Diane Swanson

Last updated
Diane Swanson
Born(1944-04-05)5 April 1944
Died19 November 2021(2021-11-19) (aged 77)
NationalityCanadian
Education University of Alberta
OccupationAuthor
Children2

Diane Swanson (5 April 1944 - 19 Nov 2021) was a Canadian writer of science books for children. [1] [2] She published over 70 books and was winner of several awards including Parents' Choice Award, Mid-America Publishers Association Award and Orbis Pictus Award. [3]

Contents

Biography

Swanson was born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta. [4] As a child, she and her terrier Sammy would spend summers looking for ladybugs and spiders outside. [5]

She graduated from the University of Alberta with an Honours Bachelor of Arts in the social sciences. [2] [4] She taught in the West Indies for two years. [4] She researched water resources for the Canadian government while living in Ottawa. [4]

Swanson's first book was published when she was 18. [2] She wrote over 70 books and 450 magazine articles. [4]

Swanson lived in Victoria, British Columbia. [4] Her hobbies were hiking, piano-playing, and reading. [2] She was married with two children. [6]

Reception

The Toronto Globe and Mail described Swanson's A Crash of Rhinos, A Party of Jays as providing "a cheerfully educational vantage point from which to view the natural world and its denizens". [7] Booklist called it "part science and part English lesson", deeming it "great for individual or classroom consumption". [8]

The Globe and Mail called The Wonder in Water a "well-laid-out and attractively illustrated book". [9]

Nzong Xiong, writing for The Fresno Bee, described The Dentist & You as an "easy-to-read" book designed to help make dentist visits for children ages 4 to 7 "easier and less fearful". [10] Resource Links found it to be useful for "parents wanting to prepare their children for their first visit to the dentist" or teachers, but found the book "a bit too long and detailed" for the target audience. [11] School Library Journal, however, tagged it as "excellent in relation to other titles on the same subject". [12]

Buffalo Sunrise was called "a full-bodied photo essay" and an "exemplary book" that "ably" recounts the history of the American buffalo by the San Francisco Chronicle. [13] Booklist called it "a useful resource for middle-graders". [14]

Reviewing Alligators and Crocodiles, Frogs and Toads and Penguins from the Welcome to the World of Animals series for the School Library Journal, Arwen Marshall of the Minneapolis Public Library criticized the narrow scope of the books, saying "These serviceable overviews might be useful for brief reports, but they don't cover any new ground." [15] Resource Links found the series to provide "enough information to satisfy [students'] curiosity while also meeting their research needs", [16] recommending the books "for any elementary school library". [17]

Published works

Animals Can Be So ... series

TitlePublished DateIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
Animals Can Be So Speedy2001Greystone Books1-55054-827-1
Animals Can Be So Sleepy2001Greystone Books1-55054-837-9
Animals Can Be So Hard to See2002Greystone Books1-55054-901-4
Animals Can Be So Playful2002Greystone Books1-55054-900-6

Canada Close Up series

TitlePublished DateIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
Canada Close Up: Canada's Bugs2007Scholastic Canada0-43994-673-5

Mysterious You series

TitlePublished DateIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
Hmm?: The Most Interesting Book You'll Ever Read About Memory2001Rose CowlesKids Can Press1-55074-595-6
Burp!: The Most Interesting Book You'll Ever Read about Eating2001Rose CowlesKids Can Press1-55074-601-4

Nature Detectives — The Living World series

TitlePublished DateIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
The Sixth Street Wetland Detectives1996Stuart DuncanPacific Edge Publishing1-89511-044-0
The Cedar Club Forest Detectives1996Stuart DuncanPacific Edge Publishing1-89511-042-4
The Central School Seashore Detectives1996Terry SmithPacific Edge Publishing1-89511-039-4
The Gibson Park Grassland Detective1996Terry SmithPacific Edge Publishing1-89511-041-6
The Kingfisher Camp River Detectives1998Judith RackhamPacific Edge Publishing1-89511-054-8

True Stories from the Edge series

TitlePublished DateIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
Tunnels!2003Annick Press1-55037-781-7

Up Close series

TitlePublished DateIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
Up Close: Noses That Plow and Poke1999Greystone Books1-55054-733-X
Up Close: Tails That Talk and Fly1999Greystone Books1-55054-717-8
Up Close: Teeth That Stab and Grind2000Greystone Books1-55054-768-2
Up Close: Feet That Suck and Feed2000Greystone Books1-55054-767-4
Up Close: Skin That Slimes and Scares2001Greystone Books1-55054-817-4
Up Close: Headgear That Hides and Plays2001Douglas & McIntyre1-55054-819-0

Welcome to the World series

TitlePublished DateIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
Welcome to the World of Whales1996Whitecap Books1-55110-490-3
Welcome to the World of Wolves1996Whitecap Books1-55110-491-1
Welcome to the World of Otters1997Whitecap Books1-55110-520-9
Welcome to the World of Bears1997Whitecap Books1-55285-312-8
Welcome to the World of Wild Cats1997Whitecap Books1-55110-615-9
Welcome to the World of Owls1997Whitecap Books1-55110-614-0
Welcome to the World of Eagles1998Whitecap Books1-55110-706-6
Welcome to the World of Foxes1998Whitecap Books1-55110-705-8
Welcome to the World of Raccoons1998Whitecap Books1-55110-782-1
Welcome to the World of Bats1998Whitecap Books1-55110-784-8
Welcome to the World of Beavers1999Whitecap Books1-55110-853-4
Welcome to the World of Moose1999Whitecap Books1-55110-854-2
Welcome to the World of Porcupines1999Whitecap Books1-55110-856-9
Welcome to the World of Skunks1999Whitecap Books1-55110-855-0
Welcome to the World of Rabbits and Hares2000Whitecap Books1-55285-024-2
Welcome to the World of Octopuses2000Whitecap Books1-55285-023-4
Welcome to the World of Squirrels2001Whitecap Books1-55285-259-8
Welcome to the World of Coyotes2001Whitecap Books1-55285-258-X
Welcome to the World of Snakes2001Whitecap Books1-55285-171-0
Welcome to the World of Sharks2001Whitecap Books1-55285-170-2
Welcome to the World of Wild Horses2002Whitecap Books1-55285-321-7
Welcome to the World of Hummingbirds2002Whitecap Books1-55285-319-5
Welcome to the World of Frogs and Toads2002Whitecap Books1-55285-354-3
Welcome to the World of Alligators and Crocodiles2002Whitecap Books1-55285-355-1
Welcome to the Whole World of Elephants2003Turtleback Books0-61378-586-X
Welcome to the Whole World of Penguins2003Whitecap Books1-55285-450-7
Welcome to the World of Kangaroos2004Whitecap Books1-55285-471-X
Welcome to the World of Orangutans2004San Val0-61378-593-2
Welcome to the World of Wolverines2007Whitecap Books1-55285-840-5
Welcome to the World of Spirit Bears2007Whitecap Books1-55285-847-2

Other books

Authored

TitlePublished DateIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
Technology for the Home1987British Columbia Ministry of Education
A Toothy Tongue and One Long Foot: Nature Activities for Kids1992Whitecap Books1-55110-022-3
The Emerald Sea: Exploring the Underwater Wilderness of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska1993Dale SandersAlaska Northwest Books0-88240-450-4
Safari Beneath the Sea: The Wonder World of the North Pacific Coast1994Demco Media0-60608-861-X
Sky Dancers: The Amazing World of Canadian Birds1995Doug PenhaleWhitecap Books1-55110-306-0
Buffalo Sunrise: The Story of a North American Giant1996Whitecap Books1-55110-378-8
Bug Bites: Insects Hunting Insects ... and More1997Whitecap Books1-55285-169-9
Animals Eat the Weirdest Things1998Terry SmithHenry Holt and Company (BYR)0-80505-846-X
The Doctor and You2001Annick Press1-55037-672-1
Nibbling on Einstein's Brain: The Good, the Bad and the Bogus in Science2001Warren ClarkAnnick Press1-55037-686-1
The Dentist & You2002Rose CowlesAnnick Press1-55037-729-9
The Balloon Sailors2003Krystyna Lipka-SztarballoAnnick Press1-55037-809-0
Turn It Loose: The Scientist in Absolutely Everybody2004Warren ClarkAnnick Press1-55037-850-3
The Wonder in Water2005Annick Press1-55037-936-4
A Crash of Rhinos, a Party of Jays: The Wacky Ways We Name Animal Groups2006Mariko Ando SpencerAnnick Press1-55451-048-1
Bugs Up Close2007Paul DavidsonKids Can Press1-55453-138-1
Cheetah Cubs and Beetle Grubs: The Wacky Ways We Name Young Animals2007Mariko Ando SpencerAnnick Press1-55451-083-X
You Are Weird: Your Body's Peculiar Parts and Funny Functions2009Kathy BoakeKids Can Press1-55453-282-5
Animals Aha!: Thrilling Discoveries in Wildlife Science2009Annick Press1-55451-164-X

Co-authored

TitlePublished DateCo-authorIllustrator/PhotographerPublisherISBN
Exploring Canada: Learning from the Past1985Vivien BowersPgw0–88894–87
More than Meets the Eye1989Vivien BowersPacific Educational Press0-88865-065-5
Why Seals Blow Their Noses: North American Wildlife in Fact and Fiction1992Douglas PenhaleDouglas PenhaleWhitecap Books1-55110-038-X
Squirts and Snails and Skinny Green Tails : Seashore Nature Activities for Kids1993Warren ClarkWarren ClarkWhitecap Books1-55110-062-2
Coyotes in the Crosswalk: Canadian Wildlife in the City1994Douglas PenhaleDouglas PenhaleWhitecap Books1-55110-140-8
The Day of the Twelve Story Wave: Grinding Glaciers, Howling Hurricanes, Spewing Volcanoes, and Other Awesome Forces of Nature1995Laura CookLaura CookLongstreet Press1-56352-260-8

Awards

Swanson was recipient of the following awards: [18]

YearBookAwardResult
1993The Emerald SeaChildren's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book AwardShort-listed
1994 Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice Award Short-listed
B.C. Book PrizesShort-listed
1995Why Seals Blow Their NosesMid-America Publishers Association AwardsWinner - Best Illustrated Book, one Color
Safari Beneath the SeaOrbis Pictus Award [19] Winner - Outstanding Nonfiction for Children
Coyotes in the CrosswalkChildren's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book AwardShort-listed
Safari Beneath the SeaOrbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children [20] Winner
Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book AwardShort-listed
1995-96Utah Children's Informational Book Award [21] Short-listed
1996Coyotes in the CrosswalkSilver Birch AwardShort-listed
1997Buffalo SunriseSilver Birch Award [22] Short-listed
Safari Beneath the SeaGarden State (New Jersey) Children's Book AwardShort-listed
1997-98Sky DancersB.C. Red Cedar Book AwardShort-listed
1998Buffalo SunriseInternational Reading Association's Young Adult Choice AwardShort-listed
Bug BitesChildren's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book AwardShort-listed
Ontario Silver Birch AwardShort-listed
Welcome to the World of Bears Parents' Choice Award, USWinner
Welcome to the World of OttersParents' Choice Award, USWinner
1999Animals Eat the Weirdest ThingsMr. Christie's Book Award [23] Short-listed
Ontario Silver Birch AwardShort-listed
Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book AwardShort-listed
1999-2000Bug BitesB.C. Red Cedar Book AwardShort-listed
2000Welcome to the World of MooseB.C. 2000 Book Award
Welcome to the World of Beavers
Welcome to the World of Skunks
Welcome to the World of Porcupines
2000-01Animals Eat the Weirdest ThingsB.C. Red Cedar Book Award [24] Short-listed
2001Rocky Mountain Book AwardShort-listed
White RavenLos Angeles' 100 Best Books
2002White Raven Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), American Library AssociationNon-fiction honor list
Hm?Ontario Silver Birch AwardShort-listed
Informal Education Product of the Year Award for Linguistic IntelligenceWinner
Burp!Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book AwardShort-listed
White RavenScience in Society AwardShort-listed
2002-03Burp!Rocky Mountain AwardShort-listed
Burp!Atlantic Provinces Hackmatack Award [25] Short-listed
Hm?Ontario Silver Birch AwardShort-listed
2003-04Hm?B.C. Red Cedar Book AwardShort-listed
Up Close: Skin That Slimes and ScaresB.C. Red Cedar Book AwardShort-listed
Nibbling on Einstein's BrainB.C. Red Cedar Book AwardShort-listed
2004-05Tunnels! True stories from the edgeHackmatack Award [26] Winner
2006-07The Wonder in WaterSilver Birch AwardShort-listed
Turn It LooseRed Cedar AwardShort-listed
2008Bugs Up CloseSilver Birch Express AwardFinalist
Bugs Up CloseChildren's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award [27] Finalist

Other memberships

CWILL B.C. Canadian Children's Book Centre

References

  1. "Swanson, Diane, 1944–2021”. Library of Congress Authorities. Retrieved 2015-03-19.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "Diane Swanson – Author". Kids Can Press (kidscanpress.com). Q & A. Retrieved 2015-03-19.
  3. "NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD" (PDF). ncte.org. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Diane Swanson – Author". Kids Can Press (kidscanpress.com). Biography. Retrieved 2015-03-19.
  5. "Author of the Week—Diane Swanson". 1998 Summer Reading Club. British Columbia Library Association. 1998. Archived from the original on 2012-11-30. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  6. "Diane Swanson". Annick Press. Retrieved 2011-06-07.
  7. Perren, Susan (2006-10-21). "Children's Books". Globe and Mail. Toronto: Bell Globemedia. p. D26.
  8. Zvirin, Stephanie (2007-01-01). "A Crash of Rhinos, A Party of Jays: The Wacky Ways We Name Animal Groups". Booklist. 103 (9–10). American Library Association: 112.
  9. Perren, Susan (2005-10-22). "Children's Books". Globe and Mail. Toronto: Bell Globemedia. p. D22.
  10. Xiong, Nzong (2002-06-03). "Brush kids' fears away". The Freson Bee. Fresno, CA. p. E1.
  11. Cohen, Nancy (October 2002). "The Dentist and You. (Non-Fiction: Preschool–Grade 6)". Resource Links. 8 (1): 23.
  12. Moesch, Christine A. (June 2002). "Swanson, Diane. The Dentist & You". School Library Journal. 48 (6): 126.
  13. Faust, Susan (1996-04-28). "How the West was Run". San Francisco Chronicle. San Francisco. p. 14.
  14. Sherman, Chris (1996-05-01). "Buffalo Sunrise: The story of a North American giant". Booklist. 92 (17). American Library Association: 1504.
  15. Marshall, Arwen (September 2004). "Swanson, Diane. Alligators and Crocodiles". School Library Journal. 50 (9): 194.
  16. Jollimore, Karen (December 1998). "Welcome to the world series—raccoons". Resource Links. 4 (2): 11–12.
  17. "Whales". Resource Links. 2 (3): 122. February 1997.
  18. "Swanson, Diane". abcbookworld.com. Retrieved 2025-04-09.
  19. "Welcome to the world of spirit bears". BC Books for BC Schools. Vancouver, Canada: Association of Book Publishers of British Columbia. 2007–2008. p. 7.
  20. "NCTE ORBIS PICTUS AWARD" (PDF). ncte.org. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  21. Marilou Sorensen (1995-03-21). "LIT GROUP POSTS READING LISTS FOR KIDS". deseret.com. Retrieved 2025-04-09.
  22. "Ontario Library Association Silver Birch Award". www.canadianauthors.net. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  23. "The Balloon Sailors". www.biblio.com. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  24. "Red Cedar Book Award". School Libraries in Canada (Vol. 20 No. 3 ed.). insert: Canadian School Libraries Association. 2020. p. 21.
  25. "2003 Hackmatack Award" (PDF). hackmatack.ca. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  26. "English awards". www.collectionscanada.gc.ca. Retrieved 2025-04-08.
  27. "VANCOUVER CHILDREN'S LITERATURE ROUNDTABLE". www.vclr.ca. Retrieved 2025-04-08.