Julie Dunlap is a freelance writer and researcher, focusing on the relationships of children and adults with the natural environment. Her Ph.D. research at Yale University focused on children's attitudes and beliefs about wildlife, and her postdoctoral work at Yale examined environmental education at zoos and aquariums. Her writing accomplishments include articles, essays, and online courses on wildlife, nature, and environmental history. Julie's children's books have been honored with a Teacher's Choice Award from Learning Magazine, a Parents' Choice Recommended selection, a KIND Children's Honor Book award, a Washington Post Kids Book of the Week, and a Junior Library Guild Selection. When Julie is not reading or writing, she enjoys hiking with her family or volunteering for the Audubon Society of Central Maryland as their Schoolyard Habitat Grant Coordinator.