additional titles:
The Journey of Oliver K. Woodman
Searching for Oliver K. Woodman
The Scary Slopes
Desert Baths
website: www.darcypattison.com
email: darcy@darcypattison.com
video: Prairie Storms
11 Ways to Ruin a Photograph
Darcy Pattison
award winning author
Little Rock, AR USA
SCHOOL VISITS: K - 8
School visit programs:
Get the story-behind-the-story of Darcy Pattison's books. Where did you get the idea; what research did you do; how many drafts did you write? Experienced, enthusiastic, inspiring--Pattison connects literacy, nature and social studies with enthusiasm and leaves students excited about writing. Cross the U.S. with Oliver K. Woodman. Visit desert, prairie or ocean habitats. School visits may include a mix of large assemblies, small-group writing sessions, or professional development.
Year(s) of participation: 2012, 2013
A4ED school visit photos & blurbs:
2012 at WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
DARCY SPEAKS FOR NATURE AT WASHINGTON ELEMENTARY
I come to Earth Day with a background of reading the best of children's literature. Someone once said that if you read the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkein, it gives you a sense of the urgency of protecting the earth. When you read about the vicious orcs and how the Ents (large trees that are alive) also fought an important battle, you come away with a sense of the Earth and the need to protect it from all sorts of evils.
Several years ago, I looked at Arnold Schwarzenegger's movies and his career. He had a strong career in adventure thrillers like the long-lived series, "The Terminator." But at some point, he started to alternate the action movies with humorous movies like "Kindergarten Cop".
I wondered, if I keep writing middle grade novels and picture books, is there an alternate genre that I would like to write in. Immediately, I knew it would be nature. My family has always camped, hiked, floated, boated and done everything possible to spend time outside in nature. It was a natural.
With the publication of Wisdom, the Midway Albatross: Surviving the Japanese Tsunami and Other Disasters for Over 60 Years that dream is coming true. My third nature book is due out in August, Desert Baths (Sylvan Dell). And I am sure more are coming.
Going to Washington Elementary School for Earth Day was exciting. The kids there were fascinated by the story of the Oldest Known Wild Bird in the World (Wisdom). They voted to send their donation to Arkansas Audubon because the staff there regularly visits their school and takes them on field trips. It was a vote of thanks. Thanks A4ED for giving me the opportunity to invest in nature education in my own backyard.
Children's book author Darcy Pattison (on left) and Marilyn Johnson, Science Specialist, Washington Elementary, Little Rock School District (on right)