Diane Swanson facts for kids
Diane Swanson (born April 5, 1944 – died November 19, 2021) was a Canadian author who wrote many exciting science books for young readers like you! She was known for making science fun and easy to understand.
Biography
Diane grew up in Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. When she was a kid, she loved exploring nature with her dog, Sammy. They spent summers searching for cool creatures like ladybugs and spiders!
She studied social sciences at the University of Alberta. After college, she taught in the West Indies for two years. Later, she worked for the Canadian government in Ottawa, where she researched how we use water resources.
Diane published her first book when she was just 18 years old. Over her career, she wrote more than 70 books and 450 magazine articles!
Diane lived in Victoria, British Columbia. She enjoyed hiking, playing the piano, and reading. She was married and had two children.
Published Works
Diane Swanson wrote many popular book series that help kids learn about the world around them. Here are some of her well-known series and other books.
Animals Can Be So ... series
This series explores the amazing things animals can do, from being speedy to sleepy!
| Title | Published Date | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Animals Can Be So Speedy | 2001 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-827-1 | |
| Animals Can Be So Sleepy | 2001 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-837-9 | |
| Animals Can Be So Hard to See | 2002 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-901-4 | |
| Animals Can Be So Playful | 2002 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-900-6 |
Canada Close Up series
This series takes a closer look at different parts of Canada's nature.
| Title | Published Date | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada Close Up: Canada's Bugs | 2007 | Scholastic Canada | 0-43994-673-5 |
Mysterious You series
Ever wonder how your body works? This series explains it in a fun way!
| Title | Published Date | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hmm?: The Most Interesting Book You'll Ever Read About Memory | 2001 | Rose Cowles | Kids Can Press | 1-55074-595-6 |
| Burp!: The Most Interesting Book You'll Ever Read about Eating | 2001 | Rose Cowles | Kids Can Press | 1-55074-601-4 |
Nature Detectives — The Living World series
Join the Nature Detectives to explore different natural places!
| Title | Published Date | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Sixth Street Wetland Detectives | 1996 | Stuart Duncan | Pacific Edge Publishing | 1-89511-044-0 |
| The Cedar Club Forest Detectives | 1996 | Stuart Duncan | Pacific Edge Publishing | 1-89511-042-4 |
| The Central School Seashore Detectives | 1996 | Terry Smith | Pacific Edge Publishing | 1-89511-039-4 |
| The Gibson Park Grassland Detective | 1996 | Terry Smith | Pacific Edge Publishing | 1-89511-041-6 |
| The Kingfisher Camp River Detectives | 1998 | Judith Rackham | Pacific Edge Publishing | 1-89511-054-8 |
True Stories from the Edge series
This series shares exciting true stories.
| Title | Published Date | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tunnels! | 2003 | Annick Press | 1-55037-781-7 |
Up Close series
Get up close with different animal body parts and what they do!
| Title | Published Date | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Up Close: Noses That Plow and Poke | 1999 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-733-X | |
| Up Close: Tails That Talk and Fly | 1999 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-717-8 | |
| Up Close: Teeth That Stab and Grind | 2000 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-768-2 | |
| Up Close: Feet That Suck and Feed | 2000 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-767-4 | |
| Up Close: Skin That Slimes and Scares | 2001 | Greystone Books | 1-55054-817-4 | |
| Up Close: Headgear That Hides and Plays | 2001 | Douglas & McIntyre | 1-55054-819-0 |
Welcome to the World series
This popular series introduces readers to many different animals and their habitats.
| Title | Published Date | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome to the World of Whales | 1996 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-490-3 | |
| Welcome to the World of Wolves | 1996 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-491-1 | |
| Welcome to the World of Otters | 1997 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-520-9 | |
| Welcome to the World of Bears | 1997 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-312-8 | |
| Welcome to the World of Wild Cats | 1997 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-615-9 | |
| Welcome to the World of Owls | 1997 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-614-0 | |
| Welcome to the World of Eagles | 1998 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-706-6 | |
| Welcome to the World of Foxes | 1998 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-705-8 | |
| Welcome to the World of Raccoons | 1998 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-782-1 | |
| Welcome to the World of Bats | 1998 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-784-8 | |
| Welcome to the World of Beavers | 1999 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-853-4 | |
| Welcome to the World of Moose | 1999 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-854-2 | |
| Welcome to the World of Porcupines | 1999 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-856-9 | |
| Welcome to the World of Skunks | 1999 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-855-0 | |
| Welcome to the World of Rabbits and Hares | 2000 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-024-2 | |
| Welcome to the World of Octopuses | 2000 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-023-4 | |
| Welcome to the World of Squirrels | 2001 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-259-8 | |
| Welcome to the World of Coyotes | 2001 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-258-X | |
| Welcome to the World of Snakes | 2001 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-171-0 | |
| Welcome to the World of Sharks | 2001 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-170-2 | |
| Welcome to the World of Wild Horses | 2002 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-321-7 | |
| Welcome to the World of Hummingbirds | 2002 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-319-5 | |
| Welcome to the World of Frogs and Toads | 2002 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-354-3 | |
| Welcome to the World of Alligators and Crocodiles | 2002 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-355-1 | |
| Welcome to the Whole World of Elephants | 2003 | Turtleback Books | 0-61378-586-X | |
| Welcome to the Whole World of Penguins | 2003 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-450-7 | |
| Welcome to the World of Kangaroos | 2004 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-471-X | |
| Welcome to the World of Orangutans | 2004 | San Val | 0-61378-593-2 | |
| Welcome to the World of Wolverines | 2007 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-840-5 | |
| Welcome to the World of Spirit Bears | 2007 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-847-2 |
Other Books Authored
Here are some other great books Diane Swanson wrote on her own.
| Title | Published Date | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Technology for the Home | 1987 | British Columbia Ministry of Education | ||
| A Toothy Tongue and One Long Foot: Nature Activities for Kids | 1992 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-022-3 | |
| The Emerald Sea: Exploring the Underwater Wilderness of the Pacific Northwest and Alaska | 1993 | Dale Sanders | Alaska Northwest Books | 0-88240-450-4 |
| Safari Beneath the Sea: The Wonder World of the North Pacific Coast | 1994 | Demco Media | 0-60608-861-X | |
| Sky Dancers: The Amazing World of Canadian Birds | 1995 | Doug Penhale | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-306-0 |
| Buffalo Sunrise: The Story of a North American Giant | 1996 | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-378-8 | |
| Bug Bites: Insects Hunting Insects ... and More | 1997 | Whitecap Books | 1-55285-169-9 | |
| Animals Eat the Weirdest Things | 1998 | Terry Smith | Henry Holt and Company (BYR) | 0-80505-846-X |
| The Doctor and You | 2001 | Annick Press | 1-55037-672-1 | |
| Nibbling on Einstein's Brain: The Good, the Bad and the Bogus in Science | 2001 | Warren Clark | Annick Press | 1-55037-686-1 |
| The Dentist & You | 2002 | Rose Cowles | Annick Press | 1-55037-729-9 |
| The Balloon Sailors | 2003 | Krystyna Lipka-Sztarballo | Annick Press | 1-55037-809-0 |
| Turn It Loose: The Scientist in Absolutely Everybody | 2004 | Warren Clark | Annick Press | 1-55037-850-3 |
| The Wonder in Water | 2005 | Annick Press | 1-55037-936-4 | |
| A Crash of Rhinos, a Party of Jays: The Wacky Ways We Name Animal Groups | 2006 | Mariko Ando Spencer | Annick Press | 1-55451-048-1 |
| Bugs Up Close | 2007 | Paul Davidson | Kids Can Press | 1-55453-138-1 |
| Cheetah Cubs and Beetle Grubs: The Wacky Ways We Name Young Animals | 2007 | Mariko Ando Spencer | Annick Press | 1-55451-083-X |
| You Are Weird: Your Body's Peculiar Parts and Funny Functions | 2009 | Kathy Boake | Kids Can Press | 1-55453-282-5 |
| Animals Aha!: Thrilling Discoveries in Wildlife Science | 2009 | Annick Press | 1-55451-164-X |
Co-Authored Books
Diane Swanson also worked with other authors on these books.
| Title | Published Date | Co-author | Illustrator/Photographer | Publisher | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Exploring Canada: Learning from the Past | 1985 | Vivien Bowers | Pgw | 0-88894-87 | |
| More than Meets the Eye | 1989 | Vivien Bowers | Pacific Educational Press | 0-88865-065-5 | |
| Why Seals Blow Their Noses: North American Wildlife in Fact and Fiction | 1992 | Douglas Penhale | Douglas Penhale | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-038-X |
| Squirts and Snails and Skinny Green Tails : Seashore Nature Activities for Kids | 1993 | Warren Clark | Warren Clark | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-062-2 |
| Coyotes in the Crosswalk: Canadian Wildlife in the City | 1994 | Douglas Penhale | Douglas Penhale | Whitecap Books | 1-55110-140-8 |
| The Day of the Twelve Story Wave: Grinding Glaciers, Howling Hurricanes, Spewing Volcanoes, and Other Awesome Forces of Nature | 1995 | Laura Cook | Laura Cook | Longstreet Press | 1-56352-260-8 |
Awards and Recognition
Diane Swanson's books won many awards, showing how much people loved her writing!
- Bugs Up Close
- Finalist, Silver Birch Express Award, 2009
- Finalist, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 2008
- The Wonder in Water
- Shortlisted for the Silver Birch Award, 2006/07
- Turn It Loose
- Shortlisted for the 2006/07 Red Cedar Award
- Tunnels! True stories from the edge
- Winner of the Hackmatack Award, 2004–05
- Nibbling on Einstein's Brain
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 2003/2004
- White Raven, International Youth Library, Munich, 2002
- Nonfiction Honor List, Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA), American Library Association, 2002
- Notables 2002, Canadian Library Association
- Short-listed, Science in Society Award, 2002
- Los Angeles' 100 Best Books, 2001
- Hmm? (illustrated by Rose Cowles)
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 2003/2004
- Short-listed, Utah Children's Informational Book Award, 2002–03
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 2002
- Winner, Informal Education Product of the Year Award for Linguistic Intelligence, 2002
- Burp! (illustrated by Rose Cowles)
- Notables 2002, Canadian Library Association
- Children's Choices for 2002, International Reading Association and Children's Book Council
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 2002
- Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Award, 2002–03
- Short-listed, Atlantic Provinces Hackmatack Award, 2002–03
- Winner, Informal Education Product of the Year Award for Linguistic Intelligence, 2002
- Up Close: Skin That Slimes and Scares
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 2003/2004
- Animals Eat the Weirdest Things (illustrated by Terry Smith)
- Short-listed, Rocky Mountain Book Award, 2001
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 2000/2001
- Short-listed, Mr. Christie's Book Award, 1999
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 1999
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1999
- Welcome to the World of Rabbits and Hares
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2000
- Welcome to the World of Octopuses
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2000
- Feet That Suck and Feed
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2000
- Teeth That Stab and Grind
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre, 2000
- Safari Beneath the Sea
- Winner, Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children (USA), 1995
- Bug Bites (illustrated by the Royal British Columbia Museum)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 1999/2000
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1998
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 1998
- Buffalo Sunrise
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, International Reading Association's Young Adult Choice Award, 1998
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 1997
- The Day of the Twelve-Story Wave (illustrated by Laura Cook)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Sky Dancers (illustrated by Doug Penhale)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, B.C. Red Cedar Book Award, 1997/98
- Safari Beneath the Sea (photography by the Royal British Columbia Museum)
- American Library Association Recommended Book for Reluctant Young Adult Readers
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, Garden State (New Jersey) Children's Book Award, 1997
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1995
- Short-listed, Utah Children's Informational Book Award, 1995–96
- Coyotes in the Crosswalk (illustrated by Doug Penhale)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Short-listed, Ontario Silver Birch Award, 1996
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1995
- Squirts and Snails and Skinny Green Tails (illustrated by Warren Clark)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- The Emerald Sea (photography by Dale Sanders)
- Short-listed for the Bill Duthie Booksellers' Choice, B.C. Book Prizes, 1994
- Why Seals Blow Their Noses (illustrated by Doug Penhale)
- Winner, Best Illustrated Book, One Color, Mid-America Publishers Association Awards, 1995
- Short-listed, Children's Literature Roundtables of Canada Information Book Award, 1993
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
- A Toothy Tongue and One Long Foot (illustrated by Warren Clark and Carolyn Swanson)
- Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Welcome to the World series (Whitecap Books)
- Welcome to the World of Porcupines, 1999: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre; B.C. 2000 Book Award
- Welcome to the World of Skunks, 1999: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre; B.C. 2000 Book Award
- Welcome to the World of Beavers, 1999: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre; B.C. 2000 Book Award
- Welcome to the World of Moose, 1999: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre; B.C. 2000 Book Award
- Welcome to the World of Bats, 1998: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Welcome to the World of Raccoons, 1998: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Welcome to the World of Foxes, 1998: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Welcome to the World of Eagles, 1998: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Welcome to the World of Owls, 1997: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Welcome to the World of Wild Cats, 1997: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre
- Welcome to the World of Bears, 1997: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre; Winner of a Parents' Choice Award, US, 1998
- Welcome to the World of Otters, 1997: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre; Winner of a Parents' Choice Award, US, 1998
- Welcome to the World of Wolves, 1996: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre; Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
- Welcome to the World of Whales, 1996: Our Choice, Canadian Children's Book Centre; Book-of-the-Month Club Selection
Other Memberships
Diane Swanson was also a member of:
- CWILL B.C.
- Canadian Children's Book Centre
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Diane Swanson Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.