A naturalist, author, and artist, Susan E. Quinlan brings a lifetime of nature exploration and learning to all of her writing and illustrations. Quinlan's previous books for young readers received recognition from the National Science Teachers Association, the International Reading Association, and the Junior Library Guild. Her books include: The Case of the Mummified Pigs and Other Mysteries in Nature, The Monkeys That Fell From the Trees and Other Mysteries in Tropical Nature (both published by Boyds Mills Press), Puffins, and Caribou (published by Carolrhoda Books). Trained as a wildlife biologist, Quinlan obtained degrees from Colorado State University (B.S.) and the University of Alaska (M.S.) She conducted wildlife research in several parts of Alaska, then went on to explore nature in the high arctic tundra, neotropical rainforests, arid deserts and oceanic islands while working as a naturalist guide for Lindblad Expeditions. A passionate conservationist, Quinlan enjoys sharing her love of nature with others through writing, artwork, school programs, and public speaking. She and her husband now live in northern Colorado in a solar-powered home they built themselves.