Janet Halfmann
Personal Information
Description
Janet Halfmann is an award-winning children’s author who strives to make her books come alive for young readers and listeners. She has written more than thirty books, both fiction and nonfiction. Her Civil War era nonfiction picture book, "Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story" (Lee & Low Books, 2008), was named an Honor Book by the Society of School Librarians International and included in the Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year. Her fiction picture book, "Little Skink’s Tail" (Sylvan Dell Publishing, 2007), received top honors in the Mom’s Choice Awards, being chosen one of three Best Children’s Books for 2009. The book also won the Teacher’s Choice Award from Learning Magazine and Best Overall Book and Best Picture Book honors from the Florida Publishers Association. Before becoming a children’s author, Janet was a daily newspaper reporter, children’s magazine editor, and a creator of coloring and activity books for Golden Books. She is the mother of four and the grandmother of four. When Janet isn’t writing, she enjoys gardening, exploring nature, visiting living history museums, and spending time with her family. She grew up on a farm in Michigan and now lives in South Milwaukee, WI.
Books
Fireflies
Anthology of brief "prose poems" by Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941), first published in 1928. Tagore wrote: "Fireflies had their origin in China and Japan where thoughts were very often claimed from me in my hand-writing on fans and pieces of silk." Tagore may have been influenced by Japanese haiku poetry. "Fireflies" has also been described as a collection of meditations.
Fur and Feathers
A story of a young girl who dreams that howling winds whisk fur and feathers right off her animal friends. Trying to help, she sews each of them a new "coat." But what kind do they need? Who needs fur, and what color? Who needs feathers, and why? Who needs scales, and should they be moist or dry? Includes "For Creative Minds" educational section.
Life in the sea
Examines the nature and growth of coral reefs and the variety of life found in and around them, including moray eels, pearlfish, and sea urchins.
Spiders
Red bat at Sleepy Hollow Lane
Mother Red Bat and her new babies fly through the night in search of insects to eat until it is time to find a new home for the winter. Includes brief notes on the Eastern red bat.
Life in a garden
Examines a few animals that may thrive in a garden, including aphids, praying mantises, and garden snails. Suggests several related activities.
Garter Snake at Willow Creek Lane
On her own since birth, a young garter snake learns important skills such as how to find meals and protect herself from predators such as crows and dogs. Includes facts about garter snakes and a glossary.
Good night, Little Sea Otter
Little Sea Otter tries everything to avoid going to sleep, including saying good night to all of the creatures above and below the ocean's surface.
Animal teachers
"What's a great way for kids to learn about learning? Tell them how an otter takes swimming lessons, or how a chick learns to peck! Short entries portray how twelve different animals are taught various "lessons." Loads of information about nature is offered in brief, kid-friendly explanations paired with striking illustrations"--
Dragonflies
Describes the habitat, life cycle, behavior, predators, and unique characteristics of dragonflies.