Official Website of Ann McGovern, Popular Children’s Book Author
A: Yes! Hundreds of times, to children in schools. I also have programs for educational conferences, senior centers and nursing homes, Audubon groups and the Explorers Club. I went to China before there were many tourists, and I took many pictures of daily life. Galleries and libraries showed my pictures when I got home.
I took a picture of this girl in China
A: Not usually. But on the way to Antarctica, the ship sailed through a stretch of horrible storms. Waves washed over all six decks of the ship. “Throw-up” bags lined the handrails in the halls. There wasn’t a person on that ship who wasn’t sick. We were not allowed out of our cabins, and tea and toast were brought to us. We were so happy when the sailing was smooth again.
A: I’ve never explored the Amazon River, with its steamy jungles and the animals, birds and reptiles that live there. I would also like to learn about the plants that people use for medicines. I would like to see the native villages and meet the people.
A: The penguin would be terribly lonely for its family and its cold home in Antarctica by the sea. Penguins live in colonies with thousands of other penguins. Besides, they smell very fishy.
Penguins as far as the eye can see!
A: When I was night diving to gather information for my book NIGHT DIVE, my light failed and I was in complete darkness. That was scary until my diving buddy swam up to me with his light.
A: They are all fascinating. One of my best travel experiences was camping in Africa, seeing elephant herds, leopards before breakfast and colorful birds so close. We gave a ride up a crater to a Masai warrior who was carrying a sharp spear. He spoke English and we talked about the music we liked.
A: Oh yes! Though I’ve been to all seven continents and over 60 countries, there are many more I haven’t seen. I couldn’t visit all of them in one lifetime, even if I live to be 200 years old.
My family couldn't have given me a better book for my birthday.
A: Almost all of them! When you go to Questions & Answers About Books, you’ll see what they are and what inspired me to write them.
Amazing fish always inspire me. This clown fish lives on the Great Barrier Reef.
A: I am concerned about the world and the state of the earth (75% of the earth is water). I write letters and call politicians. Many of the books I write reflect my cares.
There are organizations for saving the whales, elephants, mountain gorillas, etc. Write to me for lists. The seas and coral reefs are in danger, too. Now, when I scuba dive or snorkel, I can see bleached dead coral. Sharks are being killed for their fins to make soup! We need sharks for a natural balance in the sea.
A: I love traveling!