CLiF would like to introduce or re-introduce you to Jason Chin of South Burlington, VT. Jason writes and illustrates books about science and nature. He does two things in his books: he tells a story, and he teaches about science and nature. Learn more about how he does it!

Watch a clip of Jason’s presentation from CLiF’s Virtual Author’s Series here.

Things to think about:

• Jason has won Caldecott Honor, Sibert Honor and Orbis Pictus awards – what makes his books stand out?
• Jason writes and illustrates his own books and illustrates other people’s. Which do you think is harder?
• How does Jason research his books? Would you want to climb a redwood to learn more about it?
• How did Jason get to be such a good writer and artist? He started as a kid!

Here are a few ways to get to know Jason’s work better:

• Read an interview about his book Nine Months
• Hear Save the Redwood’s educator read Redwoods, plus find activities about the trees, or hear Grand Canyon read on National Parks Day
• Watch Jason teach you how to illustrate a fact
• Read about the four step process of painting the images for Coral Reefs
• Find more educational resources here

CLiF has created literacy activities for students of all ages here. Here are some that would go nicely with Jason’s work:

For younger kids:

• Dictionary Words – make your own illustrated dictionary of science terms you learn in Jason’s books
• Sticker Wall – read books about topics new to you; track the books and the questions you ask and answer!

For older kids:

• Book Trailer Posters – use the poster to entice someone else to learn about a science topic
• Extra Extra – make a newspaper with articles about what you learn in Jason’s books. Look at how current issues impact nature, such as climate change, forest fires, etc.

For families:

• Battle of the Books – set up a competition around science/nature picture books
• Get Out! – go for a walk and pick one natural object to learn more about