Loree Griffin Burns

Loree Burns is a scientist-turned-author who specializes in writing nonfiction books about science and nature for young readers. Her works explore the lives and discoveries of passionate researchers, from oceanographers tracking plastic ducks across the globe to entomologists studying backyard mason bees. Among her notable titles are books that highlight the dedication of scientists unraveling mysteries, such as an astronomer deciphering ancient desert ground drawings in Peru.

With a background in science, Burns brings a meticulous and engaging approach to her writing, blending factual accuracy with compelling storytelling. Her books aim to inspire curiosity by showcasing the real-world adventures of scientists and their groundbreaking work. She emphasizes the human side of scientific inquiry, making complex topics accessible and intriguing for young audiences.

Burns continues to write and share the stories of remarkable scientists, fostering a deeper appreciation for the natural world and the people who study it. Her works serve as a bridge between scientific exploration and the next generation of curious minds.
Children's Books
# Title Year
1 Citizen Scientists 2012
2 You're Invited to a Moth Ball 2020
3 Honeybee Rescue 2022
4 One Long Line 2024
Junior Library Guild Selection Books
# Title Year
1 Emma and the Blue Genie (By: Cornelia Funke, Oliver Latsch, Kerstin Meyer) 2002
2 Egyptian Diary: The Journal of Nakht (By: David Parkins, Richard Platt) 2005
3 My Best Friend, the Atlantic Ocean, and Other Great Bodies Standing Between Me and My Life with Giulio (By: Jane Harrington) 2008
4 Lucky: Maris, Mantle, and My Best Summer Ever (By: Wes Tooke) 2010
5 Candy Bomber: The Story of the Berlin Airlift's (By: Michael O. Tunnell) 2010
6 Child of the Civil Rights Movement (By: Raúl Colón) 2011
7 Zombie Makers (By: Rebecca L. Johnson) 2012
8 Zorro Gets an Outfit (By: Carter Goodrich) 2012
9 Courage Has No Color (By: Tanya Lee Stone) 2013
10 Chasing Shadows (By: Swati Avasthi) 2013
11 Journey into the Deep ( By: Rebecca L. Johnson) 2013
12 Behold the Beautiful Dung Beetle (By: Cheryl Bardoe) 2014
13 Santa Clauses: Short Poems from the North Pole (By: Chuck Groenink) 2014
14 Handle with Care: An Unusual Butterfly Journey (With: Ellen Harasimowicz) 2014
15 Winter Bees & Other Poems of the Cold (By: Joyce Sidman) 2014
16 The Hugely-Wugely Spider (By: Ethan T. Berlin) 2018
Scientists in the Field Books
# Title Year
1 The Snake Scientist (By: Sy Montgomery) 1999
2 The Wildlife Detectives (By: Donna M. Jackson) 2000
3 Digging for Bird Dinosaurs (By: Nic Bishop) 2000
4 Swimming with Hammerhead Sharks (By: Kenneth Mallory) 2001
5 Anthropologist (By: Mary Batten) 2001
6 Looking for Life in the Universe (By: Ellen Jackson) 2002
7 The Tarantula Scientist (By: Sy Montgomery) 2004
8 Gorilla Doctors (By: Pamela S. Turner) 2005
9 The Prairie Builders (By: Sneed B. Collard III) 2005
10 Diving to a Deep-Sea Volcano (By: Kenneth Mallory) 2006
11 The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo (By: Sy Montgomery) 2006
12 Tracking Trash 2007
13 Emi and the Rhino Scientist (By: Mary Kay Carson) 2007
14 The Whale Scientists (By: Fran Hodgkins) 2007
15 The Mysterious Universe (By: Ellen Jackson) 2008
16 Science Warriors (By: Sneed B. Collard III) 2008
17 Extreme Scientists (By: Donna M. Jackson) 2009
18 The Frog Scientist (By: Pamela S. Turner) 2009
19 Saving the Ghost of the Mountain (By: Sy Montgomery) 2009
20 Kakapo Rescue (By: Sy Montgomery) 2010
21 Project Seahorse (By: Pamela S. Turner) 2010
22 The Hive Detectives 2010
23 The Bat Scientists (By: Mary Kay Carson) 2010
24 The Elephant Scientist (By: Caitlin O'Connell, Donna M. Jackson) 2011
25 The Mighty Mars Rovers (By: Elizabeth Rusch) 2012
26 Wild Horse Scientists (By: Kay Frydenborg) 2012
27 Stronger Than Steel (By: Bridget Heos) 2013
28 Eruption! Volcanoes and the Science of Saving Lives (By: Elizabeth Rusch) 2013
29 The Tapir Scientist (By: Sy Montgomery) 2013
30 The Dolphins of Shark Bay (By: Pamela S. Turner) 2013
31 Chasing Cheetahs (By: Sy Montgomery) 2014
32 Park Scientists: Gila Monsters, Geysers, and Grizzly Bears in America's Own Backyard (By: Mary Kay Carson) 2014
33 Beetle Busters 2014
34 The Next Wave (By: Elizabeth Rusch) 2014
35 The Octopus Scientists (By: Sy Montgomery) 2015
36 Call of the Osprey (By: Dorothy Hinshaw Patent) 2015
37 Inside Biosphere 2: Earth Science Under Glass (By: Mary Kay Carson) 2015
38 The Great White Shark Scientist (By: Sy Montgomery) 2016
39 Crow Smarts (By: Pamela S. Turner) 2016
40 Mission to Pluto (By: Mary Kay Carson) 2017
41 Eye of the Storm (By: Amy Cherrix) 2017
42 Amazon Adventure (By: Sy Montgomery) 2017
43 Life on Surtsey 2017
44 Impact! (By: Elizabeth Rusch) 2017
45 The Hyena Scientist (By: Sy Montgomery) 2018
46 Saving the Tasmanian Devil (By: Dorothy Hinshaw Patent) 2019
47 Eclipse Chaser (By: Ilima Loomis) 2019
48 Condor Comeback (By: Sy Montgomery) 2020
49 The Big One (By: Elizabeth Rusch) 2020
50 The Wolves and Moose of Isle Royale (By: Nancy F. Castaldo) 2022
51 Backyard Bears (By: Amy Cherrix) 2022
52 The Lizard Scientists (By: Dorothy Hinshaw Patent) 2022
53 The Tornado Scientist (By: Mary Kay Carson) 2023
54 Urban Coyotes (By: Mary Kay Carson) 2024
Loree Griffin Burns Anthologies
# Title Year
1 1968: Today’s Authors Explore a Year of Rebellion, Revolution, and Change 2018