The Girl Who Drew Butterflies - by Joyce Sidman (Paperback)

About the Book

SIBERT MEDAL WINNER
SEVEN STARRED REVIEWS

Newbery-Honor winning author Joyce Sidman explores the extraordinary life and scientific discoveries of Maria Merian, who helped pioneer the truth about metamorphosis and documented the science behind the mystery in this "exceptionally crafted visual biography" (starred review, Kirkus) that features many original paintings by Maria herself.

Book Synopsis

In this beautiful nonfiction biography, a Robert F. Sibert Medal winner, the Newbery Honor-winning author Joyce Sidman introduces readers to one of the first female entomologists and a woman who flouted convention in the pursuit of knowledge and her passion for insects.

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.

Richly illustrated throughout with full-color original paintings by Merian herself, The Grew Who Drew Butterflies will enthrall young scientists.

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? The Girl Who Drew Butterflies answers this question.

Booklist Editor's ChoiceChicago Public Library Best of the YearKirkus Best Book of the Year Bulletin Blue Ribbon BookJunior Library Guild SelectionNew York Public Library Top 10 Best Books of the Year

Review Quotes

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

About the Author

Joyce Sidman is today's foremost nature poet for children. Accolades for her books include two Caldecott Honors, a Lee Bennett Hopkins Award, the Claudia Lews Award, and many stars and Best of lists. For her body of work, she won NCTE's Award for Excellence in Poetry for Children. She lives in Wayzata, Minnesota. www.joycesidman.com