Dawn Publications began with the genius of Joseph Cornell for creating “nature games” that could give people a deeper appreciation and insight into nature. Our company began (under a different name) with the publication of Sharing Nature with Children in 1979 and “nature games” spurred a revolution in nature education. The response was so positive (over 450,000 copies sold in English, and many more in 15 languages) that Joseph wrote a sequel, Sharing Nature with Children II and established an international teaching program through Sharing Nature Worldwide.

One day in 1992, a manuscript for a children’s picture book came in the mail from Kristin Joy Pratt, a talented 14 year-old junior high school student. It was her class project on the rainforest, including vibrant artwork done with magic markers. With A Walk in the Rainforest (1992) we were thrilled to bring beautiful, inspiring books directly to children. As a 16 year-old Kristin wrote a second book, A Swim through the Sea (1994), this time illustrated in lustrous watercolor paint.

Dozens of children’s books later, we are pleased to present a unique line of nature appreciation titles. Our titles are distinctive because they not only educate but also inspire about nature, and feature high quality art and literature. We also strive to make it easy for teachers to use the books in the classroom.

Our offices are located in amongst the fields and forests of the Sierra Nevada foothills, just outside of Nevada City and Grass Valley, California. As you might suspect, our team is a nature-loving bunch.

Bodhi is our faithful companion who we sometimes lovingly call our “rug” as he sleeps most of the day on the carpet. But when a UPS or Fed Ex driver arrives, he is at the door in a flash hoping for a treat. Occasionally a new face shows up at the door, and when face to face with Bodhi, prepares to flee, but is likely to be licked affectionately when given the chance.

Brad Strong is the youngest and surely the strongest member of our team! He works part-time filling orders and does whatever is needed to have everything ready for UPS pickup. He’s a cheerful guy and a conceptual artist.

When Dylan Rodrigue isn’t stocking Dawn’s warehouse, or processing book returns, he’s busy with his real job . . . as one of Nevada City’s hottest local musicians. A very talented guitarist and songwriter, Dylan currently performs with three bands!

Emma Santa is a member of the X-generation. In addition to her bookkeeping skills and handling order entry and AR, she is wired for social networking. A recent addition to our staff, she is in good company with Richard, and is proud to be a geek. She is hurtling Dawn into the social networking revolution and with Richard’s help, has reworked our website.

Glenn Hovemann, editor and co-publisher, delights in working closely with our creative group of authors since 1993. He?s been around the longest, and brings his word smithing skills to every manuscript he turns his attention to. He’s always on the lookout for the perfect manuscript.

Muffy Weaver is manager and co-publisher, working side by side with Glenn as a husband and wife team. Part of her role is as art director, selecting and guiding the illustrators. Muffy brings to Dawn both the mind of a manager and the heart of a mother, lovingly overseeing the development and birth of each new product.

Richard Rodrigue is our webmaster, database manager, foreign rights contact, and marketing assistant. Every company needs a nerd and Richard fits that billing, complete with glasses. He’s also the go-to guy when something breaks.

Sandy Philpott is the newest member of our team. She is our sales and marketing manager, working closely with our buyers and reviewers. She responds to all with warmth and enthusiasm. Among her many jobs, she supports our sales reps as they introduce our books to store buyers everywhere.