Angela Royston (1945–) Biography

Born 1945, in Bridlington, Yorkshire, England; Ethnicity: "White." Education: University of Edinburgh, M.A., 1966. Politics: Green Party. Religion: "Agnostic."

Career

Writer. Worked as a secretary in London, England, 1967–73; Macdonald Educational, London, children's nonfiction editor, 1973–78; Grisewood &Dempsey, London, children's nonfiction editor, 1978–82; freelance writer and editor, 1982–. Writer-in-residence at a primary school in London.

Member

Amnesty International.

Writings

FOR CHILDREN

Picture Word Book, illustrated by Colin Maclean, Moira Maclean, and Liz Graham-Yooll, St. Michael (London, England), 1982.

My First Library Road Travel, Macdonald (London, England), 1986.

Just Look at Road Transport, Macdonald (London, England), 1987, published as Road Transport, Rourke Enterprises (Vero Beach, FL), 1988.

Birthday Party ("Stepping Stones 123" series), Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

Shopping ("Stepping Stones 123" series), Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

My Family ("Stepping Stones 123" series), Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

(With Graham Thompson) Monster Road Builders, Barron's (New York, NY), 1989.

(With Graham Thompson) Monster Building Machines, Barron's (New York, NY), 1990.

Car: See How It Works ("Tell Me About …" series), illustrated by Colin King, Frances Lincoln (London, England), 1990, published as My Lift-the-Flap Car Book, Barron's (New York, NY), 1991.

(With Terry Pastor) The A-to-Z Book of Cars, Barron's (New York, NY), 1991.

Buildings, Bridges, and Tunnels, Warwick Press (New York, NY), 1991.

Flowers, Trees, and Other Plants, Warwick Press (New York, NY), 1991.

The Human Body and How It Works, illustrated by Rob Shone and Chris Forsey, Warwick Press (New York, NY), 1991.

People and Places, Warwick (New York, NY), 1991.

The Senses: A Lift-the-Flap Body Book, illustrated by Edwina Riddell, Barron's (Hauppauge, NY), 1993.

Big Machines, illustrated by Terry Pastor, Little, Brown (Boston, MA), 1994.

(With David Bellamy) How Green Are You?, Frances Lincoln (London, England), 1994.

Getting Better, Frances Lincoln (London, England), 1994.

Whirrs, Watts, and Whooshes: The Stories of 14 Inventions That Changed the World, David Bennett Books (London, England), 1994.

Healthy Me (lift-the-flap book), illustrated by Edwina Riddell, Barron's (Hauppauge, NY), 1995.

A First Atlas, Scholastic (New York, NY), 1995.

You and Your Body: 101 Questions and Answers, Facts on File (New York, NY), 1995.

Where Do Babies Come From?, DK Publishing (New York, NY), 1996.

(Translator and adaptor, with Ghislaine Nouvion Severs and others) Christine Lazier, Wild Animals, Creative Education (Mankato, MN), 1997.

One Hundred Greatest Medical Discoveries, Grolier Educational (Danbury, CT), 1997.

One Hundred Greatest Women, Grolier Educational (Danbury, CT), 1997.

Fire Fighters!, DK Publishing (New York, NY), 1998.

Digesting: How We Fuel the Body ("Under the Microscope" series), Grolier Educational (Danbury, CT), 1998.

Truck Trouble ("Eyewitness" series), DK Publishing (New York, NY), 1998.

Space Shuttle Mission 7, Ginn (New York, NY), 1998.

Transportation ("Environment Starts Here" series), Raintree-Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1999.

Recycling ("Environment Starts Here" series), Raintree-Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1999.

On the Move, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 2000.

Volcanoes, Reader's Digest (Pleasantville, NY), 2000.

Pyramids, Reader's Digest (Pleasantville, NY), 2000.

Mighty Machines: Stories of Machines at Work, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 2000.

Space Station: Accident on Mir, DK Publishing (New York, NY), 2000.

Blue Whales ("Amazing Animals" series), Weigl Publishers (Mankato, MN), 2003.

Junior Science Diagrams on File, Volumes 1-2, Facts on File (New York, NY), 2003.

Alligators and Crocodiles ("Amazing Animals" series), Weigl Publishers (Mankato, MN), 2004.

Wolves ("Amazing Animals" series), Smart Apple Media (Mankato, MN), 2004.

The Life and Times of a Drop of Water: The Water Cycle, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2006.

The Day the Sun Went Out: The Sun's Energy, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2006.

Alien Neighbors?: The Solar System, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2006.

"ANIMAL LIFE STORIES" SERIES

The Deer, illustrated by Bernard Robinson, Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

The Duck, illustrated by Maurice Pledger and Bernard Robinson, Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

The Fox, illustrated by Bernard Robinson, Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

The Otter, illustrated by Bernard Robinson, Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

The Penguin, illustrated by Trevor Boyer, Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

The Tiger, illustrated by Graham Allen, Warwick (New York, NY), 1988.

The Elephant, Warwick (New York, NY), 1989.

The Frog, illustrated by Bernard Robinson, Warwick (New York, NY), 1989.

The Hedgehog, illustrated by Maurice Pledger, Warwick (New York, NY), 1989.

The Mouse, illustrated by Maurice Pledger, Warwick (New York, NY), 1989.

The Squirrel, illustrated by Maurice Pledger, Warwick (New York, NY), 1989.

The Whale, illustrated by Jim Channel, Warwick (New York, NY), 1989.

"FARM ANIMAL STORIES" SERIES

Cow, illustrated by Bob Bampton, Warwick (New York, NY), 1990.

Goat, illustrated by Eric Robson, Warwick (New York, NY), 1990.

Hen, illustrated by Dave Cook, Warwick (New York, NY), 1990.

Pig, illustrated by Jim Channel, Warwick (New York, NY), 1990.

Pony, illustrated by Bob Bampton, Warwick (New York, NY), 1990.

Sheep, illustrated by Josephine Martin, Warwick (New York, NY), 1990.

"WHAT'S INSIDE" SERIES

Small Animals, DK Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Insects, DK Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Shells, DK Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Toys, DK Books (New York, NY), 1991.

My Body, DK Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Plants, DK Books (New York, NY), 1991.

"EYE OPENER" SERIES

Cars, photographs by Tim Ridley, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Diggers and Dump Trucks, photographs by Tim Ridley, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Dinosaurs, photographs by Colin Keates, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Jungle Animals, photographs by Philip Dowell, Dave King, and Jerry Young, illustrated by Martine Blaney and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Night-Time Animals, photographs by Dave King, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Ships and Boats, photographs by Tim Ridley, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Planes, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Sea Animals, photographs by Steve Shott, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Insects and Crawly Creatures, photographs by Jerry Young, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Trains, photographs by Dave King, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Birds, photographs by Dave King, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Baby Animals, photographs by Steve Shott and Jane Burton, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson and Dave Hopkins, Aladdin Books (New York, NY), 1992.

"SEE HOW THEY GROW" SERIES

Puppy, DK Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Chick, photographs by Jane Burton, Lodestar Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Kitten, photographs by Jane Burton, Lodestar Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Frog, photographs by Kim Taylor and Jane Burton, Lodestar Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Duck, photographs by Barrie Watts, Lodestar Books (New York, NY), 1991.

Mouse, photographs by Barrie Watts, Lodestar Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Rabbit, photographs by Barrie Watts, illustrated by Rowan Clifford, Lodestar Books (New York, NY), 1992.

Lamb, photographs by Gordon Clayton, illustrated by Jane Cradock-Watson, Lodestar Books (New York, NY), 1992.

EDITOR; "SCIENCE NATURE GUIDES" SERIES

Wild Flowers of North America, Thunder Bay Press (San Diego, CA), 1994.

Birds of North America, Thunder Bay Press (San Diego, CA), 1994.

Trees of North America, illustrated by David More, Thunder Bay Press (San Diego, CA), 1994.

John Burton, Mammals of North America, illustrated by Jim Channell, Thunder Bay Press (San Diego, CA), 1995.

"BODY SYSTEMS" SERIES

(With Jackie Hardie) Moving, Rigby Interactive Library (Crystal Lake, IL), 1997.

Reproduction and Birth, Rigby Interactive Library (Crystal Lake, IL), 1997.

Eating and Digestion, Rigby Interactive Library (Crystal Lake, IL), 1997.

Thinking and Feeling, Rigby Interactive Library (Crystal Lake, IL), 1997.

"GEOGRAPHY STARTS HERE" SERIES

Weather around You, Raintree-Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1998.

Where People Live, Raintree Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1998.

Maps and Symbols, Raintree-Steck-Vaughn (Austin, TX), 1999.

"FIRST LIBRARY" SERIES

Life Cycle of a Bean, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Life Cycle of a Butterfly, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Life Cycle of a Chicken, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Life Cycle of a Frog, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Life Cycle of a Kangaroo, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Life Cycle of a Guinea Pig, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Life Cycle of a Sunflower, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Life Cycle of an Apple, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Life Cycle of an Oak Tree, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 2000.

Life Cycle of a Dog, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 2000.

Life Cycle of a Mushroom, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 2000.

Life Cycle of a Salmon, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 2000.

"INSIDE AND OUT" SERIES

Stars and Planets, illustrated by Stephen Maturin and Roger Stewart, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Emergency Rescue, illustrated by Roger Stewart, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Horses and Ponies, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Flying Machines, illustrated by Sebastian Quigley, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Boats and Ships, illustrated by John Downes, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

The Earth, illustrated by Jonathan Adams, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Cars, illustrated by Roger Stewart, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Under the Sea, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Trucks, illustrated by Chris Forsey, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Pets, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

Tractors, illustrated by Terry Gabbey, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1998.

"PLANTS" SERIES

Plants and Us, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1999.

Strange Plants, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1999.

British Plants, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1999.

Trees, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1999.

Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1999.

How Plants Grow, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1999.

"SAFE AND SOUND" SERIES

Fit and Strong, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 1999.

Safety First, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 2000.

Clean and Healthy, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 2000.

Eat Well, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 2000.

A Healthy Body, Heinemann Library (Des Plaines, IL), 2000.

"ON THE MOVE" SERIES

The Digger, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 2000.

The Truck, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 2000.

The Tractor, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 2000.

The Tugboat, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 2000.

The Helicopter, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 2000.

The Jumbo Jet, Kingfisher (New York, NY), 2000.

"LEARN TO SAY NO!" SERIES

Tobacco, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2000.

Alcohol, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2000.

Marijuana, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2000.

Inhalants, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2000.

"IT'S CATCHING" SERIES

Pink Eye, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2000.

Warts, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2000.

Chicken Pox, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2002.

Colds, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2002.

Head Lice, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2002.

"MY WORLD OF SCIENCE" SERIES

Using Electricity, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Solids, Liquids, and Gasses, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Water, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Sound and Hearing, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Materials, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Magnets, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Light and Dark, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Color, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Forces and Motion, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Hot and Cold, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Bendy and Rigid, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Conductors and Insulators, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Heavy and Light, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Human Growth, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Living and Nonliving, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Magnetic and Non-Magnetic, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Natural and Man-Made, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Shiny and Dull, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Smooth and Rough, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Soft and Hard, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Transparent and Opaque, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

"MACHINES IN ACTION" SERIES

Wheels and Cranks, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Pulleys and Gears, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Springs, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Ramps and Wedges, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Levers, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

Screws, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2001.

"IN TOUCH" SERIES

Internet and E-mail, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2002.

Post, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2002.

Telephone and Fax, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2002.

"LIVING NATURE" SERIES

Amphibians, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2003.

Birds, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2003.

Fish, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2003.

Flowers, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2003.

Insects, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2003.

Mammals, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2003.

Reptiles, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2003.

"BODY NEEDS" SERIES

Vitamins and Minerals for a Healthy Body, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Water and Fiber for a Healthy Body, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Proteins for a Healthy Body, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

"EXTREME SURVIVAL" SERIES

Space, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Deserts, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Mountains, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2004.

"LOOK AFTER YOURSELF" SERIES

Get Some Exercise!, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Get Some Rest!, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Healthy Ears and Eyes, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Healthy Food, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Healthy Hair, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Healthy Skin, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Healthy Teeth, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Keep Healthy!, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

"BODY MATTERS" SERIES

Why Do Bones Break? and Other Questions about Bones and Muscles, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Why Do Bruises Change Color? and Other Questions about Blood, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Why Do I Get a Sunburn? and Other Questions about Skin, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Why Do I Get a Toothache? and Other Questions about Nerves, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Why Do I Sneeze? and Other Questions about Breathing, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Why Do I Vomit? and Other Questions about Digestion, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Why Do My Eyes Itch? and Other Questions about Allergies, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Why Does My Body Smell? and Other Questions about Hygiene, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2003.

Why Do We Need to Eat?, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

Why Do We Need to Be Active?, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

What Should We Eat?, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

"BABY ANIMALS" SERIES

Chick, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2004.

Kitten, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2004.

Lamb, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2004.

Puppy, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2004.

Rabbit, Chrysalis Education (North Mankato, MN), 2004.

"IT'S NOT CATCHING" SERIES

Allergies, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Asthma, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Broken Bones, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Bumps and Bruises, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Burns and Blisters, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Cuts and Grazes, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Stings and Bites, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Tooth Decay, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Using a Wheelchair, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Down's Syndrome, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Deafness, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Cancer, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Blindness, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

"MY AMAZING BODY" SERIES

Breathing, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Eating, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Growing, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Moving, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Senses, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2004.

Staying Healthy, Raintree (Chicago, IL), 2004.

"MY WORLD OF GEOGRAPHY" SERIES

Coasts, Heinemann Library (Oxford, England), 2004, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Forests, Heinemann Library (Oxford, England), 2004, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Islands, Heinemann Library (Oxford, England), 2004, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Deserts, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Lakes, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Mountains, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Oceans, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Rivers, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

"FIVE SENSES" SERIES

Hearing, Chrysalis (North Mankato, MN), 2005.

Touch, Chrysalis (North Mankato, MN), 2005.

Taste, Chrysalis (North Mankato, MN), 2005.

Smell, Chrysalis (North Mankato, MN), 2005.

Sight, Chrysalis (North Mankato, MN), 2005.

"HOW ARE THINGS MADE?" SERIES

How Is Chocolate Made?, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

How Is a Soccer Ball Made?, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

How Is a Pencil Made?, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

How Is a Bicycle Made?, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

How Is a Book Made?, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

"LET'S LOOK AT" SERIES

Water: Let's Look at a Puddle, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2005.

Wood: Let's Look at a Baseball Bat, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

Soil: Let's Look at a Garden, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

Rock: Let's Look at Pebbles, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

Plastic: Let's Look at a Frisbee, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

Paper: Let's Look at a Comic Book, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

Metal: Let's Look at a Knife and Fork, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

Glass: Let's Look at Marbles, Heinemann Library (Chicago, IL), 2006.

All of the titles in the "Let's Look At" series have also been published in Spanish.

OTHER

Henry VIII, Pitkin Unichrome (Andover, Hampshire, England), 1999.

The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Pitkin Unichrome (Andover, Hampshire, England), 1999.

Mary Queen of Scots, Pitkin Unichrome (Andover, Hampshire, England), 1999.

Best of York, Pitkin Unichrome (Andover, Hampshire, England), 1999.

Pitkin Guide to the City of York, Pitkin Unichrome (Andover, Hampshire, England), 1999.

Sidelights

A prolific writer, Angela Royston is the author of numerous nonfiction books for young readers on topics ranging from the human body to the life cycle of a kangaroo to the functioning of a lever. The British author creates books for readers from preschool to the middle grades and, as she once told SATA, "I moved into writing from editing and very much enjoy the challenge of writing about a wide variety of subjects." For Royston, it seems, no challenge is too much, and she has taken on subjects as technical as bridge building or the facts of digestion, translating such processes into age-appropriate language. "I had a broad education," Royston explained, "both at school and university, and feel able to tackle almost any subject, provided I can find good research material."

Born in 1945 in the north of England, in Yorkshire, she was educated at the University of Edinburgh where she earned her master's degree in 1966. After graduation, Royston migrated south to London, where she worked as a secretary for seven years, and then found work as a nonfiction editor for children's books in 1973, first with Macdonald Educational and then with Grisewood and Dempsey. This proved an excellent introduction to writing her own nonfiction books for children, and when she began her family, Royston decided to go freelance as a writer and editor full time. With many contacts in the publishing industry, she has worked mostly on commissioned books.

For preschoolers, Royston has written both stand-alone titles and series. Her Where Do Babies Come From? is typical Royston, as she "dishes up just the right amount" of information in simplified and concise language, according to a Publishers Weekly reviewer. As the same writer further noted, "Royston's matter-of-fact presentation is informative, reassuring and discreet." A contributor for Kirkus Reviews called the same book an "outstanding introduction for preschoolers who are already starting to ask a lot of questions about reproduction." This reviewer also commented, "A brief text and stunning full-color photographs provide just enough information to satisfy young questioners." Royston also provides preschoolers with mechanical know-how in both My Lift-the-Flap Car Book, which kids "will adore," according to Booklist contributor Ilene Cooper, and Monster Road-Builders is a look at nine huge machines used in building roads. As School Library Journal critic Susan Hepler noted, "Each page features several information-laden sentences," along with double-page spreads of the machines in question.

Royston's series titles for preschoolers include "Stepping Stones 123" and "Farm Animal Stories." Reviewing the six titles in the latter series, The Cow, The Goat, The Hen, The Pony, The Pig, and The Sheep, Diane Nunn noted in School Library Journal that Royston's "narration is in simple story form, relating both daily and seasonal activities of the animals from mating behaviors and birth through adulthood." Nunn felt that the "basic facts are accurate," but warned readers to "be aware that these books depict farm animals in an idyllic rural setting that has disappeared in most areas of the [United States]."

The majority of Royston's books for young readers come in the five-to-seven-year-old category. Popular series for this age group include "Eye Openers," "See How They Grow," "Inside and Out," and "Animal Life Stories," among many others. In "Eye Openers," photographs and drawings are blended with simple text to il-lustrate and explicate topics from the area of machines such as cars and airplanes, to animals such as dinosaurs and birds. Reviewing Cars, Diggers and Dump Trucks, Dinosaurs, and Jungle Animals in School Library Journal, Steven Engelfried called the series a "winning visual package" with "just enough [information] to satisfy readers or listeners while they pore over the exciting illustrations." In another round-up review of Baby Animals, Planes, Sea Animals, and Ships and Boats, Dorcas Hand noted in School Library Journal that these are "four pleasing offerings for board-book graduates." Hand also remarked, "Each double-page spread … offers a descriptive paragraph and a large, excellent-quality, full-color photograph of the subject." Reviewing Baby Animals and Sea Animals in School Librarian, Joan Hamilton Jones commented that the series "is designed to be both educational and entertaining," and does so "by combining bright photographs with large printed texts." Jones concluded that "The child is led into a world of fascinating information," while Joan Feltwell, also writing in School Librarian, praised the series for containing "a feast of fine photographs designed to enthrall and capture the imagination of three-to six-year-olds." School Library Journal reviewer Eldon Younce, in a review of Royston's book on trains in the series, thought that "young train enthusiasts will find this slim volume right on track."

Another popular Royston series for beginning readers is "See How They Grow," a group of eight books that focuses on various baby animals and show how they develop, using a story format to inform. Owen Edwards, reviewing the entire series in Entertainment Weekly, commented that virtual reality was still only virtual, "but until the nerds catch up with the need, there are the "See How They Grow" books," which "offer lots of pictures, information—and charm." A critic for Kirkus Reviews called Rabbit, one of the eight books in the series, "an unusually attractive informational book for the youngest." Reviewing Lamb and Mouse in School Librarian, Mary Crawford called the production values of the series "superb," and Crawford concluded: "These books will be popular with a wide range of children as they are both informative and lovely to look at." The "See How They Grow" series shares some qualities with Royston's "First Library" series, which explains the life cycles of various plant and animal species. Booklist contributor Carolyn Phelan considered Life Cycle of a Bean and other titles in the series to be "useful for primary classrooms studying individual species or life cycles."

Royston's "Inside and Out" series, originally published in England as "A First Look Through," continues this informative look at everyday objects and animals, but with a slightly different twist. The books in this series blend short descriptive paragraphs with acetate double spreads. In "Animal Life Stories," Royston features twelve different creatures: the deer, otter, duck, frog, fox, hedgehog, squirrel, mouse, whale, tiger, elephant, and penguin, in titles named after the animal in question. Booklist contributor Isabel Schon, in a review of the Spanish translation of The Squirrel (La Ardilla), called the entire series "an excellent introduction to the study of these animals," and further remarked that "appealing and informative watercolor illustrations complement the explicit texts." A writer for Appraisal, reviewing The Whale, dubbed the "Animal Life" series as "aptly named" because the "text consists of factual material, but reads like a story." The same reviewer concluded that The Whale "would be appropriate for the beginning reader and for reading aloud." In a round-up review of The Elephant, The Mouse, and The Squirrel, J.J. Votapka wrote in School Library Journal: "Charming full-color illustrations highlight these rather slight stories about the lifestyle of the animals cited in the title," but further noted that the "obvious predictability" of the story format in each title "is apt to wear thin with most children." Another contributor for Appraisal, however, praised Royston's "very readable style" in a collective review of The Fox, The Duck, The Tiger, The Otter, and The Penguin. "Animals are universally the favorite science subject of the five to eight age group," the same reviewer concluded. "These colorful, interesting books are recommended to help fill the need."

Royston has also authored, amongst others, a beginning-reader series that features flora rather than fauna, titled "Plants," and a series that takes a look at human health and well-being titled "Safe and Sound." Reviewing Flowers, Fruits, and Seeds, How Plants Grow, and Strange Plants, in School Library Journal, Katherine Borchert called the three titles "serviceable additions for collections in need of easy nonfiction." Kit Vaughan, also writing in School Library Journal, felt that two titles in the "Safe and Sound Series," Eat Well and A Healthy Body, "inform and educate readers" by the use of "short sentences and a limited vocabulary." Royston's titles for DK's "Eyewitness" series are also aimed at beginning readers; Truck Trouble follows a driver trying to make a delivery on a day when nature and his truck seem to be working against his schedule. Susan Dove Lempke of Booklist commented on the "little zip of suspense" in the title, as readers wonder if the driver will make his delivery on time. Focusing on smaller, simple machines in her "Machines in Action" series, Royston explains how screws, levers, pulleys, and springs make work easier. Reviewing Screws and Springs for School Library Journal, Maren Ostergard considered these books to be "clear introductions to very specific topics."

In Addition to series titles for young readers, Royston has penned a number of stand-alone books as well as series for middle-grade students. Popular individual titles include The A-to-Z Book of Cars and 100 Greatest Medical Discoveries. In the former book, Royston presents a "browsing guide to automobiles," according to Booklist critic Julie Corsaro. Though Corsaro thought that the writing "is nothing special," she still felt that "the book is likely to burn rubber in the circulation department" because of its appealing topic. A writer for Science Books and Films, reviewing the same title, commented that it is a "wonderful road book." Royston covers more than a hundred medical topics in 100 Greatest Medical Discoveries, a book that "teems with information by both word and picture," according to a contributor for Junior Bookshelf. The same writer remarked that, although the book is aimed at ten to fourteen year olds, it could be "enjoyed by both younger and older groups." Royston's Big Machines is a stand-alone title for younger readers, providing "a colorful introduction to nine machines," including the backhoe, street cleaner, and combine, according to Karen Harvey of Booklist.

Royston serves up series with both easy and standard reading texts for middle-grade readers. For children with reading difficulties she developed the "First Look At" series, with each title focusing on a different animal species or plant. Delvene Barnett, reviewing Royston's Fish in School Librarian, found it "inspiring," and one that "could also be used with slow learners and older less able children." Royston's "Science Nature Guides" books also present introductions to wild flowers, trees, birds, and mammals of Great Britain and of North America in separate editions. Each book includes not only text and illustrations, but also activities, such as making a cast of animal footprints in Mammals of North America. Reviewing that title in School Librarian, Ann Jenkin concluded that "this book is extremely good value and will be enjoyed by 8 to 12-year-olds at school or at home." Reviewing The Human Body and How It Works, a writer for Appraisal noted that it "includes detailed drawings of the human skeleton, of a developing baby, and experiments that are both appropriate for and of interest to elementary children."

In the "Body Matters" and "It's Not Catching" series, Royston answers questions about natural body functions and diseases for young readers. Titles such as Why Do I Vomit? And Other Questions about Digestion and Why Do My Eyes Itch? And Other Questions about Allergies address common concerns children have, as well as provide enough information for students needing to write reports about functions of the human body. A reviewer for School Library Journal considered the books in this series "accessible introductions." The "It's Not Catching" series illuminates illnesses like Allergies and Tooth Decay, which people cannot catch from each other. Reviewing Asthma, Broken Bones, and Stings and Bites for School Library Journal, Donna Marie Wagner considered them "concise, informative books filled with facts." Royston's "Look After Yourself" series gives advice to young readers on how to best care for their bodies. "The writing is clear and direct," Joyce Adams Burner of School Library Journal said of the series in her review of Get Some Exercise! and Get Some Rest! In a review of Healthy Hair and other titles in the series, Kate Kohlbeck of School Library Journal wrote, "These guides provide the basics."

Royston has also investigated how common objects are made in the "How Are Things Made?" series, and looked at materials and substances through household items in the "Let's Look At" series. Describing objects such as marbles or pebbles to illuminate glass and rock, or considering a puddle to discuss water, the "Let's Look At" series contains such books as Paper: Let's Look at a Comic Book, and Metal: Let's Look at a Knife and Fork. The "How Are Things Made?" series delves into the creation of soccer balls, books, and chocolate. Reviewing How Is Chocolate Made? for Booklist, Hazel Rochman noted that the title "covers quite a lot in its step-by-step account of the manufacturing process."

Royston has made a winning combination of simplified text along with well-selected illustrations to come up with individual titles and series that both entertain and inform young readers. In doing so, she follows her own golden rule, as she once explained to SATA: "I most like to work on books which are 'fun' and always try to find an interesting approach to explaining or describing things. I always become interested in the subjects of the books I work on, and I hope to stimulate that interest in the reader."

Royston also added to SATA: "I am interested in environmental issues, Third World issues, and the work of Amnesty International. I went freelance in 1982 in order to continue my work and expand my career into writing, while at the same time being able to look after and bring up my children. The books I write have all been commissioned by the publishers and, so far, have been mainly for younger children and young readers. I always become interested in the subjects of the books I work on, and I hope to stimulate that interest in the reader."

Later Royston added: "I have recently been a writer-in-residence at a London primary school. I worked with two classes of nine-year-olds and their teachers, and together we produced 500 copies of a twenty-eight page book called What Can Forces Do?, written by the children and illustrated with their drawings and with photographs of them carrying out experiments and demonstrating concepts being explained. The book looks very professional and has been well received, much to the children's delight. I found the experience challenging and very rewarding. It was extremely stimulating and informative to be working directly with children as they grappled with understanding and expressing the scientific ideas covered in the book."