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I grew up in the suburbs of Buffalo, NY, and though I didn’t take to reading at a young age, I was fascinated with animals. My parents would say you couldn’t keep them away from me. I also enjoyed drawing and painting and spent long hours in the backyard, capturing my vision of animals and nature on paper.

I loved the thought of working with animals, especially otters, so I headed off to college. After receiving my Bachelor of Science in Zoology from Texas A&M University, I started work in veterinary clinics.

My creative spark grew while helping animals at clinics and volunteering at zoological gardens, so I began filing ideas and stories in my head. The births of my children fueled that fire, and I started writing those stories for children, using nature as an outlet to teach them about various issues and entertain them at the same time.

Soon after publishing my picture books, I decided to write for older children with A Tale of Two Squirrels. It wasn’t long before more advanced plots popped into my head, and I am currently working on multiple young adult books, from fantasy fiction to paranormal to romance.

You can find my illustrations in Sandy Barton’s Christmas tale, The Tree (2015), in Otters – Folklores, Myths and Legends (2023), by IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group (OSG), the National Science Teaching Association’s Science & Children, with the 2018-2022 New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Habitat & Access Stamps, and through my store, Otter Things®.

I live with my husband in western New York, where I actively write, draw, and create otter-inspired wares. I am a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, the Buffalo Niagara Children’s Writers & Illustrators, and The Association of Illustrators.

When I’m not busy running my business, writing, or illustrating, I volunteer in the community as a Bluebird Ambassador for the New York State Bluebird Society and Len Anderson Memorial Bluebird Trail.

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Angela T. Baron (A. T. Baron) is a children’s book author & illustrator, zoologist, and owner of Otter Things®. She is a member of the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators, the Buffalo Niagara Children’s Writers & Illustrators, and The Association of Illustrators. Her written works include A Tale of Two Squirrels and Squirrely Over Nuts. Her illustrations have been featured in The National Science Teaching Association’s Science & Children, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation Habitat and Access Stamps, Otters – Folklores, Myths and Legends by IUCN/SSC Otter Specialist Group (OSG), and The Tree by Sandy Barton. When she’s not busy in the office, she volunteers as a New York State Bluebird Ambassador for the NYS Bluebird Society and a Len Anderson Memorial Bluebird Trail member. She lives with her husband in western New York and is seeking representation. You can visit her website at ATBaron.com.

 

MrsOttercolor1
Mrs. Otter, “A Tale of Two Squirrels”

Keep up with what’s happening via my blog. Here are just a few things you will find:

 

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Interesting Facts About the Author
  • I like to leave Easter eggs (anything in a story that references another author, work, or inside joke) in my writing.
  • I am training an army of squirrels to aid me in my plans for world domination. I have armed them with acorn-47s.
  • I write down ideas everywhere – on post-it notes, on my computer, on my phone, and even on my office windows.
  • As a child, I had many imaginary friends. I don’t remember their names, but I occasionally still talk to them. I call them my characters.
  • I didn’t learn to swim until I was 12 years old, and I was terrified of the water. Now, I love to swim and would gladly swim with otters if given a chance.
  • I love roller coasters and cotton candy (especially maple cotton candy).
  • In my first year of college, I went cave exploring in Mexico with my Biology professor and some students. We all suffered from Histoplasmosis afterward but had the opportunity to aid in discovering a new invertebrate.
  • I hate making my bed. I don’t see the point.
  • I am a Geek, and therefore, I love all things geeky.
  • The names I choose for my characters usually have a reason. For example, I named the protagonist of Squirrely Over Nuts Carol because Sciurus carolinensis is the scientific name for the Eastern Grey Squirrel.
  • I like to illustrate animals from abnormal viewpoints or perspectives. Some illustrations are from below or behind the animal.
  • I usually sit cross-legged at my desk. Unfortunately, my legs fall asleep when I work for a long time.
  • You may see me traipsing through a field in Clarence or Lockport, NY. As a Bluebird Ambassador for the NYS Bluebird Society, I monitor Bluebird nest boxes during the breeding season and educate the community on Bluebird conservation. Feel free to say, “Hi.”