Mary Casanova was born in Duluth, Minnesota and later earned a B.A. in English from the University of Minnesota. She is a "former Aspen ski bum" but now lives near Ranier, Minnesota with her husband Charles Casanova and their daughter and son, Katie and Eric.
When it comes to writing for children, Mary Casanova is passionate about two things: writing books that matter and writing books that kids can't put down.
She says, "I was a reluctant reader - and I write for the child I was: restless, energetic, adventure-seeking, the can't-sit-still kind. I loved being outside, and if a book was going to hold my attention, it had to be either a rainy day or a fast-paced story."
More information can be found about Mary Casanova on her website: www.marycasanova.com
The German occupation of Norway during WWII is the backdrop for this dramatic novel.
(Houghton Mifflin, 2007)
ages 8-12 and up
Nominee, Rhode Island Children's Book Award, 2009
Horace Mann Upstanders Honor Book, 2008
When Eagles Fall
(Hyperion, 2003)
ages 10-14 and up
Honor Book 2002, Society of School Librarians International (SSLI)
Curse of a Winter Moon
(Hyperion, 2000)
ages 10-14 and up
Minnesota Book Award Winner (young adult), 2001
Stealing Thunder
(Hyperion, 1998)
ages 8-12 and up
Massachusetts Children’s Book Award Master List, 2003
Iowa Children’s Choice Master List, 2002-2003
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Master List, (Minn.) 2002-2003
Wolf Shadows
(Hyperion, 1997)
Minnesota Book Award Master List, 1998
Northeastern Minnesota Book Award Master List, 1998
ALA Quick Picks for YA Reluctant Readers nominee
Jeanette Fair Award Finalist, Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, Tau State Organization
Mark Twain Book Award Master List (Missouri), 1999-2000
Wyoming Indian Paintbrush Master List, l999-2000
Best Read-Alouds Booklist (Indiana), 1999-2000
Iowa Children’s Choice Master List, 2000-2001
Lamplighter Award Master List,
National Christian Schools Association, 2000-2001
Riot
(Hyperion, 1996)
ages 10-14 and up
Junior Library Guild Selection
Northeastern Minnesota Book Award nominee
Minnesota Book Award Master List
Children’s Sequoyah Master List (Oklahoma), l998-99
Children’s Crown Master List, 1999
ALA Quick Picks for YA Reluctant Readers, nominee
Moose Tracks
(Hyperion, 1995)
ages 8-12 and up
Children’s Book-of-the-Month Club selection
Flicker Tale Children’s Book Award Master List, (North Dakota), 1997
Iowa Children’s Choice Master List, 1998
Northeastern Minnesota Book Award nominee, 1996
Indian Paintbrush Book Award Master List (Wyoming), 1998
South Carolina Book Award Master List, 1998-99
Maud Hart Lovelace Book Award Master List (Minnesota), 1998-99
Kentucky “Bluegrass” Master List, l996
Honors Award, National Parenting Publications (NAPPA), 2002
Minnesota Book Award nominee, 2003
Dog Watch series
With Kito, Chester and the whole of Dog Watch on the case, Pembrook is sure to be safe.
Illustrated by Omar Rayyan
More information including a sample of a Ice Box Theater's full-cast recording of Dog Watch: Trouble in Pembrook can be found on the Dog Watch page on Mary Casanova's site.
Turtle-Hatching Mystery
Someone's stealing sea turtle eggs! On vacation in Mexico, Kito, Chester, and Schmitty use their Dog Watch skills and team up with the village dogs to find out who is disturbing the gentle sea turtles' nests.
(Simon & Schuster, 2008)
Dog Watch Volume 6
Extreme Stunt Dogs
Chester is starstruck when the Extreme Stunt Dogs Show comes to town, even though Kito keeps getting sniffs of trouble.
Dog Watch Volume 5
(Simon & Schuster, Fall 2007)
To Catch a Burglar
A thief has struck Pembrook! Dog Watch is on the case, but they're running out of clues. Kito and the gang set a trap, but when it goes awry, they realize they're dealing with a professional.
Dog Watch Volume 4
(Simon & Schuster)
Danger at Snow Hill
Something is lurking in the woods! Is it a dog? A wolf? Or maybe even a bear? Whatever it is, it's causing a lot of trouble in Pembrook—scaring kids and getting into the garbage. Dog Watch has to work fast.
Dog Watch Volume 3
(Simon & Schuster)
Dog-napped
All the strange smells and spooky sightings in the Fall make Kito nervous. At the fire hydrant his fears are confirmed. Missy and Muffin are missing!
Dog Watch Volume 2
(Simon & Schuster)
Trouble in Pembrook
The dogs of Pembrook — Kito, Chester, and the rest of the gang — form Dog Watch, a canine version of Neighborhood Watch
Dog Watch Volume 1
Having so much fun, Little Otter enjoys getting older. When his adventures turn a bit scary he learns it's good to have a family that loves and protects him.
(Simon and Schuster, 2008)
illustrated by Ard Hoyt
"With playful drawings and language, the book illustrates how a frisky little otter pushes the boundaries of discovery. It also imparts why creatures should both explore life, as well as heed the advice of their families. Little Otter’s life is full and rich with new experiences, but he also learns the value of family guidance." - International Falls Daily
Some Dog!
(Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2007)
illustrated by Ard Hoyt
Shortlist, 2009 Grand Canyon Reader Award, Picture Book
Nominee, Show Me Reader Awards List, 2009/2010 Missouri Association of School Librarians
One-Dog Canoe
(Farrar, Straus, Giroux, 2002)
illustrated by Ard Hoyt
ALA Notable Children’s Book
Prairie Bud Children’s Book Award Master List (South Dakota)
Starred reviews: Kirkus, SLJ, Booklist, BCCB
Top 100 Books for 2000 by the NY Public Libraries
San Francisco Chronicle Recommended Book
Parent’s Choice Gold Award
Booklist Editor’s Choice
American Bookseller’s Pick of the List
American Folktale Society Aesop Accolades winner
Anne Izard Storyteller’s Choice Award
BCCB Blue Ribbon List
Red Clover Master List (Vermont)
Minnesota Book Award Winner (children’s book), 2001
