Paula Henson

Children’s Books

Paula writes mostly informational fiction picture books and middle grade, combining her teaching and environmental background with a sense of humor. Her goal is to inspire readers to ask questions, especially the “why” and “how” of any topic. Her curiosity has lead her down some fascinating research rabbit holes on everything from frustrated insects to her own family mysteries.

Paula’s award-winning debut picture book Who Needs a Forest Fire? was a recipient of a Nautilus Silver Award, an Indie Excellence Award and Skipping Stone Award in 2021. Commissioned as part of the Forest-Fire Project and published by Terra Bella Books, it has been used as an educational tool and has earned praise from classroom teachers.

REVIEWS OF WHO NEEDS A FOREST FIRE

”[e]ye popping, captivating and brimming with educational facts…brilliant and beautifully illustrated”

-Youth Librarian, Truckee Library

“[g]ives another perspective to the effects of the gold rush on California’s environment. Every teacher needs a copy in their class library.”

-Mrs. Yonemura, 4th grade teacher, Los Angeles

A circular logo with the words "Stupid Story Honor Badge" around the border. In the center, there is a cartoon figure of a person fishing on a mountain background.
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Gold circular badge with black text that reads "NIEA WINNER" and smaller text underneath that says "National Indie Excellence Awards" alongside a stylized open book symbol in red, yellow, black, and white.
Silver medal for the Nautilus Book Awards, with a nautilus shell illustration and the words "NAUTILUS BOOK AWARDS WINNER" engraved around it.
cover of a children's book titled "Who needs a Forest Fire?" featuring an illustration of a forest scene with trees, a bear, a deer, a mountain lion, and some birds.
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