Gail Gibbons

Apples, penguins, farming, basketball, and skyscrapers are just some of the diverse subjects of Gail Gibbons' informational picture books. With over 120 titles, Gibbons is one of today's leading writers and illustrators of nonfiction books for children. Her clear writing and colorful illustrations have made nonfiction subjects interesting and accessible for thousands of young readers. Gibbons has a gift for researching complex topics and boiling them down into educational picture books that children want to read.

An Exclusive Interview Watch the video clips

 

On May 6, 2003 Reading Rockets' David Meissner interviewed Gail Gibbons at the International Reading Association Conference in Orlando. Gibbons talked about where she gets her ideas, why she chooses such diverse topics, and how she is able to juggle multiple projects at once. Click on the links below to learn more about this dynamic children's book author and illustrator.

 

A Curious Life

At the age of four, Gail Gibbons made little picture books just for fun. At the age of seven, she took an entire clock apart and tried put it back together. As a young girl, Gail Gibbons never stopped asking her parents questions about the world around her.

After studying graphic design at the University of Illinois, Gibbons worked in television graphics for 11 years. In New York City she served as art director for shows such as NBC's "Nightly News" and "Saturday Night Live". It was only later that a friend and children's book consultant pointed out the desperate need for interesting nonfiction books for children.

While doing research for one of her early books, Gibbons found herself taking a clock apart once again. When Clocks and How They Go received various awards, Gibbons knew she was in the right place. Making nonfiction picture books for children combined her innate curiosity with her love for art. Soon editors began to call her.

Over the years, Gibbons has written about a wide variety of subjects. Researching unfamiliar topics has been one way to entertain her deep curiosity. She works on multiple projects at once and publishes three to five books each year. Gail Gibbons and her husband now live in rural Vermont, an environment she finds conducive to writing and illustrating.

Books by This Author

Behold…the Dragons!

Age Level: 6-9
Are dragons real? When — and where — did stories about dragons start? Why did they begin? Find the answers to these and other fascinating questions about dragons in literature and history, presented here in clear text and crisp illustration, ideal for young readers.

Behold…the Unicorns!

Age Level: 6-9
Unicorns appear in history and folklore from China to England. What could explain the popularity of these creatures? When and why did people begin to believe they were magical? Medieval tapestries are used with Gibbons’ signature illustration and straightforward text to explore the history of these mythical creatures.

Elephants of Africa

Age Level: 6-9
This large land animal is introduced through crisp, easy-to-follow text and realistic illustrations. Information presented will satisfy casual readers and is likely to inspire further reading.

Giant Pandas

Age Level: 6-9
Fascinating tidbits about these captivating animals are presented in clear, uncomplicated text and appealing illustrations. Where the Giant Panda is found in the wild – including a map of China – their endangered status and more are introduced.

Knights in Shining Armor

Age Level: 6-9
Knights, their weapons, and their tournaments continue to fascinate children. In this clear presentation, readers will learn about what it took to become a knight, the times in which they lived, what weapons they used, and much more. Additional stories and information encourage further reading.

My Basketball Book

Age Level: 6-9
This introduction to basketball takes the reader from the basic rules of the game to the equipment used and descriptions of the players' positions. Gibbons' clear illustrations and lucid text are presented in a smaller size, ideal to take along on an outing. Also, be sure to check out the other books in this series: My Baseball Book, My Football Book, and My Soccer Book.