Fact: At one time prairies covered about 40% of the United States but today only about 1% of North American prairies exist. P is for Prairie Dog: A Prairie Alphabet explores North American prairies as it explains their important role and showcases their wonders. Science writer Anthony Fredericks gives an A-Z tour of the many facets and fascinating facts of the prairie ecosystem. Inhabitants including the bison, the quail, and, of course, the prairie dog are highlighted along with descriptions of insect and plant life. Former schoolteacher Tony Fredericks is an award-winning author of many nature and animal books for children. A frequent presenter at schools and conferences across the country, Tony teaches education courses at York College in York, Pennsylvania. Doug Bowles has been a freelance illustrator for more than twenty years. His books for Sleeping Bear include One Kansas Farmer: A Kansas Number Book and S is for Sunflower: A Kansas Alphabet. Doug lives in Leawood, Kansas.
Anthony is well known for his energetic, humorous, and highly informative school visits throughout North America. The award-winning author's dynamic presentations have captivated thousands of students in Canada, Mexico, and across the United States. He is as passionate about kids and learning as he is about children's literature. A former elementary teacher and reading specialist, Anthony is the author of more than 100 books, including more than 65 teacher resource books and three-dozen children's books. His education titles include the best-selling Science Fair Handbook (3rd Ed.), which he co-authored with Isaac Asimov (Goodyear) and the hugely popular Frantic Frogs and Other Frankly Fractured Folktales for Readers Theatre (Teacher Ideas Press). Fredericks is also the author of several trade books including the perennial favorite The Complete Idiot's Guide to Success as a Teacher. Anthony is a professor of education at York College, York, Pennsylvania where he teaches elementary methods courses and children's literature.
A graduate of the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, Ohio, Doug Bowles has been a freelance illustrator for 20 years. In addition to Doug's illustrations for children, he enjoys working with a wide range of clients in the advertising, corporate and editorial communities. His work has been selected many times in the Society of Illustrators West competition, and he has had several gallery showings. Doug lives in Leawood, Kansas, with his wife and two children.
