Fascinated by world cultures and history, Celeste says, "The more I travel in real life and through books, the more I appreciate the splendid differences and surprising similarities between different cultures and historical eras. I like to explore cultural and historical themes in my writing and instill in children a sense of their unique place in the greater world community."

Born in Los Angeles, California, Celeste now resides there with her family. She holds undergraduate degrees in History and The History of Art, as well as a Masters in Business Administration, all from the University of Southern California. Celeste has also studied British History and Renaissance Art History at the University of London.

Contacts

Email: celeste@celestedavidsonmannis.com
Website: www.celestedavidsonmannis.com

Books

		ONE LEAF RIDES THE WIND, COUNTING IN A JAPANESE GARDEN Viking Children's Books (September 2002) Hardcover ISBN: 0670035254 Puffin Paperback ISBN: 0142401951 A young girl makes her way slowly through a Japanese garden where she spots one leaf, two carved temple dogs, three
		THE QUEEN'S PROGRESS, AN ELIZABETHAN ALPHABET Viking Children's Books, May 2003 Hardcover ISBN: 0670036129 Puffin Paperback ISBN: 0142400971 Rhymed verses, stunning illustrations, and a fascinating text all come together to form this imaginative story about Queen Elizabeth and her progresses, or journeys, through England's countryside. Perfect for history-lovers, alert readers, and suspense-seekers, this multi-layered picture book reveals something new with each reading.

Awards and Honors

ONE LEAF RIDES THE WIND, COUNTING IN A JAPANESE GARDEN

• 2003 International Reading Association Award, Best Picture Book
• Parent’s Choice Award
• NCSS Notable Trade Book
• PBS Teacher Source Recommended Book
• Junior Library Guild Selection

THE QUEEN'S PROGRESS, AN ELIZABETHAN ALPHABET

• Children's Literature Choice List, 2004
• 2004 Notable Children's Book in the Language Arts, National Council of Teachers of English
• 2004 CBC-Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People
• PBS Teacher Source Recommended Book
• Selected for California Collection, California Readers

Reviews

ONE LEAF RIDES THE WIND, COUNTING IN A JAPANESE GARDEN
Kirkus Reviews, starred review

"Just as each element of a Japanese garden contributes to a calming, satisfying whole, the elements of this work-poetry, subtly integrated additional text, illustration, design, and even the endpapers-all meld together into a lovely whole that both entertains as successful poetry and educates as an introduction to several aspects of ancient Japanese culture. Teachers in elementary school classrooms will find this volume useful when studying Japan or the haiku format."

ONE LEAF RIDES THE WIND, COUNTING IN A JAPANESE GARDEN
Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Mannis's haiku act as both a guide to some of the elements of traditional Japanese culture and a useful introduction to the haiku form. Hartung's watercolors combine areas of finer draftsmanship with simple washes; in the artist's hands, the landscape becomes a series of meditative images."

THE QUEEN'S PROGRESS, AN ELIZABETHAN ALPHABET
Publishers Weekly

"Dense, erudite and absorbing, this collection of verse and prose about the travels of England's Tudor queen brims with information and energy…Readers of all ages will relish the challenge of following the visual story lines and sampling the fruits of Mannis's research."

THE QUEEN'S PROGRESS, AN ELIZABETHAN ALPHABET
School Library Journal, starred review

"This book could be used as an introduction to Elizabethan history, or it could serve as a model for creating alphabet books based on historical time periods. A plus for any collection."

Presentations

Celeste enjoys the challenge of tailoring presentations to groups of all ages, and interests. Props, music, PowerPoint presentations, small group q&a sessions, writing workshops, and arts and crafts projects provide an entertaining, curriculum relevant experience for all.

Fun Facts

For her upcoming book, Julia Morgan Built a Castle (Viking Children's Books 2006) Celeste conducted research in the archives of world famous architect, Julia Morgan. Armed with white cotton gloves, a legal pad and pencils, she spent blissful days reading Miss Morgan's fascinating letters and telegrams, many of them to and from William Randolph Hearst.

For her current project, a biography entitled Who Was William Shakespeare? (Grosset and Dunlap) Celeste has been reading like mad. Pet peeve about Shakespeare research: skeptics who believe a man with only a grammar school education couldn't have written the plays. The fact is, a grammar school education in Elizabethan England provided a better background than most present day college graduates can hope to receive with a degree in Classics!