Byrd Baylor facts for kids

Byrd Baylor Schweitzer (born March 28, 1924) is a well-known American writer. She creates novels, essays, and many popular picture books for children. Her books often share stories about nature and the American Southwest. Four of her books have even won a special award called the Caldecott Honor. This award recognizes the best illustrations in children's books.

About Byrd Baylor

Byrd Baylor was born in March 1924 in San Antonio, Texas. Her first name, Byrd, comes from her mother's family name. She also has famous relatives, including Robert Emmett Bledsoe Baylor, who helped start Baylor University. Another relative is Admiral Richard E. Byrd, a famous explorer.

Byrd Baylor went to college at the University of Arizona. This is where she studied and learned more about the world.

Byrd Baylor's Writing Style

Byrd Baylor's books often show beautiful pictures of the American Southwest. She writes about the strong connection between the land and the Native American people. Her stories teach us about how important it is to live simply. They also show us how special the natural world is. Her books help readers understand the balance of life in nature.

Her Home and Life

Byrd Baylor lives in Arivaca, Arizona. She lives in a special house made of adobe, which is a type of mud brick. Her home does not have electricity. She writes all her books using three old-fashioned manual typewriters. This shows how much she loves a simple life close to nature.

Award-Winning Books

Byrd Baylor has received several Caldecott Honors for her amazing books. These awards are given to books with outstanding illustrations.

• When Clay Sings (1973) was illustrated by Tom Bahti.
• The Desert is Theirs (1976) was illustrated by Peter Parnall.
• Hawk, I'm Your Brother (1977) was illustrated by Peter Parnall.
• The Way to Start a Day (1979) was illustrated by Peter Parnall.

These awards show how much her stories and the artwork in them are loved.

List of Books by Byrd Baylor

Here are some of the books Byrd Baylor has written:

• Amigo (1963)
• One Small Blue Bead (1965; illustrated by Symeon Shimin)
• Before You Came This Way (1969)
• Coyote Cry (1972)
• When Clay Sings (1972)
• Sometimes I Dance Mountains (1973)
• Everybody Needs a Rock (1974; illustrated by Peter Parnall)
• The Desert is Theirs (1975; illustrated by Peter Parnall) (Caldecott Honor)
• Hawk, I’m Your Brother (1976; illustrated by Peter Parnall) (Caldecott Honor)
• Yes Is Better than No (1977; with illustrations by Leonard Chana, 1990)
• The Way to Start a Day (1978; illustrated by Peter Parnall) (Caldecott Honor)
• The Other Way to Listen (1978; illustrated by Peter Parnall)
• Your Own Best Secret Place (1979; illustrated by Peter Parnall)
• If You Are a Hunter of Fossils (1980; illustrated by Peter Parnall)
• Desert Voices (1981; illustrated by Peter Parnall)
• I'm In Charge of Celebrations (1986; illustrated by Peter Parnall)
• The Table Where Rich People Sit (1994; illustrated by Peter Parnall)