The Creators of the Book
Kay Underwood and Stacy Studebaker.
Stacy Studebaker, author
Stacy Studebaker (right) has lived most of her life in the wilds of Alaska. She migrated to Alaska in 1972 and later moved to Kodiak Island which has been her home since 1980.
As one of Kodiak’s leading naturalists, she has worked as a science teacher, naturalist, botanist, musician, artist and photographer. As host “Lila Liverwort,” Stacy co-produced “My Green Earth,” an award-winning, weekly radio show about the environment that aired throughout Alaska and the U.S.
In 2011, she published “Wildflowers and other Plant Life of the Kodiak Archipelago, A Field Guide for the Flora of Kodiak and Southcentral Alaska.”
In 2013, she published “Hey Bear Ho Bear,” her first children’s book.
In 2015, she published “Octopus in the Outhouse!”
In 2020, she published “Beaver’s Song.”
Stacy was awarded the Celia Hunter Award by the Alaska Conservation Foundation for her lifetime of volunteer conservation work.
Stacy has also been honored with many additional awards including the following:
- National Audubon Presidential Award for outstanding chapter leadership
- National Audubon Green Hero Award
- An award from the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge for ongoing dedication to biological research and education.
Kay Underwood, illustrator
Since 1978, Kay Underwood (left) has fished commercially for salmon with her husband and four children at their setnet site on Kodiak in the heart of bear country.
She has illustrated a series of children’s books for the Northword Press of Minnesota and the BBC featured her artwork for a documentary on wild salmon.
Her vibrant artwork is used by Alaskan businesses, graces the walls of many Alaskan homes, and illustrates her well-known note cards.
Kay and Stacy published their first children’s book in 2013, “Hey Bear Ho Bear.”
Kay has always been passionate about science and art, and loves the opportunity to illustrate for children. By blending art and science she strives to educate people about the natural world around us.
