tour dates, and promotions?
Click Author Tracker to sign up now!
To return to state page click HERE.               06/22/09 date last edited

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

Life in a Coral Reef (Let's-Read-and-Find-Out Science 2)