Over the past 25 years, I’ve written and/or illustrated several books, on subjects ranging from underwater insects to Alaska’s glaciers. I’ve written for all ages, but my current focus is children’s natural history picture books. As an author, I’m represented by Mary Cummings, of Great River Literary.
I love doing school author visits, readings and book-related lessons. Let me know if you’re interested in scheduling an event. I want these books to be outstanding resources for teachers, parents, caregivers, and kids… so I’d love to provide ideas and help develop lesson plans that enhance their content. Contact me to discuss the possibilities.
When you see us,
think of what we were
and what we became.
I wrote this book as a kind of love song to the extraordinary aquatic lives of some of our most familiar insects, such as mayflies, dragonflies… and even mosquitoes. I hope that readers will emerge with a renewed appreciation for these invertebrates and their essential role in Earth’s ecosystems. Svabhu Kohli’s bold and vivid illustrations abound with action, life, and respect for the natural world!
A graceful tribute to the cycle of life reveals the secret language of skulls—and the traits and behaviors of the animals they once belonged to. (Candlewick book description).
“Heady lessons in reasoning from evidence, with food for deeper thought.” —Kirkus (starred review)
“Focusing on a seldom-covered aspect of animals, this dreamy work looks at animals’ skulls, forming a guessing game along the way. . . [an] informative choice for science shelves.” —Booklist
“Hocker reminds readers that there is more to nature than a casual glance affords. . . the text flows smoothly, and both the facts presented and the plea to appreciate the multiple ways nature speaks to us are clear.” —The Horn Book
I Was is available through Bookshop, Amazon, and most major booksellers. If you’re a teacher or librarian interested in hosting a program based on the book, I’d love to hear from you!
OTHER BOOKS
Years of watching humpback whales on the water near our home led my co-author, Cheryl Cook, and me to write this children’s picture book. Contact me to order a copy.
This children’s book grew out of a multi-year research project studying the ecology and behavior of American Dippers. It was self-published at first, then picked up for publication by Yosemite Conservancy. Available here.
Ecologist Mary Willson and I wrote this book about our favorite research subjects, American Dippers. It’s the only science book that we’re aware of that focuses entirely on these wonderful birds. Contact me to order a copy.
A tour of the dazzling diversity of aquatic insects in Alaska! Available as a free PDF from Bob Armstrong’s wonderful website – (and while you are there, make sure you take a look at all of the other books, photos, and videos that Bob has generously made available).
This middle-grade science book, published by Alaska Geographic, won a National Association for Interpretation Small Books Award in 2007.
I grew up within sight of the Mendenhall Glacier, so when I was asked to write this book for Alaska Geographic, I jumped at the chance! (Out of print)
Katherine Hocker 