As part of her presentations to individual classes, whole student bodies, and families attending school events, the award-winning author also explains how anyone can learn scientific information, not only those who have degrees in science, biology, and zoology. A journalist by trade, Curtis explains how she worked with wildlife experts and biologists to learn about and write about scientific matters for her illustrated children’s books, Oshus and Shelly Save the Bay (Bay Media 1999),Turtles In My Sandbox (Sylvan Dell, 2007), Osprey Adventure (Tidewater Publishers 2008), and the forthcoming Baby Owl’s Rescue (Sylvan Dell, 2009).
Curtis, who studied English and Journalism in college and graduate school, considers herself something of an "accidental advocate." She says she has always enjoyed the writing process but has been surprised at how much her research has taught her about animals, the environment, and what people can do to help both. She hopes to ignite this passion to help backyard animals in need to children and adults through her stories and orally, in classrooms, auditoriums, and assembly areas around the state.
Curtis’ first book, Oshus and Shelly Save the Bay, was the recipient of MCTELA’s Frederick Douglass Award while Turtles In My Sandbox was an ASPCA Henry Bergh finalist.
All of Curtis’ books are available in stores and online. For more information about a school or organizational visit, view the websites www.terrapinbook.com and www.ospreybook.com;
