Published Works

Environments of Our Earth

Environments of Our Earth guides children through six types of regions that are shaped by rainfall—or the lack thereof. Linda Olliver’s illustrations take readers through a journey that starts with dense tropical rainforests and woodlands, travels through grassy savannas and prairies, and ends at dry steppes and deserts. This project focused on comparing how and why each region is alike and different. They will also discover fun facts about the wettest and driest places on Earth and the amazing effect rainfall has on plants, animals, and people.

Environments of Our Earth is part of the I Wonder Why book series, written to ignite the curiosity of children in grades K–6 while encouraging them to become avid readers. These books explore the marvels of geology, landforms, weather, environments, and other phenomena related to science and nature. Included in each volume is a Parent/Teacher Handbook with coordinating activities. The I Wonder Why series is written by an award-winning science educator and published by NSTA Kids, a division of NSTA Press.

Notable Notebooks Scientists and Their Writings

Written by Jessica Fries-Gaither was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12!

Take a trip through time to discover the value of a special place to jot your thoughts, whether you’re a famous scientist or a student. Notable Notebooks: Scientists and Their Writings brings to life the many ways in which everyone from Galileo to Jane Goodall has used a science notebook, including to sketch their observations, imagine experiments, record data, or write down their thoughts. Written in captivating rhyme, the text is sprinkled with lively illustrations created by Linda Olliver. In fact, it looks a lot like the science notebook you’ll be eager to start after reading this inspiring book.

Exemplary Evidence Scientists and Their Data

Written by Jessica Fries-Gaither was named an Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12!

If you think of science as a puzzle, you’ll see that data is a key to unlocking it. Exemplary Evidence: Scientists and Their Data touches on the world’s many riddles—from how we see to what’s at the bottom of the ocean. It shares how scientists have solved such puzzles by collecting measurements, taking notes, and even making sketches. The book also provides mini-bios of the nine featured scientists plus four steps to using data to tease out your own answers about how the world works.

This book is mixed with sprightly storytelling with energetic rhyme, and Linda Olliver’s light-hearted drawings bring the ideas to life. It all helps explain how a sometimes-unappreciated part of science is as important now as it has been to scientists for centuries. As the author writes: Data supports conclusions; it can change people’s minds; It is used to build theories that help humankind. Scientists all along have known this to be true: Data is powerful!

  • New List Item

    Description goes here


Even More Picture-Perfect Science Lessons:
Using Children’s Books to Guide Inquiry, K–5

by: Emily Morgan and Karen Ansberry

Winner of the Gold EXCEL Award from Association Media & Publishing!

Since the debut of the Picture-Perfect Science books and workshops more than 10 years ago, authors Emily Morgan and Karen Ansberry have worked with Children’s book illustrator, Linda Olliver to create a series that Elementary school teachers are constantly clamoring for even more ways to engage children in reading and science through picture books!