Welcome to my website!
It's the only place that the cats can't scratch, the kids can't clutter and
where the books never need dusting. (How great is that?) But more
importantly, it's a place where you're invited to learn more about my
world and the books I write.
I love reading and writing. When I'm not keeping track of my teens or escorting my cats in or out, I'm usually at my computer plunking away on my latest project. The result of all this writing has been selling over 100 stories and articles to magazines such as Highlights, Ladybug, The Friend, and Wild Outdoor World, and fiction and nonfiction books to publishers such as Clarion, Tricycle Press, Picture Window Books, Stone Arch Books, Capstone Press, and others.
Recent projects include fiction and nonfiction early readers, mysteries, biographies, poems, and puzzles. When I write fiction, I create new worlds peopled by characters I create. When I write nonfiction, I feel as if I'm on a treasure hunt. I never know what exciting bits of information I'll uncover that will stir my imagination and the imagination of my readers. Click on links to learn more about me, my books, and my work as a writing instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature.
New Release!
written by Lori Mortensen
illustrated by Cris Arbo
Winner of
2010 NSTA/CBC Outstanding
Science Book for Students K to 12
Moonbeam Children's Book Awards, Silver, Nonfiction Picture Book
for Children 2009
Disney's Internet Group
iParenting Media Awards
for Outstanding Product 2009
National Izaak Walton League of America
Book of the Year Awards, 2009
Editorial Reviews
Boston Globe - "Lori Mortensen's text dances neatly between a very simple rhyming text for younger readers . . . and a more in-depth prose notes explaining the science involved. That back and forth makes In the Trees, Honey Bees! an ideal book for kindergarten and early-elementary schools."
Kirkus Reviews - "Simple rhymes and striking full-bleed illustrations introduce the daily lives of honeybees to very young readers and listeners. Arbo's detailed paintings show vistas of a bucolic farm visited by oversized honeybees, glorious flowers and close-ups of a hive inside a tree."
The Children's Hour - ". . . Children may never view honey bees in the same way again."
Illinois State Beekeepers Association - "A tantalizing new book for that aspiring young beekeeper has been published by Dawn Publications. Fascinating artwork is accompanied by a dual text. One text works for the "read to me" age while a separate text works for the early reader.. Read to a kid about honey bees. You will both enjoy it."
iParenting Media Awards reviewers - "It's a great book for the curious child, and a great combination of entertaining and educating . . . The children have asked many times to have the book read to them. . . . I love when books combine fact and fiction in a fun, entertaining way."
Lorinda Titus, "The Bee Lady" Amazon Reviews - "I have been a beekeeper since 1996. I am usually pretty disappointed by books written at a child's level regarding honeybees, finding they are either too basic, too fantastic, or simply inaccurate. Not so with this book! . . . My daughter was definitely engaged by this book. I am recommending In the Trees, Honey Bees! to my customers and plan to carry it on our bookshelf."
Pawtuckaway Beekeepers Assn. Newsletter - "From the moment I opened the book I was struck by the amazing illustrations of honeybees, comb, larva, and the queen.. . . The author uses simple poetry to capture your attention, then sews the story together with detailed and accurate bee facts. . . This is not a fluff book. Instead, it is a great tool to teach kids about the fascinating life of the honey bee with information for all ages. A beautiful book that would make a sweet gift, class or library donation.
It's the only place that the cats can't scratch, the kids can't clutter and
where the books never need dusting. (How great is that?) But more
importantly, it's a place where you're invited to learn more about my
world and the books I write.
I love reading and writing. When I'm not keeping track of my teens or escorting my cats in or out, I'm usually at my computer plunking away on my latest project. The result of all this writing has been selling over 100 stories and articles to magazines such as Highlights, Ladybug, The Friend, and Wild Outdoor World, and fiction and nonfiction books to publishers such as Clarion, Tricycle Press, Picture Window Books, Stone Arch Books, Capstone Press, and others.
Recent projects include fiction and nonfiction early readers, mysteries, biographies, poems, and puzzles. When I write fiction, I create new worlds peopled by characters I create. When I write nonfiction, I feel as if I'm on a treasure hunt. I never know what exciting bits of information I'll uncover that will stir my imagination and the imagination of my readers. Click on links to learn more about me, my books, and my work as a writing instructor for the Institute of Children's Literature.
New Release!
In the Trees, Honey Bees!
by Dawn Publicationswritten by Lori Mortensen
illustrated by Cris Arbo
Winner of
2010 NSTA/CBC Outstanding
Science Book for Students K to 12
Moonbeam Children's Book Awards, Silver, Nonfiction Picture Book
for Children 2009
Disney's Internet Group
iParenting Media Awards
for Outstanding Product 2009
National Izaak Walton League of America
Book of the Year Awards, 2009
Editorial Reviews
Boston Globe - "Lori Mortensen's text dances neatly between a very simple rhyming text for younger readers . . . and a more in-depth prose notes explaining the science involved. That back and forth makes In the Trees, Honey Bees! an ideal book for kindergarten and early-elementary schools."
Kirkus Reviews - "Simple rhymes and striking full-bleed illustrations introduce the daily lives of honeybees to very young readers and listeners. Arbo's detailed paintings show vistas of a bucolic farm visited by oversized honeybees, glorious flowers and close-ups of a hive inside a tree."
The Children's Hour - ". . . Children may never view honey bees in the same way again."
Illinois State Beekeepers Association - "A tantalizing new book for that aspiring young beekeeper has been published by Dawn Publications. Fascinating artwork is accompanied by a dual text. One text works for the "read to me" age while a separate text works for the early reader.. Read to a kid about honey bees. You will both enjoy it."
iParenting Media Awards reviewers - "It's a great book for the curious child, and a great combination of entertaining and educating . . . The children have asked many times to have the book read to them. . . . I love when books combine fact and fiction in a fun, entertaining way."
Lorinda Titus, "The Bee Lady" Amazon Reviews - "I have been a beekeeper since 1996. I am usually pretty disappointed by books written at a child's level regarding honeybees, finding they are either too basic, too fantastic, or simply inaccurate. Not so with this book! . . . My daughter was definitely engaged by this book. I am recommending In the Trees, Honey Bees! to my customers and plan to carry it on our bookshelf."
Pawtuckaway Beekeepers Assn. Newsletter - "From the moment I opened the book I was struck by the amazing illustrations of honeybees, comb, larva, and the queen.. . . The author uses simple poetry to capture your attention, then sews the story together with detailed and accurate bee facts. . . This is not a fluff book. Instead, it is a great tool to teach kids about the fascinating life of the honey bee with information for all ages. A beautiful book that would make a sweet gift, class or library donation.
Text
© Lori Mortensen. All rights reserved.
Updated January 2010
Updated January 2010