S.K. Wenger, Children's Author
WHY I WRITE The desire to put words on paper has been a part of my life for most of my life. I'm totally hooked on the magic of creating with a blank screen or a blank paper and watching a story grow. Because I hold a masters degree in science built on lots of adventures in the outdoors, I lean toward creating content that will inspire readers to explore their world. Overall, my goal is to leave readers with a lighter, brighter heart after they've spent time with my characters. And because I love the feel of laughter rippling through my soul as much as anyone else, I feel extra sparkly when my stories pivot on humor.  illustration ©️SK Wenger
FIVE FUN FACTS +1
1. I once spent a night in a "reptile room" with about 30 snakes and lizards. Some of their cages were kept under the bed. It was a situation where there was "no room left at the inn." Yikes! 2. My favorite dessert is New York Style Cheesecake. At times, I've used the recipe to teach concepts in chemistry! 3. I embarrass family members by taking pictures of plants at the zoo. 4. When I was a graduate student, I took backpacking trips into Rocky Mountain National Park for research and a whole lot of fun. 5. I've never eaten at Chick-fil-A. 
View from Hayden's Peak, Utah
illustration ©SK Wenger
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BACKGROUND and BOOKS
I grew up with love for exploring books and the outdoors. Even while working on my science degree, my mind drifted to stories waiting to be read. When I confessed to my college advisor that I wanted to create children's books, he encouraged me to do both--continue with science and write. To my delight, some of my stories were picked up by educational publishers and began serving kids in elementary classrooms. Fast forward to 2021 and my debut picture book with illustrator Jojo Ensslin, Chicken Frank, Dinosaur! was published by Albert Whitman & Co. My next picture books are due for publication in 2027 and 2028 from Candlewick/MIT Kids Press.
When I'm not writing, I enjoy drawing, painting, and working as a Fellow with The Writing Barn in facilitating online events. I look forward to sharing more good news. Stay tuned!
AWARDS / RECOGNITIONS
2024 WritingBattle.com Finalist. Short-story, "Parking." Rom-com. 2021 #50PreciousWords Contest Honorable Mention in Friendship for ONE PLUS ONE (entry #660). Hosted by Vivian Kirkfield. Click here. 2021 PBParty Finalist, selected from a pool of 1,000+ entries as one of 50 manuscripts for an exclusive showcase to agents and editors. 2020 Writing Fellowship Grant Award. Writing and Illustrating for Young Readers Conference (for Middle Grade Novel WIP. 2020 #50PreciousWords Contest Honorable Mention in Humor for WEARY ROOSTER. Hosted by Vivian Kirkfield. 2018 Outstanding Teacher Award, Weber State University, Mentorship of student research projects at the High School Science and Engineering Fair 2017 Outstanding Biology Educator, Utah Science Teachers Association 2017 Outstanding Educator, Logan High School 
Flattop Mountain, Rocky Mountain National Park, 1994
 illustration ©️SK Wenger
EDUCATION
B.S. Self-designed major in environmental and social sciences. University of Vermont. M.S. Fisheries and wildlife biology with a focus on wetland ecology. Colorado State University. Teaching license in secondary education. ABCTE and ARL programs, Utah. INTERVIEWS and GUEST POSTS
May 2024 at SuzanneJacobsLipshaw, Dynamic Duos Mar 2022 at Helen H Wu, Publisher, Editor, Author Jan 2022 at ABC 4 Good Things Utah TV Nov 2021 at Hollie Wolverton.com Nov 2021 at LauraRoetiggerBooks.com Oct 2021 at Dawn Prochovnic's Birth Stories for Books Oct 2021 at Maria Marshall's Picture Book Buzz Oct 2021 at CritterLit.com with Lindsay Ward Sept 2021 at Andrew Hackett's The Backstory Apr 2021 at OneForTheBooks.wixsite.com/blog Mar 2021 at GoodReadsWithRonna Nov 2020 at 24 Carrot Writing with Amanda Smith |
