Joyce Sidman facts for kids

Joyce Sidman (born June 4, 1956) is a talented American author who writes wonderful books for children. She is especially known for her poetry and books about nature and science. Her work has won many important awards, like being a runner-up for the Newbery Medal and winning the Sibert Medal.

Joyce Sidman studied German at Wesleyan University. Today, she lives in Wayzata, Minnesota, with her husband and their two sons.

Exploring Joyce Sidman's Books

Joyce Sidman has written many different kinds of books for young readers. She often uses poetry to explore interesting topics, from animal families to the wonders of the natural world.

Poems About Life and Nature

Joyce Sidman's poetry books often help us see the world in new ways.

• Like the Air (1999): This was one of her first poetry collections.
• Just Us Two: Poems about Animal Dads (2000): This book, with pictures by Susan Swan, shares poems about different animal fathers and their babies.
• This Is Just to Say: Poems of Apology and Forgiveness (2007): Illustrated by Pamela Zagarensky, this book explores how we say sorry and forgive others through poems.
• Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night (2010): This book takes readers on a journey through the night, exploring creatures and sounds that come alive after dark.
• Ubiquitous: Celebrating Nature's Survivors (2010): With illustrations by Beckie Prange, this book celebrates amazing creatures that have survived for a long time.

Discovering Nature's Wonders

Many of Joyce Sidman's books help kids learn about science and the natural world in a fun way.

• Swirl by Swirl: Spirals in Nature (2011): Illustrated by Beth Krommes, this book shows how spirals appear everywhere in nature, from seashells to galaxies.
• Round (2017): This book, with pictures by Taeeun Yoo, explores all the round shapes we can find around us. It even received special honors for connecting math and literature!
• The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science (2018): This book tells the true story of Maria Merian, an artist and scientist who studied insects and changed how people saw the natural world.

Awards and Special Honors

Joyce Sidman's books have been recognized with many important awards.

• In 2011, her book Dark Emperor & Other Poems of the Night was a runner-up for the prestigious Newbery Medal. This award is given to the author of the most outstanding book for children.
• In 2019, she won the Sibert Medal for The Girl Who Drew Butterflies. The Sibert Medal celebrates the most distinguished informational book for children.