An intricate and satisfying portrait of a dedicated woman scientist, innovator, and activist.
From a childhood steeped in botanical study to an adulthood spent discovering, studying, and advocating for the rainforest, scientific pioneer Meg Lowman has lived her life with leaves and trees.
An originator of rainforest study, she earned several degrees (often the only woman in her classes), made countless discoveries (including identifying new species), found innovative ways to study the canopy (building canopy bridges), and worked to educate children and adults to protect the botanical world she loves. A nice addition to any rainforest or biography unit, this straightforward selection provides an inspiring portrayal and focuses on Lowman’s inventiveness and dedication through engaging, poetic text augmented by original quotes. Christy’s striking illustrations use leafy patterns and repetition of vignettes to underscore the White woman’s enthusiasm and determination. Shifts in perspective convey the awesome scale of the rainforest. Nonfiction tidbits are housed appropriately in leaf designs scattered throughout the pages. Well-chosen details about her experiences (learning to climb up to the canopy; finding ways to bring her own children and other students there), observations (watching animals and insects devour leaves at night; seeing the rainforest from a balloon), and struggles (shy, she had to find the courage to communicate her ideas regarding conservation and sustainability) are included, resulting in an exciting tale of exploration and adventure that will capture the attention of budding scientists and environmentalists alike. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 78.6% of actual size.)
An intricate and satisfying portrait of a dedicated woman scientist, innovator, and activist. (notes, chart, source notes, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)Pub Date: Feb. 9, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-68437-177-8
Page Count: 48
Publisher: Calkins Creek/Boyds Mills
Review Posted Online: Dec. 14, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1, 2021
An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe.
An introduction to gravity.
The book opens with the most iconic demonstration of gravity, an apple falling. Throughout, Herz tackles both huge concepts—how gravity compresses atoms to form stars and how black holes pull all kinds of matter toward them—and more concrete ones: how gravity allows you to jump up and then come back down to the ground. Gravity narrates in spare yet lyrical verse, explaining how it creates planets and compresses atoms and comparing itself to a hug. “My embrace is tight enough that you don’t float like a balloon, but loose enough that you can run and leap and play.” Gravity personifies itself at times: “I am stubborn—the bigger things are, the harder I pull.” Beautiful illustrations depict swirling planets and black holes alongside racially diverse children playing, running, and jumping, all thanks to gravity. Thorough backmatter discusses how Sir Isaac Newton discovered gravity and explains Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity. While at times Herz’s explanations may be a bit too technical for some readers, burgeoning scientists will be drawn in.
An in-depth and visually pleasing look at one of the most fundamental forces in the universe. (Informational picture book. 7-9)Pub Date: April 15, 2024
ISBN: 9781668936849
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Tilbury House
Review Posted Online: May 4, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 2024
BOOK REVIEW
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BOOK REVIEW
More thoughtful, sometimes exhilarating encounters with nature.
In a new entry in the Over and Under series, a paddleboarder glimpses humpback whales leaping, floats over a populous kelp forest, and explores life on a beach and in a tide pool.
In this tale inspired by Messner’s experiences in Monterey Bay in California, a young tan-skinned narrator, along with their light-skinned mom and tan-skinned dad, observes in quiet, lyrical language sights and sounds above and below the sea’s serene surface. Switching perspectives and angles of view and often leaving the family’s red paddleboards just tiny dots bobbing on distant swells, Neal’s broad seascapes depict in precise detail bat stars and anchovies, kelp bass, and sea otters going about their business amid rocky formations and the swaying fronds of kelp…and, further out, graceful moon jellies and—thrillingly—massive whales in open waters beneath gliding pelicans and other shorebirds. After returning to the beach at day’s end to search for shells and to spot anemones and decorator crabs, the child ends with nighttime dreams of stars in the sky meeting stars in the sea. Appended nature notes on kelp and 21 other types of sealife fill in details about patterns and relationships in this rich ecosystem. (This book was reviewed digitally.)
More thoughtful, sometimes exhilarating encounters with nature. (author’s note, further reading) (Informational picture book. 6-9)Pub Date: Sept. 13, 2022
ISBN: 978-1-79720-347-8
Page Count: 56
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Review Posted Online: June 21, 2022
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2022
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
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