Cathy Sill, an award-winning educator, celebrated author of children's science books, and devoted naturalist, died June 22. She was 73. Born in Asheville, N.C., Sill earned her Bachelor of Science in Education degree from BA Western Carolina University and devoted 30 years to elementary education. Her excellence was recognized nationally when she was honored by the National Science Teacher Association and the Junior Library Guild.
For more than five decades, Sill "quietly built a legacy that reached far beyond the classroom," her obituary noted. "As an elementary school teacher, she inspired countless young minds with patience, curiosity, and kindness. As an author of 30 acclaimed nonfiction picture books, she introduced children across the world to birds, mammals, reptiles, insects, fish, and countless other creatures, presenting the natural world with uncommon clarity, scientific accuracy, and reverence."
Her longtime publisher, Peachtree Publishing, noted that she developed her interest in writing nonfiction nature books for young children after encountering a shortage of accurate, age-appropriate resources suitable for her kindergarten classroom. Her lifelong love of nature and animals, motivated her to create simple, informative texts that align with young learners' comprehension levels while fostering an appreciation for the natural world.
Since the publication of their first picture book, About Birds (1991), Sill and her husband, illustrator and frequent collaborator John Sill, created books that have sold more than a million copies in the U.S. and have been licensed worldwide. Their About... and About Habitats series with Peachtree have garnered praise from educators and won a variety of awards, including Bank Street Best Books, CCBC Choices, NSTA/CBC Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12, and Orbis Pictus Recommended.
Of her work as a nonfiction author, Cathryn Sill once said: "I have always enjoyed reading nonfiction, so it seems natural to write about the things that interest me. When visiting schools I tell students that if they have a choice, they should write about the things they love and enjoy. It is easier and a lot more fun."
As the list of books in the About... and About Habitats series grew over time, she reflected on our impact as humans on the environment and how she, and books like hers, might help make a difference with young children: "I feel strongly that the younger generations are a definite hope for the future protection of the environment. The earlier they can develop an appreciation for the world around them, the better they can prepare to help preserve it. We are hopeful that these books will instill a love for this fragile planet that is our home and give young readers incentive to be good stewards."
Vicky Holifield, her editor at Peachtree for nearly three decades, said, "Cathy Sill was a children's editor's dream author: More than simply an experienced preschool teacher, she had a special knack for conveying complex content to a very young audience. Not only was she always a joy to work with, but she was also dedicated to her mission as a writer: encouraging children's curiosity about the natural world and instilling in them an appreciation for all living things."
Margaret Quinlin, former president and publisher at Peachtree, noted: "Cathy and John Sill are inseparable from Peachtree's story from the early 1990s onward. We are very proud of their books, which have sold worldwide for decades, and we consider them dear friends. Their wonderful, creative partnership will live on at Peachtree through their work."