Susan began painting fantasy landscape and animal imagery at Occidental College in Los Angeles, becoming an art major. During her junior year she lived in Spain and took a class with a gifted illustrator of children's books. After college graduation she held many "day" jobs -- art gallery manager, special events coordinator and public relations director -- while continuing to paint. Susan also designed covers for note card companies. As her work evolved she began to create intricate, colorful patterns. This led her to freelance as a textile designer for the apparel industry, designing fabric for companies such as Martex, Belle France and John Anthony.
After marrying and having a family, Susan was always taking her children to the library to check out picture books. She became interested in writing and illustrating a book of her own, but I needed an idea. Then, while visiting the zoo, her children were amazed to see a flamingo standing on one leg -- sound asleep. This was the idea she was looking for and inspired her first book, Some Sleep Standing Up, which explored the many ways in which animals sleep. Since then Susan has written and illustrated three other nature books, Nature's Paintbrush, Carry Me! Animal Babies on the Move, and Fabulous Fishes . Carry Me! was selected by Science Books and Films as an "Outstanding Science Read Aloud" and is reviewed in SB&F's November/December 2007 issue. In her 2008 book, Fabulous Fishes, simple rhyming text and brightly colored illustrations introduce young readers to both exotic and familiar fishes and the underwater world they all home.
Susan notes that "sometimes I think about creating a fictional book, but then I find another topic in nature that really interests me and I'm off researching again. Right now I'm excited to keep exploring the amazing world around me and bringing it alive to my readers."
Selected Reviews of Susan's Books
Carry Me!: Animal Babies on the Move
Susan Stockdale
In extremely simple, non-rhyming text and bold, colorful paintings, Susan Stockdale shows the many different ways that animal mothers carry their young: “riding on their backs . . . and clinging to their bellies. . . propped on their shoulders . . . and perched on their feet. . . .” The diversity of the animal kingdom is celebrated through the fourteen featured animals, ranging from the giant anteater to the African jacana, the American alligator to the European beaver. A helpful two-page list at the end of the book identifies each pictured animal and gives its geographical location; also included is a partial bibliography for further reading. The book concludes with a satisfying last page that shows a human baby cuddled close in its mother’s arms, suggesting the commonality of maternal love and protection that shines through all these different forms of locomotion. A comforting first exposure to the amazing variety found in nature, and ideal for bedtime sharing. 2005, Peachtree, $15.95. Ages 3 to 6. Reviewer: Claudia Mills, Ph.D. (Children's Literature).
Fabulous Fishes
Susan Stockdale
Bold illustrations accompany the rhyming text in this stunning new book by author/illustrator Susan Stockdale. Students will delight at the rhythm as, "Sand fish, land fish, fish that light their lights", come alive with vibrant, stylized drawings of each fish as it fills the pages before them. Even the end pages invite you to join the underwater world of fish as they swim right off the pages before your eyes. Each picture incorporates details from that fish's environment, such as the coral which surrounds the bouncing seahorses along with the swaying sea grasses to which they are tethered or the murky ocean or riverbed floor that comes up to greet the whiskered catfish. The final double-page spread offers the reader information including the proper name of each fish, an interesting fact and information about the fish's habitat. This book would be a lovely addition to any library or personal collection. Teachers could use Fabulous Fishes as an introduction to primary non-fiction and it would be a fantastic way to incorporate an art or a language art lesson into science. 2008, Peachtree Publishers, Ages 3 and up, $15.95. Reviewer: Theresa Finch
Nature's Paintbrush: The Patterns and Colors around You
Susan Stockdale
Stockdale encourages readers to examine ways in which patterns and colors help living things to survive. Several entries illustrate the protective benefits of camouflage, but additional advantages of pattern and color are depicted as well. For instance, the bright beaks of toucans help attract mates, while the prickly spines of cacti discourage hungry animals. Some subjects, however, seem to fit the paintbrush theme of the title better than others. The colorful and engaging illustrations invite readers to examine as well as enjoy the pictures, and the repetition of the question, "have you ever?" will prompt them to remember their own personal observations. While the subjects presented only touch the surface of this vast topic, the involving presentation of both art and text should stimulate young readers to take a closer look at the natural world around them. 1999, Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, $15.00. Ages 3 to 8. Reviewer: Betty Hicks (Children's Literature).
Some Sleep Standing Up
Susan Stockdale
Information about the numerous positions that slumbering animals assume is presented in an attractive picture-book format. ... Crisp, colorful acrylic illustrations effectively support the narrative with deep tones and brighter hues reflecting the respective environments of diurnal and nocturnal animals. Reviewer: Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ. Ages 5-6. School Library Journal.
In her lively presentation, Susan introduces students to the many steps involved in writing and illustrating nonfiction picture books and the fascinating world of nature and animal behavior, the themes of her books. The difference between fiction and nonfiction is also uncovered when Susan describes research techniques, manuscript revisions, and the illustration process using visual props and either slides or a PowerPoint presentation. The goal of her program is to leave students with a clear understanding of how a book is created as well as an eagerness to create their own books. Students will also leave her program knowing why a toucan waves its brilliant bill like a flag, why flower petals so often grow in a circle, and how the cichlid fish carries its babies.
"I love talking to students and teachers about how I create my picture books. I want the students to learn, and I want them to leave my session aspiring to write and illustrate a book of their own." In Susan's program, Creating Nature Books for Children, she demonstrates: how to research nonfiction, the process of writing a book, what goes into illustrating a book, my books' themes: amazing facts about animal behavior and nature, how hard work and persistence can help students accomplish their dreams.
"I begin by sharing the story of how I got inspired as an author/illustrator. Then, using props and slides or a PowerPoint presentation (whichever format the school prefers), I show the many steps involved in making a book, such as thumbnail dummies, text drafts, illustration sketches, galleys, and proof sheets. I demystify the creative process by emphasizing the countless drafts I write and the many revisions I go through in developing my illustrations. I want children to understand that mistakes and imperfections are a normal and vital part of creating."
Program Requirements: LCD equipment (including a laptop and preferably a hand-held remote) for a PowerPoint presentation or a sturdy stand for her slide projector if a slide presentation is preferred; a screen; a microphone (preferably a lapel type); a table for props; and a room which can be darkened for either presentation format. It is better to present in a library or classroom than in a cafeteria or gymnasium.
Fees: $500 for one presentation and $150 for each additional presentation for local school visits; $700 for one presentation and $150 for each additional presentation for school visits one hour or more from my home: $1200/day plus travel expenses for presentations that require an overnight stay. A confirmation letter is required for presentations and payment is requested the day of the visit.
Susan is delighted to speak as an author/illustrator before adult audiences and has done so at numerous conferences and literary festivals.
To learn more about Susan and her publications please visit www.susanstockdale.com.
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