The Girl Who Drew Butterflies

How Maria Merian's Art Changed Science

Joyce Sidman author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Published:1st Mar '18

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

The Girl Who Drew Butterflies cover

Bugs, of all kinds, were considered to be 'born of mud' and to be 'beasts of the devil.' Why would anyone, let alone a girl, want to study and observe them?

One of the first naturalists to observe live insects directly, Maria Sibylla Merian was also one of the first to document the metamorphosis of the butterfly. In this visual nonfiction biography, richly illustrated throughout with full colour original paintings by Merian herself, the Newbery Honor winning author Joyce Sidman paints her own picture of one of the first female entomologists and a woman who flouted convention in the pursuit of knowledge and her passion for insects.

Robert F. Sibert Medal winner  Booklist Editor’s Choice  Chicago Public Library Best of 2018  Kirkus Best book of 2018  2018 Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book  Junior Library Guild Selection  New York Public Library Top 10 Best Books of 2018    ? "A fantastic array of illustrations embellish the text with photos of butterflies, caterpillars, and chrysalises, and lovely images of Maria’s artwork and that of her fathers. Meanwhile, exceptional captions identify and establish each illustration’s relevance to Maria’s life. A vibrant, wonderfully rounded biography on a pioneering and prodigiously talented woman."   — Booklist, starred review   ? "An exceptionally crafted visual biography of a pioneering entomologist and naturalist who lived a life devoted to discovery." — Kirkus, starred review   “A marvel of a book, just like the subject, Maria Merian. Reading Sidman’s fascinating and beautiful account of Merian’s life, we are witness to the miracle of a woman becoming an artist and a scientist in the 17th century. Just as a caterpillar emerges into the world out of its chrysalis, this book brings Merian out of the darkness and into the light.”— Deborah Heiligman, author of Vincent and Theo and Charles and Emma, a National Book Award finalist   ?"An excellent choice for young artists, budding scientists, fledgling entomologists, and fans of biography."--School Library Journal, STARRED review   ?"Excellent reproductions of the gorgeous botanical prints allow readers to appreciate their accurate scientific detail and artistry."--Horn Book, STARRED review —

  • Winner of Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Award (Children's Book) 2019

ISBN: 9780544717138

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

160 pages