Biography
Susan Stockdale is the author and illustrator of critically acclaimed picture books that celebrate nature. Her books, including Bring On the Birds, Stripes of All Types, and Fabulous Fishes, have won a variety of awards including the ALSC Notable Picture Book, NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12, and the Bank Street College of Education Best Children's Books of the Year. Her engaging prose and vibrant illustrations elicit praise. The Washington Post wrote, "If the paintings are the feast, Stockdale's words are the dessert."
Susan began her art career in 1976 as a painter of fantasy landscapes, which she exhibited in gallery shows. She also freelanced as a textile designer for the apparel industry, designing fabric for clothing sold at Lord & Taylor and other retail stores. Her work with textiles gave her an opportunity to express her love of pattern and color, which remain distinctive features of her artwork today.
Susan researches her books extensively, working closely with scientists to vet her text and illustrations for factual accuracy. She travels to see her subjects, as well. To create Bring On the Birds, she visited the Galapagos Islands, where she watched Blue-footed boobies perform their lively mating dance. She snorkeled in the waters of Belize to see many of the fishes featured in Fabulous Fishes, and she explored the rainforests of Costa Rica and the plains of Tanzania to research animals featured in other work. Her distinctive imagery has been exhibited in showcases such as the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show and featured on puzzles, notecards and other products. Her latest book is Don't Eat the Cleaners! Tiny Fish with a Big Job.
Susan received a B.A. in Studio Art from Occidental College, graduating cum laude. She also studied art with illustrator Luis de Horna in Salamanca, Spain and Ansei Uchima at Sarah Lawrence College. She lives with her husband in Chevy Chase, Maryland.