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I am a naturalist and photographer who has climbed through caves, trekked across glaciers, hiked into canyons and craters, and explored deserts and rain forests. All these adventures observing different habitats and creatures have inspired and enriched my writing. Before I became an author, I was a classroom teacher for nine years. So I enjoy using my love of nature to excite children to express themselves through poetry, stories, and projects. I've also worked with adults, giving writing workshops in my home and teaching at conferences for teachers and librarians.
Selected Works:
*REAL-LIFE SEA MONSTERS (Lerner 2008)
Named to the IRA/CBC Children's Choices Reading List
*BIONICS (Lerner 2007) “This solid and readable introduction to the field of bionics is divided into four chapters: "Replacing Parts," "Fixing Malfunctions," "Assisting the Senses," and "Facing the Future." Jango-Cohen uses a number of personal stories and references to pop culture to engage readers. She profiles Lyn Kolsteren, who received a bone-anchored hearing aid (BAHA). In the first chapter, she highlights Darth Vader and Dr. Octopus from the film Spider-Man 2 as examples of replacing parts. The explanations are clearly written and easily understood. Colorful photographs and illustrations are featured throughout the text and captions appear in colorful bubbles. This is a useful research tool on a topic that is certain to intrigue students. School Library Journal
“It's wonderfully written and very effective in communicating the excitement of this new science.”
Professor Sandro Mussa-Ivaldi
Northwestern University
Department of Biomedical Engineering
Sensory Motor Performance Program
*HIPPOPOTAMUSES (Benchmark 2007) “Jango-Cohen extends the stalwart Animals, Animals series with an engaging look at the hippopotamus. Facts about its size and power will engage readers as much as the crisp, full-color photographs showcasing the creature's many endearing features, from its “teddy-bear ears” to its “tasseled tail.” Booklist
*BEN FRANKLIN'S BIG SHOCK (Millbrook Press 2006) “For beginning readers interested in science or in need of a nonfiction book for a report, Jango-Cohen's look at Franklin's experiments should have appeal. The subject is clearly presented and explained within the context of 1750s Philadelphia.” Horn Book Guide
*WHY DOES IT RAIN? (Millbrook Press 2006) Named a Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year. “Beautiful child-friendly illustrations support the expanding text that explains the water cycle from raindrops to conservation concerns. Expressive language gives the scientific theories a story-like feel.” Marcia Kolmann
*THE RESPIRATORY SYSTEM (Lerner 2005) Named a Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year.
*CHINESE NEW YEAR (Carolrhoda 2005) Named a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People by the National Council for the Social Studies and the Children's Book Council
“Clearly written, informative, and child-centered without talking down to children.” Booklist
“The perfect introduction to the sights, sounds, foods, and festivities of the Chinese New Year, this book describes Chinese New Year in detail. With colorful illustrations, this addition to the On My Own Holidays series also includes the origin and symbolism of each custom.”
As reviewed on KidStuff, Martha Stewart Radio, February 13, 2007
*FLYING SQUIRRELS (Lerner 2004) Named a Children's Book Committee at Bank Street College Best Children's Book of the Year.
*OCTOPUSES (Benchmark 2004) “Octopuses includes fascinating sections on the use of color for camouflage and a project at the New England Aquarium that demonstrates the intelligence and curiosity of these sea creatures.” School Library Journal
*PENGUINS and *GIRAFFES (Benchmark 2002) “These fact-filled books will delight readers. . . these colorful titles will be a hit with animal lovers and report writers.” School Library Journal
*CLINGING SEA HORSES (Lerner, 2001) Listed in Best Books for Children. Recommended by the National Science Teachers Association. Placed on the Children's Literature Choice List.
*CROCODILES (Benchmark 2001) Listed in Best Books for Children. Recommended by Booklist. “Won't stay on animal lovers' shelves for very long.” The Book Report. “Packed with brilliant color photographs, this informative book provides reference material for all ages.” Children's Literature
*DESERT IGUANAS (Lerner, 2001) ”This book is a great introduction to the topic, just right for young report writers and a perfect nonfiction book for first and second grade information seekers.” -Children's Literature. “Will hook beginning readers by the first page.”-- Bank Street Bookstore.
*DIGGING ARMADILLOS (Lerner 2001) “This is special book that conveys good feelings towards these fascinating animals.” Appraisal
Other works include:
*BEES (Benchmark 2007)
*THE HISTORY OF FOOD (Twenty-first Century Books 2006)
*PORCUPINES (Benchmark 2006)
*KANGAROOS (Benchmark 2006)
* ELLIS ISLAND (Children's Press 2005)
* LIBRARIANS (Lerner 2005)
* RHINOCEROSES (Benchmark 2005)
* CAMELS (Benchmark 2005)
* ARMADILLOS (Benchmark 2004)
* THE BALD EAGLE (Lerner 2003)
* THE AMERICAN FLAG (Lerner 2003)
* THE LIBERTY BELL (Lerner 2003)
* MOUNT RUSHMORE (Lerner 2003)
* HOVERING HUMMINGBIRDS (Lerner 2003)
* HUNGRY LADYBUGS (Lerner 2003)
* FIRE TRUCKS (Lerner 2003)
* DUMP TRUCKS (Lerner 2003)
* FRESHWATER FISHES (Benchmark 2003)
* CROCODILES (Benchmark 2003)
* GORILLAS (Benchmark 2003)
I travel throughout New England and to other parts of the country.
Program Info
Program Descriptions:
Real-Life Sea Monsters: Once upon a time, sailors whispered strange stories. They spoke of creatures that whipped waves into storms and sea serpents with sharp fangs and blood-red eyes. This program will focus on sea monster myths and explain how real-life creatures inspired them. It is based on Real-Life Sea Monsters (Millbrook, 2008), which was named to the IRA/CBC Children’s Choices Reading List. (Grades K-6)
Gators, Octopi, and Grizzlies, Oh My! : Researching and taking photographs for my 41 nonfiction books has been an adventure. Through stories, props, music, and photos, participants will relive my humorous and harrowing experiences—all the while learning about animal behavior and biology. They will even learn how a “mystery animal” saved my life. The program also offers a behind-the-scenes look at the making of a book. (Grades K-Adult)
Melodious Prose and Poetry: Using examples from my books, children will analyze poetic techniques to discover how devices such as alliteration and assonance add lyricism to prose and poetry. Then, using puppets and props, they will create their own examples. (Grades 2-6)
Happy (Chinese) New Year! This program will introduce children to the Chinese festival celebrated with family, food, flowers, and fireworks. Through puppets, a parade, and the singing of a New Year song in Chinese, students will learn about lucky money, the Chinese Zodiac, the Door Gods, and special poems called spring couplets. The program is an accompaniment to my book, Chinese New Year (Carolrhoda, 2005), which was named a Notable Social Studies Trade Book for Young People. (Grades K-5)
Exciting Writing Residency: Through skits, readings, and discussion, participants will analyze techniques that strengthen their writing such as beguiling beginnings, terrific endings, organization, and transitions. They will also study literary devices that perk up their prose. At the end of the five-day workshop, students will have created their own story while applying these techniques. (Grades 3-12)
Program Pricing:
$850 for a one day program (four forty-five minute sessions or three one-hour sessions) and a book signing. Discount for more than one day. $300 for a classroom workshop or public library program and a book signing. Additional fees for locations farther than 50 miles from Burlington, MA. I am also available for writing residencies. Please feel welcome to contact with questions about programs or pricing.
Special Features:
Because of my many years as a teacher I am skilled at engaging participants with interactive techniques. In addition, I enhance my presentations with sound effects, music, puppets, props, and stunning visual images. My experiences in the wild provide numerous suspenseful and humorous stories and as the author of forty-one books, I have many fascinating facts to share.
Audience Levels:
Lower Elementary; Upper Elementary; Middle School; High School; Adult
Contact Info
Contact Email:
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Contact Address:
23 Sarah Street
Home City:
Burlington
Home State:
Massachusetts
Contact Phone:
781-229-6317
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