Biography
Susan Stockdale is the author and illustrator of critically acclaimed picture books that joyfully celebrate the natural world. Her titles, including Bring On the Birds, Stripes of All Types, and Fabulous Fishes, have garnered numerous honors such as the ALSC Notable Picture Book, NCTE Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Book, and Bank Street College's Best Children's Books of the Year. Praised for her lyrical text and vivid illustrations, The Washington Post declared, "If the paintings are the feast, Stockdale's words are the dessert."
Susan launched her art career in 1976 painting fantastical landscapes for gallery exhibitions and later worked as a freelance textile designer, creating fabric for clothing sold at retailers like Lord & Taylor. Her love of pattern and color - hallmarks of her textile work - continues to shine in her picture books today.
Meticulous in her research, Susan collaborates with scientists to ensure factual accuracy and often travels to observe animals in their natural habitats. For Bring On the Birds, she journeyed to the Galápagos Islands to watch Blue-footed boobies perform their lively mating dance. She snorkeled in Belize to study fish featured in Fabulous Fishes, and explored the rainforests of Costa Rica and the plains of Tanzania to research other animals. Her distinctive artwork has been featured in the Society of Illustrators Original Art Show and adapted for puzzles, notecards and more. Her latest title 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, and furthered her studies with illustrator Luis de Horna in Salamanca, Spain, and printmaker Ansei Uchima at Sarah Lawrence College. She lives with her husband in Chevy Chase, Maryland.