Precious McKenzie, Children's Author, Creative Writing Instructor
A Montana-based author who writes about animals, history, and magic.
Precious McKenzie has a Ph.D. in English from the University of South Florida. Her area of specialization is nineteenth-century British literature, so naturally, she loves those big, fat Victorian novels. She's taught at the University of South Florida, New College of Florida, and Montana State University's City College. Precious is currently an associate professor of English at Rocky Mountain College. She is a member of the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators and the Rocky Mountain Modern Language Association. Her poetry has appeared in ellipsis, Gemini, and as part of Tupelo Press's 30/30 Project. Precious is also the author of over forty books for children including Cinder Yeti, The Selkie, Buff Ducks, Isle of Enchantment, One Thousand Miles, Now or Later Alligator, and Disaster Day.
The most important thing the author wants readers to gain from her books:
I hope readers learn a little something about friendship—and have a lot of fun!
Why the author is an authority on the subject of her book:
I've studied legends and fairytales and have put a new twist on those traditional tales—to surprise young readers.
Awards:
Honorable Mention in Children’s Books, Green Book Festival 2012 for Cleaning Up the Earth (Rourke Publishing, 2011).
Junior Library Guild Book Selection 2012 for Water World (Rourke Publishing, 2011).
Junior Library Guild Book Selection 2011 for Glaciers (Rourke Publishing, 2010).
Website:
Social Media:
Speaking Engagements and School Presentations:
I am able to teach writing workshops to grades K-8. I also do author visits where I read the book and talk about how an idea becomes a book. I am happy to customize a presentation.
Presentation Audience:
Grades K-3
Grades 4-6
Middle School
College
Location:
Montana
Willing to Travel
Book Type:
Picture book
Children's Fiction
Children's Non-Fiction
Tween/YA Fiction
Topics:
History
Humor
Mythology
Nature
