K.J. Houtman

Do you love to fish, camp, hunt or hike? You can count on K.J. Houtman's books (and magazine and web-based articles) to celebrate a love for the outdoors. As a writer-member of Association of Great Lake Outdoor Writers (AGLOW), Southeastern Outdoor Press Association (SEOPA) and Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA), Houtman ties the outdoors to everything--from children's books to adult non-fiction. Based in the Twin Cities of Minnesota, Houtman is a graduate of Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Illinois. Several of Houtman's books have been awarded "Excellence in Craft" from writers within these outdoor organizations.

"Zumbo" may be Houtman's break-out book, telling the life story of Jim Zumbo, the acclaimed outdoor writer and host of outdoor television. Along with Bill Miller, Houtman authored "Reflections Under the Big Pine" (also adult non-fiction) in 2013.

Of course, the beginning of Houtman's writing career focused on children's books and still today, Houtman writes for the youth magainze "Jakes Country" for the National Wild Turkey Federation.

"This is exactly what we need," shared Mike Nussman, President of the American Sportfishing Association, when asked about Houtman's books. "The outdoor industry has taken a back seat to video games in recent years when it comes to kids engaging in the sport. In fact, many parents today don't understand the value of letting kids enjoy the outdoors."

"I love everything about these books," shared Susan Baumann-Duren, the Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) prevention social worker in the Sauk Prairie School District in southern Wisconsin. "We know how important it is to a child's overall health and enjoyment of life to get outdoors. These books embrace that--and the kids love them."