Growing up, Stephen Swinburne wanted to be an adventurer, a naturalist, or a marine biologist. For as long as he can remember, he loved to write about his observations of nature and wildlife as he traveled to new places, exploring creatures and their environments. His book Ocean Soup, a book about the creatures that live in the Atlantic and Pacific tide pools, was inspired by a family vacation to Blue Hill, Maine where he visited the tide pools daily. Now the author of over 25 children's books, Steve continually receives praise for his educational yet interesting topics, as well as his ability to make these topics accessible to young readers.

Born in London, Steve moved to New York City with his family when he was eight years old. He received a B.A. in Biology and English at Castleton State College in Vermont, and after a lifetime of various occupations--busboy, office worker, park ranger--Steve settled into writing and photographing children's books. Many of his photographs have appeared in an assortment of magazines such as Country Journal, Vermont Life, and Highlights for Children. Also, his book In Good Hands (Sierra Club Books) was honored with the John Burroughs List of Nature Books for Young Readers Award.

Steve also conducts educational and entertaining school visits that have been met with tremendous approval. One school librarian writes, "Steve Swinburne's visit was the best author visit Stevens School has had, in large part because he displayed an unusual sensitivity to children's ages and development levels which made his connection to the audience exceptional." Swallows in the Birdhouse (Millbrook Press), Coyote-North America's Dog (Boyds Mills Press), and Saving Manatees (Boyds Mills Press) are a few of the books that have been the focus of such visits.

Steve makes his home in South Londonderry, Vermont with his wife and two daughters.

Visit Steve online.

Read a Q & A with Stephen Swinburne.

Books by Stephen Swinburne