Jennifer Swanson
Jennifer was born with the love of reading.  At the age of 5, she was already writing and illustrating her own stories.  When she was in second grade, she wrote a play and coerced her friends to help her produce it.  She has been writing ever since.

A 1990 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, Jennifer also pursued her other love of science and became a prep school chemistry teacher.  From there, her Navy career took her to Norfolk, VA where she was stationed with her husband, Jon.

Her life changed forever when they adopted Penny, their first dog.  Penny was a wonderful addition to their family and less than a year later, they adopted Rio, her best pal.  Little did Jennifer know that those dogs would become so important to her later in life.  Jennifer kept writing during the next several years as she raised three children, supported her naval officer husband and taught both part and full time.

These days one can find Jennifer ferrying her kids to soccer  or lacrosse practice or games, relaxing with her husband or most importantly, or hard at work on a new mystery for the intrepid Penny and Rio to solve. Jennifer has also recently received her M. S. Ed in K-8 science and now is a middle school science instructor for John Hopkin University’s Center for Talented Youth.

Jennifer has recently managed to combine her love of science with writing. She has written two non-fiction science picture books for Capstone Press. Body Bugs: Invisible Creatures in the Body and Home Invaders: Invisible Creatures in the Home will be released in fall 2011. In addition, she will have 5 non-fiction picture books published by The Child’s World in fall 2011. The will be part of their How Things Work… series. Finally, check out the award-winning e-book sit, A Story Before Bed for some exciting new titles from Jennifer.

An active  member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators,  Jennifer regulary attends the Florida branch of SCBWI’s conferences in Orlando and Miami.

Aside from writing books about dogs, Jennifer is committed to helping animals.   She firmly believes in adopting dogs, and has taught her children the same values. “There are so many wonderful dogs out there, just waiting for a good home.  I feel we need to help them become the great companions that they are meant to be.”

In support of this goal, Jennifer donates a portion of her proceeds to a local Jacksonville pet rescue organization, G.R.E.A.T. Rescue.  This organization rescues and rehabilitates golden retrievers and places them in their new and forever homes.