About
Welcome to the blog of children’s author S.W. Fowler, the pen name of Samantha Wiley Fowler. This is a place for parents, teachers and homeschoolers who want to spark a child’s imagination through dinosaurs, reading and creative play.
Who is S.W. Fowler?
Samantha Wiley Fowler writes children’s adventure stories about family, courage and the surprising places where wonder hides. She is the creator of The Closet Jungle, a story about two brothers, Reid and Josh, who open their bedroom closet and find a world of dinosaurs on the other side. Along the way they rescue a baby Maiasaura and take care of Luna, a glowing baby Parasaurolophus.
The stories began the way many family stories do: at bedtime, as made-up tales told to keep curious listeners happy until the lights went out. Those tales grew into a book that families, and classrooms, can read together.
Why this blog exists
Parents and teachers ask the same practical questions again and again. How do I explain extinction without frightening my child? What helps a restless reader settle into a chapter book? How do I get two siblings to play on the same team? The book answers some of those questions through story, but a story cannot answer them all. This blog is where we go further, with practical, plain-spoken guidance that you can use the same evening.
Who it is for
Every article is written for adults: parents, grandparents, teachers, librarians and homeschoolers. Children are the reason we write, but they are not the audience. That keeps the advice honest and keeps the site a safe, general-audience space.
- Parents and carers will find read-aloud ideas, bedtime routines and ways to turn a dinosaur obsession into learning.
- Teachers and homeschoolers will find discussion questions, simple activities and lesson ideas that fit a busy week.
- Families with more than one child will find ways to build teamwork, empathy and a little less squabbling.
What you will find here
Our articles are grouped into seven areas: Dinosaur Fun for Families, Reading Together, Bedtime & Routines, Imagination & Play, Classroom & Homeschool, Siblings & Family Life and Behind the Book. New to the blog? Begin with our Start Here guide, or browse the full sitemap.
How we work
We aim to be useful before we are anything else. Read about how articles are researched, reviewed and corrected in our Editorial Policy, and meet the writer on the author page.
The books and the main website
This blog informs; the official website is where you can learn about the books and buy them. Visit swfowler.com or go straight to the page for The Closet Jungle. The book is also available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and is published by Storytime Publishers.
Say hello
We would love to hear what is working in your house or classroom. Send a note through the contact page or find us on Instagram and Facebook (@scturtle16).