Bernice sounds like “burr niece” and Seward sounds like “steward” without the “t.” (Aural pronunciation available here.)
A downloadable version of the Media Kit is available here.
Author Photos:
Micro author bio:
Bernice Seward creates content that connects children to reading and helps them connect reading to life.
Short author bio:
Children’s author and illustrator Bernice Seward has never met a sheep she didn’t like, though, admittedly, she hasn’t met as many of them as Pete from The Sheep Magnet has. You can find her engaging in various STEAM-related projects throughout the Pacific Northwest. She lives in Lewiston, Idaho, with her family and a cluster of cats.
Long author bio:
Children’s author and illustrator Bernice Seward has never met a sheep she didn’t like, though, admittedly, she hasn’t met as many of them as Pete from The Sheep Magnet has. You can find her engaging in a plethora of STEAM-powered activities throughout the Pacific Northwest. She lives in Lewiston, Idaho, with her family and a cluster of cats.
Bernice is passionate about creating content that connects children of all ages (though mostly ages 2 to 102) to reading and helps them connect reading to life. She also acts as a mentor, sharing her creative process with students and adults alike. She is a lifelong learner who enjoys sparking collaborative, creative projects with others.
Bernice first knew she wanted to be a writer when she was in the second grade. She and her fellow classmates wrote and illustrated their own stories. Bernice wrote about her family’s White German Shepherd, Missie. She was excited because she’d written a story that children could understand and enjoy. She didn’t realize until many years later that she wanted to illustrate as well as write. Her favorite way to illustrate involves using hand-painted papers to make colorful, whimsical mixed-media collages.
The Sheep Magnet is Bernice’s twelfth illustrated book for children. Some of her other works include The Girl Who Lived in a Shoe and other Torn-Up Tales, as well as Have You Seen My Frog? and a series of Bite-Size Books for Beginning Readers. You can learn more about Bernice and find printable educational materials for her books at www.berniceseward.com. Follow her on Facebook @BerniceSewardWriter, on YouTube @BerniceSeward and on Instagram @bernice_seward.
Book Images:
Book blurb:
Part bedtime story, part STEAM-Powered problem solving
Short description:
Pete wants to stay awake, so he tries creative, STEAM-powered solutions to get rid of sheep and avoid falling asleep.
Long Description:
Pete has a SHEEP problem. No matter where he goes, or what he does, sheep show up. LOTS of sheep.
Pete likes sheep, but sheep like counting games. And counting with them can be dangerous, ESPECIALLY if you don’t want to fall asleep. So Pete tries a gamut of creative ideas (like sheep-repellent spray and an anti-gravity device) to get rid of his SHEEP problem before it turns into a SLEEP problem.
This hilarious graphic picture book, filled with a few baaaad puns and a bevy of STEAM-powered solutions for defying a daunting force of nature (sheep?!), explores the idea that problems can be possibilities in disguise. Pete’s attempts to solve his sheep problem involve elements of science, technology, engineering, art, and math in a fun, interactive way that facilitates further discussion and exploration with readers. Part bedtime story, part creative problem-solving, this clever and amusing story is “a delightful read for young readers and a perfect addition to any classroom or family bookshelf.”
Reviews:
“The Sheep Magnet is a laugh-out-loud bedtime story featuring STEM concepts, hilarious illustrations, and kid-friendly jokes woven throughout.” Amy Betz, Tiny Tales Editing
“Whether you’re looking to activate STEAM-powered thinking or put their busy brains to sleep, this versatile story is perfect for you!” Jessie Quist, Illuminated Storytelling
“A standout addition to children’s educational literature, promoting curiosity and laughter on every page.” Carol Thompson, Readers’ Favorite
You can find the full review here.Media:
- KidLit Story Spinners Virtual Book Launch
- (Bernice’s interview starts about 10 minutes in and runs from 10:11 to 17:08. A group Q&A starts at 40:54.)
- The Sheep Magnet Read-Aloud Short Version
- The Sheep Magnet Live Read-Aloud
Author visit and workshop offerings:
- Collaborative book project tips for classes & groups
- Making a scene with collage illustration
- Painting papers for collage
- Story time, Q&A, STEAM extension activities
- Story Structure: Building a Story Gate Bridge
For more information regarding author visits, please visit this link.
Suggested speaking topics and interview questions:
- AbraCollabra: The Magic of Collaboration
- Setting the scene: How illustrating is like producing a play
- Three important questions for success
- How mixed media collage mimics life
- Simplicity and inspiration, a dynamic duo
A downloadable version of the Media Kit is available here.