Sneed’s Nonfiction

With over 80 nonfiction books under my belt, it’s a bit overwhelming to list them all. Below, however, are a dozen or so of my most recent and or popular titles. along with links for how to purchase them. Enjoy!

I am especially proud of my new picture book Border Crossings from Charlesbridge Publishing, illustrated by Howard Gray. The book is the first children’s book I know of to take a look at the impacts of border walls and other manmade obstacles on wildlife, and I hope that it generates thoughtful discussions for both children and adults. Watch a short video about the book by clicking here! Check out the latest review from the National Association of Science Writers’ Lynne Lamberg by clicking here!

Little Killers: The Ferocious Lives of Puny Predators (Lener/Millbrook 2022) is my newest nonfiction book, and a Junior Library Guild selection. I think it’s one of my best STEM books ever, exploring the fascinating world of micro-predators, which are every bit as exciting as lions, tigers, and . . . well, you know! Watch the Book Trailer now!

Birds of Every Color (Bucking Horse Books, 2019; distributed by Mountain Press)

Click here to order!

“In this big, colorful volume, Collard goes beyond admiring the beautiful hues of birds to explain how the colors are formed, what they communicate to other birds, and why they are useful for the species’ survival . . . The book has two texts running in parallel: Short sentences printed at the tops of pages in large type offer a little information that young children, even preschoolers, can enjoy in conjunction with the adjacent illustration. The longer sentences below offer more detailed, often intriguing information for interested kids. From the pictures of brightly colored, photogenic species to a shot of the common pauraque, a mottled brown-and-gray bird barely visible against a background of brown-and-gray sticks, the photos provide excellent illustrations. An attractive choice for the bird shelves.” —Booklist (March 1, 2019)

Check out Roberta Gibson’s terrific review of the book at Growing with Science!
Download the new study guide by clicking here: Birds of Every Color Study Guide 2-5-19

To order, click here or call Mountain Press at (800)234-5308.

One Iguana, Two Iguanas: A Story of Accident, Natural Selection, and Evolution (Tilbury House, 2018)

A Junior Library Guild selection!

These lizards available now!

A Starred Review from Kirkus!

“Collard’s smoothly written text introduces two kinds of iguanas now living on these islands: a prickly pear–eating land iguana and a marine iguana that feeds on green algae underwater. He goes on to describe the volcanic origin of the archipelago and how plants and animals arrived. Drawing on well-grounded scientific conjecture (described in one of six informative sidebars), he then imagines the arrival of the first ctenosaur from Central America 8.25 million years ago and, after 3.75 million more years, the evolution of its algae-eating descendent. . . A fresh and accessible approach to an important scientific concept.” —Kirkus Reviews

Named a Montana Book Award winner!

Warblers & Woodpeckers: A Father-Son Big Year of Birding (Mountaineers Books, 2018)

“What makes this big-year book different is the father-son bonding element . . . the picture of a teenager that emerges has the ring of truth. A proficient storyteller, Collard writes with style about their travels together . . .” —Kirkus Reviews

“[A] charming, fun record of travels with his 13-year-old son on a quest to see as many birds as possible in a year. For those interested in basic birdwatching, natural history, ecotourism, U.S. travel, and father-son relationships, this accessible personal account is full of warmth and wonder.” —Library Journal

“Accompanying Sneed and Braden Collard is a pleasure whether or not you’re a birder. And if you’re not, these travels might get you started.” —The Seattle Times

Woodpeckers: Drilling Holes and Bagging Bugs (Bucking Horse Books, 2018)

Starred Review from Booklist

“Introducing kids to woodpeckers, Collard opens with their most distinctive and crazy-sounding behavior: they repeatedly pound their beaks into trees with a force that would leave other species

An NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book selection!

brain-damaged. The text explains their physical adaptations, such as shock-absorbing skull bones, and then looks at their motivations. While they peck at trees primarily to reach grubs and ants below the bark, they sometimes drum to communicate with other woodpeckers or drill into wood to create holes for nesting or roosting. In addition to describing family life among woodpeckers and introducing some distinctive species, the text discusses the importance of protecting their habitats, particularly the dead trees they depend upon for survival. The book looks inviting, with its large format, clean layouts, and attractive illustrations, mainly well-composed color photos taken by the author and his son. A science writer with a degree in biology, Collard shares his knowledge of a group of birds that clearly fascinate him, while keeping his audience in mind. The text moves along at a good pace and shows a sense of humor, two elements that make the information easier for kids to absorb. This is a handsome, informative resource on woodpeckers, their unusual skills, and their role in the natural world.” — Carolyn Phelan (Booklist)

A 2019 NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Book for Children

Also read the fabulous reviews and study guides for Woodpeckers from Six-Traits Gurus, Growing with Science, Vicki Cobb, and The Midwest Book Review.

Hopping Ahead of Climate Change—Snowshoe Hares, Science, and Survival (Bucking Horse Books, 2016)

Hopping Ahead of Climate Change, Finalist for the AAAS/Subaru/SB&F Prize for Middle Grade Science

Finalist for the American Association Advancement of Science/Subaru/Science Books & Films Prize for Nonfiction Science
NSTA-CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books
Eureka Nonfiction Award Silver Medal
Junior Library Guild Selection
Booklist: “Collard does an excellent job of telling the story of the snowshoe hare, while also keeping stewardship and conservation as the core message.”
School Library Journal: “Captivating text and a stimulating use of color photographs make this a welcome addition for all environmental collections.”
Midwest Book Review: “Impressively well written, organized and presented, “Hopping Ahead of Climate Change” is unreservedly recommended for family, school, and community library Environmental Studies and Wildlife Studies collections and supplemental studies reading lists.”
Karen Yingling Reads: “veteran nonfiction science writer Collard gives us fascinating insights into what’s going on with this (extremely adorable) animal.”

Fire Birds—Valuing Natural Wildfires and Burned Forests (Bucking Horse Books, 2015)