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Children's books by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Children's books by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Welcome to the web site of children's author and illustrator Brenda Z. Guiberson.

Brenda has been writing and illustrating children's books for over 20 years. Though she did not imagine becoming an author as a child, she did relish the idea of studying animals and exploring remote jungles.

Her fascination with science as a student now shines through as young readers explore everything from chattering rainforests to the inside of a cactus to the solitude of a lighthouse. Brenda's books combine the beauty of language and art with valuable lessons important to our connection not only with each other but the world around us.

Enjoy exploring the worlds Brenda has created. Follow the links to learn more about the author, her published works and fun ways her books can be brought to life in the classroom.

Brenda's Quick Facts

Brenda Z. Guiberson Where did you grow up?
Mostly outdoors, along the Columbia River in eastern Washington, swimming or looking for artifacts, rocks and birds.

What inspired you to write/illustrate your first book?
The idea came from reading stacks and stacks of books to my son. The details came from a trip into the wetlands of Louisiana where we saw alligators, spoonbills and a beautiful sunset.

Do you use your childhood as inspiration?
I write for the child in me, the one who thrives on adventure and surprises, on learning new things, on understanding and being understood.

What books from your childhood have most influenced your work? What about adult titles?
I am just glad that there is a wonderful variety of books about so many things. I am working my way through reading them. As a child, I loved the Secret Garden by Francis Hodgson Burnett . It was spellbinding and mysterious, hopeful and full of change, part science and part fairy tale.

What are your hobbies and interests besides reading and books?
Getting together with friends and family, hiking, kayaking, watching birds, bugs and the weather.

What one or two words of advice would you give for young authors/illustrators?
Explore, and look closely.

New! - Board Book
Welcome to the Cactus Hotel
Written by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrated by Megan Lloyd

Welcome, welcome, to the Cactus Hotel.

Many desert animals make holes and nests on the great arms of this giant cactus. Spring time is extra busy when the flowers bloom. This is the season for sweet nectar, fluffy pollen, juicy red fruit, and shiny black seeds. Yummm!

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Welcome to the Cactus Hotel
 
Original - 1991
Cactus Hotel
Written by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrated by Megan Lloyd

It is another hot day in the desert. Birds and other animals scurry about looking for food. When they get tired they stop to rest at a giant cactus.

It is their hotel in the desert!

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Cactus Hotel
 
Recent Release
Moon Bear
Written by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrated Ed Young

Moon bears in the wild wander, dig, nibble and climb.

Join this wandering, clever, hungry moon bear during a year of survival in the Himalayan Mountains.

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  New Paperback Edition
Moon Bear
 
Recent Release
Disasters: Natural & Man-Made Catastrophes Through the Centuries
Written & Illustrated by Brenda Z. Guiberson

In this collection of ten well-known catastrophes such as the great Chicago fire, the sinking of the Titanic, and Hurricane Katrina, Brenda Guiberson explores the causes and effects, as well as the local and global reverberations of these calamitous events.

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  New Paperback Edition
Disasters
 
Recent Release
The Most Amazing Creature in the Sea
Written by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrated by Gennady Spirin

Which sea creature is the greatest? Is it the one with the most venom, the greatest diver, the one with blue blood, or the best rotating eyes? Or is it the master of disguise, the one with the best light, the most slime, or the most eggs?

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Amazing Sea Creature
 
Recent Release
Feathered Dinosaurs
Written by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrated by William Low

"By drawing upon recent discoveries of the many different kinds of feathered dinosaurs, Guiberson gives children multiple examples of the links between modern birds and their prehistoric counterparts ..." --Booklist

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Feathered Dinosaurs
 
Recent Release
Yours 'Til Niagara Falls
Written by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrated by William Low

Millions of years ago, Niagara Falls was not a waterfall. Back then, ocean covered the land.

Eighteen thousand years ago, all that water was locked up in ice.

Then 12,500 years...

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Yours 'Til Niagara Falls
 
Recent Release
MISSING!
Mysterious Cases of People Gone Missing Through the Centuries

Brenda Z Guiberson

In Missing!, a photo-illustrated middle-grade nonfiction book, Brenda Guiberson explores the stories of six individuals who have disappeared mysteriously throughout history.

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Missing!
 
Recent Release
When I Was a Turkey
Joe Hutto with Brenda Z Guiberson

Based on the Emmy Award-Winning PBS Documentary My Life As A Turkey.

The true story of naturalist Joe Hutto who lived like a turkey through the fascinating behavior process of imprinting.

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When I Was a Turkey
 
Recent Release
The Deadliest Creature in the World
Written by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrated by Gennady Spirin

"Together, the intriguing facts and the mesmerizing artwork create a lush book worth poring over again and again. Young animal enthusiasts will find this to be a wonderful introduction to some of the world's most frightening creatures" --School Library Journal, starred review

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The Deadliest Creature in the World
 
Recent Release
The Greatest Dinosaur Ever
Written by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Illustrated by Gennady Spirin

Which dinosaur was the greatest? Was it the tallest, the biggest, the strongest, the smartest, the weirdest, the fastest, or the smallest? .. Fascinating facts and spectacular illustrations will inspire young readers to choose their own favorite dinosaurs!

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Greatest Dinosaur