Catherine D. Hughes

Catherine D. Hughes is an American children’s nonfiction author and science editor best known for her work on the National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book series. She has authored many titles in this series including Animals, Dinosaurs, Space, Ocean, Birds, Bugs, and Reptiles and Amphibians. These books use vivid photographs, simple explanations, and structured layouts to make complex subjects easy for children aged roughly 3–7 to understand. Her books often follow a consistent educational approach, clear, simple language suitable for early readers, real-life photography instead of illustrations, short factual sections focused on curiosity and discovery and she through her work she always encourages children to explore science and nature.

She has a master’s degree in early childhood development which led to her position as Executive Editor of Preschool Content. Her strong background in early childhood education and science communication, influences her writing style. She specialises in creating educational books for young children that introduce topics such as animals, space, oceans, and nature in a simple, engaging way. Before and alongside her publishing career, she began her 35-year career at the National Geographic Society as a researcher and writer. She has worked in editorial roles, including as a science editor for National Geographic Kids and National Geographic Little Kids magazines, helping shape content aimed at young readers. She has also contributed to boxed sets and themed collections, such as Birds and Bugs, which combine multiple volumes into accessible learning sets for home and classroom use.

Catherine D. Hughes has received recognition for her contributions to children’s science education, with several of her books being recommended by educators and winning awards in science and literacy categories. She is regarded as an important figure in early science publishing, helping introduce generations of young children to the natural world through clear, engaging nonfiction storytelling. Now retired, in northern Virginia, Catherine continues to combine her three life passions: kids, natural history, and the written word, as a consultant, writer, and editor for children’s books.