DAVID SCHWARTZAuthor
DAVID SCHWARTZ
Author
As a child, I was filled with awe as I contemplated the universe. The huge numbers of stars and their sizes and distances never failed to amaze me. With binoculars and magnifying glasses, I also focused on closer objects like birds, bugs, flowers and frogs. But science and math weren't my only fascination: I also loved bicycles, baseball, boats -- and ice cream.
Years later, on a clear spring night, I looked up at the sky and a flood of memories came to me. I remembered my childhood awe at the wonders of space. That night I was inspired to write my first book, How Much Is a Million? It was my way to make big numbers both thrilling and comprehensible.
How fortunate I was that How Much Is a Million? went on to become the classic children's book on large numbers and it recently celebrated its 20th birthday. It has sold over a million copies. Now, 50 books later, I spend much of my time finding unusual, whimsical ways to make math and science come alive for kids and teachers, both through writing and speaking.
There is nothing I enjoy more than visiting schools and speaking to the children who are my readers. I try to fill their minds with the same sense of wonder that I have always had for the world around me, and I try to get them to see math in ways they've never considered before. It thrills me that they can think, laugh and learn at the same time. The children are an inspiration to me and, based on what they have told me afterwards, I believe I am an inspiration to them. Here is what one child wrote to me on hand-painted multi-colored paper: "These are the colors of thinking, which you made me do. You made me think of math a hole different way." What could be better than that?!
What in the Wild?
| Now Available |
ISBN-10: 1582462070 ISBN-13: 978-1582462073
Ten creatures await, camouflaged in artful, full-page photographs, while playful poems offer clues about each animal's identity and whereabouts. Think you've spotted one? Lift one of ten gatefolds to find out. A full page of fascinating information accompanies each animal so readers can learn how nature's camouflage serves hunter and hunted alike. Why do fawns have spots during their first year of life? How did killdeer birds get their name? What makes a crab spider so good at ambushing its prey?
| EVERYONE IS GOING WILD OVER. . . Where in the Wild? Camouflaged Creatures Concealed and Revealed Ear-tickling Poems by David M. Schwartz and Yael Schy Eye-tricking Photos by Dwight Kuhn |
| Awards (Click Icon to read More) |
2008 SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books 
2008 NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Book for ChildrenSelectors Choice 
2008 Animal Behavior Society Outstanding Childrens Book Award 
2007 Editors Choice, Booklist 
2007 John Burroughs List of Nature Books for Young Readers*
More Accolades!
Finalist
|
and YA Bloggers Literary Award
Lasting Connections of 2007 roundup of the years best books to tie into curriculum Book Links (pub. by American Library Association) WHERE IN THE WILD? REVIEWED IN SUNDAY NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW SECTION, APRIL 13, 2008! . . .challenges us to see the world in a thats cool! kind of way. . . urges the reader to observe the world more closely. . . spectacular photographs. . . (this) vibrant book, with its passion for discovery, seems likely to inspire young readers. Click HERE and page down article Open Wide, Look Inside http://blog.richmond.edu/openwidelookinside/archives/29 The fascinating world of big numbers comes alive in this award-winning classic. Known and loved around the world by children and adults alike. ISBN 0688070175(hardcover) From one cent to one million dollars, the math of money for fun and profit. ISBN 0688129161(hardcover) ISBN 0060848065(paperback) In the latest addition to David's "Million" series Marvelosissimo the Mathematical magician and his pack of fun-loving pals are back, measuring a million things in almost a million ways. They learn about many measurement systems, including the metric system. "...a great deal of merry madness that will make learning fun." On Beyond a Million: An Amazing Math Journey by David M. Schwartz, Paul Meisel (Illustrator) Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover: 32 pages Publisher: Doubleday Books for Young Readers (September 7, 1999) Editorial Reviews Schwartz (Magic of a Million Activity Book) originally used bags of popcorn to demonstrate powers of 10 in school presentations. However, here the hands-on technique of counting the kernels is never explained; the value of the popcorn example is less clear in book form. Sidebars rattle off numerical trivia, adding zeros on every spread (e.g., "One little brown bat can snap up 600 mosquitoes per hour"; "There are 40,000 different characters in Chinese"). These ever-larger numbers inspire Meisel's (The Fixits) lively cartoon illustrations of 105 bees and five billion (or 5 x 109) people in the world. While readers' minds will be reeling with zeroes, they will be buoyed by Schwartz's and Meisel's infinite enthusiasm for their subject. (Sept.) Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. From School Library Journal Schwartz helps youngsters conceptualize enormous numbers by introducing them to counting by powers of ten. ... it works as an introduction to the subject, and fans of Schwartz's How Much Is a Million (1985) and If You Made a Million (1989, both Lothrop) will probably enjoy it. Grace Oliff, Ann Blanche Smith School, Hillsdale, NJ Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc. ISBN 0590098578 A hilarious introduction to ratio and proportion by comparing the amazing abilities of animals with humans. Publishers Weekly (starred review) ISBN 0439676126 Step into the world of relative sizes - and be prepared to be surprised! "Math without tears - unless you count tears of laughter... "An enchanting alphabet book that will make its audience laugh out loud. Smithsonian Notable Book for Children Editorial Reviews ISBN 1889910333 The inspiring true story of a 1,000 mile bike race, and one man's pursuit of his dream. Includes audio CD of author reading. David Schwartz "LOOK ONCE AGAIN" Series PLEASE VISIT DAVID'S WEBSITE, www.davidschwartz.com, Please contact David by email at david@davidschwartz.com for fee information, number of sessions, etc., and to request a brochure or poster about his presentations. "Math + Literature = Learning + Fun" Grades K-6, 45-75 min. With props, photos and a wealth of other visuals, David leads his audience on an exciting journey that combines math, science and literature. Children and teachers are thrilled by his unique approach that makes math more exciting than any of them ever thought possible! "Math, Science and a Love of Books" Grades 6-12, 45-75 minutes. With humor, energy and many visuals, David demonstrates ways that his childhood interests in math and science blossomed into a successful writing career as a children's book author and magazine journalist. When David sees a group for a second time, he can offer one of several workshops as follow-ups to his featured assembly. WORKSHOPS "The Storycrafter's Art" Grades 2-6, 30-60 min. David shows how authors, including the young authors in his audiences, can turn real events into compelling stories. "Nature's Numbers: The Math-Science Connection" Grades K-6, 45-60 min. "Think BIG! Workshop on Big Numbers" Grades 4-6, 45-60 min. After the featured assembly, your students will be ready to tackle some big problems in this mind-stretching, interactive session. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT Here's what educators are saying about David Schwartz and his presentations for children... ... and a few words from the children in the audience... David M. Schwartz Phone (510)339-6778 Website: http://www.davidschwartz.com To return to state page click HERE
06/26/12 date last edited
CCBC* Choices 2008 selection Eye-opening and enlightening, this book does nothing to camouflage its own appeal. *Cooperative Childrens Book Center
And if thats not enough, there is a delightful podcast about our book (Click Here).
You can listen online or download it into iTunes and listen to it all the time!Editorial Reviews
Bloggers have been writing about Where in the Wild?
Books and Rocks http://fbayrock.blogspot.com/2007/10/full-of-words.html
Bookslut http://www.bookslut.com/features/2007_12_012073.php
The Miss Rumphius Effect http://missrumphiuseffect.blogspot.com/2008/04/poetry-in-classroom-where-in-wild.htmCheck out the amazing reader reviews on amazon.com.
Download a handsome, useful teaching guide: 
http://10speedpress.biz/resources/documents/Where%20in%20the%20Wild20Guide.pdf 
How Much Is a Million
by David M Schwartz (author), Steven Kellogg (illustrator)Harper-Collins 1985,
ISBN 0688040497(hardcover)
ISBN 0688099335(paperback) "A jubilant, original picture book... great fun ... leads the viewer to conceptualize what at first seems inconceivable, no mean feat."
*ALA Booklist (starred review)
A Reading Rainbow featured book
ALA Notable Book
Utah Informational Children's Book Award
Horn Book Honor Book
Children's Book of the Month Club Main Selection
If You Made a Million,
by David M Schwartz (author), Steven Kellogg (Illustrator) Harper-Collins, 1989,
ISBN 0688136346 "This is one investment that's sure to pay dividends in reader interest"
School Library Journal (starred review)
ALA Notable Book
Booklist Children's Editors' Choice
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year
Millions to Measure,
by David M Schwartz (author), Steven Kellogg (illustrator) 2003, Harper-Collins,
*ALA Booklist (starred review)
"This book is sure to join its predecessors as a staple " -
School Library Journal (starred review)
ISBN: 0385322178
From Publishers Weekly This "math journey" progresses exponentially as kids try to keep up with the yield of an out-of-control popcorn machine. Professor X teaches them to count by powers of 10, demonstrating up to a googol (10100) and beyond, as the kids provide a running commentary. While they don't seem much closer to knowing how many kernels of popcorn they have, they do learn a lot of big numbers and entertain each other with such nonsense names as "splendillion" and "elephantillion."
From Booklist ". ... Each double-page spread is clearly meant to be talked about, and the discussions aren't overwhelming. The sheer numbers are astounding, though, whether they refer to the population of the U.S. or the number of stars in the Milky Way; and the explanation of exponents gives kids a way to count what seems unimaginable. In a funny gag, one kid keeps asking, "Have we reached infinity yet?" and the answers make math awesome and yet accessible--even for those of us who are scared of all those zeros. Hazel Rochman 
If You Hopped Like a Frog,
by David M Schwartz (author), James Warhol (illustrator) Scholastic, 1999,
"In this high-spirited book, Schwartz does for ratio and proportion what he did for numbers in How Much Is a Million? Trivia fans and aspiring scientists will revel in these pages."
American Booksellers' Pick of the Lists
Smithsonian Notable Book for Children
Junior Library Guild selection
IRA/CBC Teachers' Choice
IRA/CBC Children's Choice
If Dogs Were Dinosaurs,
by David M Schwartz (author), James Warhol (illustrator) Scholastic, 2005,
The fascinating fun of proportions continues in this delightful sequel to
If You Hopped Like a Frog
Math didn't used to be this much fun - it's almost unfair!"
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
ISBN 1883672589.
From A-Z, a wonder-filled romp through the world of mathematics.
A terrific title to instruct and entertain."
School Library Journal (starred review)
ALA Notable Book
Children's Booksellers Choice/font>
Q Is for Quark: A Science Alphabet Book
by David Schwartz Reading level: Ages 9-12 Hardcover: 64 pages
Publisher: Tricycle Press (September 2001)
ISBN: 1582460213
From School Library Journal This book does for science what Schwartz's G Is for Googol (Tricycle, 1998) did for mathematics. Each entry is defined in at least two pages of humorous folksy language. The scope includes the atom, clones, gravity, kitchen, System International, xylem, and "Zzzzzzzzzz." The text is filled with readable and clear explanations for some very complex concepts. Complementary cartoon illustrations and/or labeled diagrams appear on every page. Even if readers are not studying jet propulsion or Occam's razor, they will be introduced to a variety of scientific ideas and they will enjoy browsing through this funny and informative book. Linda M. Kenton, San Rafael Public Library, CA Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.
Super Grandpa,
by David M. Schwartz (author), Bert Dodson (Illustrator), Tortuga Press, 2005, "This timeless, meaningful tale will delight listeners
and should be considered an essential purchase."
School Library Journal (multi-media review)
Smithsonian Notable Book for Children
CBC Children's Book of the Year
PBS Storytime Storypick
may be ordered directly from David's website.
A 12 book series David Schwartz "LIFE CYCLES" Series may be ordered directly from David's website.
TO READ ABOUT ALL OF HIS BOOKS, INCLUDING 36 SCIENCE BOOKS FOR BEGINNING READERS.
FEATURED ASSEMBLIES
While projecting magnificent photographs from his books, David illustrates the many ways that math and science go together.
FAMILY PROGRAM
"Numbers, Numbers, Everywhere!" In an evening program, David speaks to parents and children about the many ways numbers enrich our lives, including the connection between numbers and stories.
David also offers professional development workshops and keynote presentations. Please contact him for more information.“I’ve never seen kids so excited about math!” – Debbie Rhines, 3rd grade teacher, Armstrong Elementary School, Dallas, TX "You have such a talent for explaining complex ideas in an entertaining way."
Jean Collogne, Head Librarian, St. Andrews School, Saratoga, CA"The kids still talk about you, many months later. Your visit definitely had lasting power." Carolyn White, Lower School Librarian, International School of Paris "It was one of the most beneficial and exciting days that I can remember in all of my 25 years of experience." Cynthia Young, Principal, Carver Elementary School, Florence, SC "Your dynamic presentation made the unthinkable thinkable. The students are still buzzing about it. Math has never been more fun! How soon can you come back?"
Connie Healey, 45W grade teacher, Arnold Elementary, Lincoln, NE"You got middle school students to think!" Don's Baron, Librarian, St. Martin's Episcopal School, New Orleans, LA "David managed to integrate math, science and literature in a fact-filled, fun-filled extravaganza." Dale Porter, Principal, Ponderosa Elementary, Paradise, CA "David was fantastic in every way! Everyone from 1st to 8th grade students to faculty to visiting librarians was thrilled, even some of the very hard-to-please ones!"
Cynthia Millman, Librarian, The Town School, New York, NY"Thank you for a wonderful day with an incredible author who really gets kids thinking about the world around them!" Jeanne Casella, Principal, Silveira Elementary School, San Rafael, CA "Four weeks after you spoke here, the school is still buzzing. You captivated everyone!" Kathleen Wiegartner, 1st grade teacher, Mackay Elementary School, Tenafly, NJ I think your presentation made me smarter. Almost everything you said I didn't know. You made me really smarter, Mr. Schwartz. - 4th grader, East Marion Elementary School, East Marion, FL I never thought math could be fun until you showed up. 5th Grader, Jones Elementary School, Greensboro, NC I really enjoyed your amazing presentation. Your work really inspired me into reading and writing more. 3rd grader, Locust Valley Intermediate School, Locust Valley, NY At first, I really didn't care about numbers, but now I do! You made me change my mind about them. Also, you made me wonder about them. -Jamie, 4th Grader, Carmel del Mar Elementary, San Diego, CA Thank you for the best day of my life. 4th grader, Ormondale Elementary School, Portola Valley, CA
1849 Drake Dr.
Oakland, CA 94611
Fax (510) 868-8354
send email to: david at davidschwartz.com
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