Lola M. Schaefer

Lola M. Schaefer is an American children's book author and former elementary school teacher with over 280 published titles spanning both fiction and nonfiction works. She specializes in picture books and informational texts for young readers, often focusing on nature, science, and mathematics concepts. During her teaching career spanning more than 18 years, Schaefer developed expertise in writing workshop techniques and frequently conducts professional development sessions for educators. Her work includes both traditionally published books and educational materials designed for classroom use. Many of Schaefer's books have received recognition from educational organizations, including the Children's Book Council, National Science Teachers Association, and National Council of Teachers of Mathematics. Notable titles include "One Ordinary Day," "Pick, Pull, Snap! Where Once a Flower Bloomed," and "An Island Grows." Schaefer continues to write and present at schools and conferences across the United States, sharing her expertise in children's literature and educational writing. Her background in teaching informs her approach to creating accessible, engaging content for young readers.

Readers consistently highlight Schaefer's ability to make complex topics accessible to young children. Parents and teachers frequently mention using her books to introduce science and math concepts in engaging ways. What readers liked: - Clear, straightforward explanations - Educational value while maintaining student interest - Quality of illustrations that complement the text - Success in teaching counting and number sense - Usefulness in classroom settings What readers disliked: - Some books considered too basic for stated age ranges - Repetitive format across multiple titles - Limited narrative depth in some stories Ratings across platforms: Amazon: Average 4.5/5 across titles Goodreads: 3.8/5 average rating "Pick, Pull, Snap!" receives particular praise for its interactive elements, with one teacher noting: "Students love lifting the flaps while learning about plant life cycles." "An Island Grows" draws positive comments for its simple explanation of geological processes, though some readers note it may be too simplified for older elementary students.

Pick, Pull, Snap! Where Once a Flower Bloomed - Traces the journey from flower to fruit, following different plants through their life cycles.

Mittens - A kitten learns to adjust to his new home and family.

Follow Me, Mittens - A curious kitten explores his surroundings while his owner tries to keep up.

What's Up, What's Down? - Shows different perspectives of common objects and scenes when viewed from above and below.

An Island Grows - Documents the geological formation of a volcanic island from underwater eruption to inhabited landmass.

One Special Day: A Story for Big Brothers and Sisters - A boy experiences the arrival of a new sibling.

Because of an Acorn - Demonstrates the interconnected nature of forest ecosystems starting with a single acorn.

Lifetime: The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives - Presents numerical facts about different animals' lifespans and behaviors.

Just One Bite: 11 Animals and Their Bites at Life Size - Illustrates actual-size bites of various animals alongside information about their eating habits.

Someone Tonight - Chronicles the nighttime activities of nocturnal animals.

This is the Sunflower - Follows the life cycle of a sunflower plant through the seasons.

This is the Rain - Explains the water cycle through cumulative verse.

Gail Gibbons writes nonfiction picture books about science and nature topics for young readers. Her books contain detailed illustrations and clear explanations of concepts, similar to Schaefer's approach to informational texts.

April Pulley Sayre focuses on natural science subjects through rhythmic text and photography. Her work combines poetic elements with factual content about animals and ecosystems.

Laurence Pringle has written over 100 books about wildlife, ecology, and scientific discovery. His work provides in-depth information while maintaining accessibility for elementary school readers.

Steve Jenkins creates nonfiction picture books featuring cut-paper collage illustrations of animals and science concepts. His books include size comparisons and scale references that help readers understand measurements and proportions.

Melissa Stewart writes about animals and natural phenomena through various text structures and formats. Her books incorporate current scientific research while using techniques like question-and-answer and cause-and-effect to explain complex topics.