The Girl Who Tested the Waters: Ellen Swallow, Environmental Scientist by Patricia Daniele & Illustrated by Junyi Wu
My thoughts: A well done biographic picture book about a woman who, when it wasn't considered desired or appropriate for women, pursued an education. As she grew and learned all that was available for her to learn, her parents recognized her capabilities and sold all and relocated where she could be mentally engaged and equipped to expand her mind.
A bit more wordy than the average "picture book," but written in a forthright and engaging manner, this is a perfect introduction into reading non-fiction to the young child and reader. The illustrations readily depict a simple young woman (appropriately hair styled and dressed for the time) excitedly pursuing books and scientific equipage as she wonders, experiments, discovers, and further pursues knowledge.
As the first woman to study at MIT, she opened doors for more intelligent and inquisitive women to further their scientific and technological education. But not only did she open doors for women to have access to higher education, she actually achieved scientific successes and make the world a better place in which to live. I believe we have Ellen Swallow to thank for cleaner and safer water and food.
I love that the illustrations are soft yet highly detailed and show the world that Ellen Swallow lived and learned in. I really like how this young readers biography while telling the story of this fantastic trail-blazing woman makes for really good reading, but also how the book is formatted like an "official" biography with author's note, source material, bibliography, and other interesting material at the back. A fine introduction to non-fiction biographic reading.
About the book: Discover the eye-opening story of the first woman student at MIT—a pioneering environmental chemist sure to inspire the next generation of female trailblazers in science.
Ellen Swallow found a friend in nature and a lifelong love of science as a child exploring the woods around her family’s home. She was a voracious learner with an interest in chemistry, and continuing her education at the newly established Massachusetts Institute of Technology seemed a good fit. But in 1871, many believed that women belonged in the home, not in schools dedicated to the study of science. Ellen thought, why not both? She believed science could help solve the problems of everyday life, including the pollution she observed in Boston, so when offered the chance to study the city’s water systems, she seized it. What she found would change the way we think about clean water. In her lifetime, Ellen pioneered science education for women, advocated for a healthier environment, and helped develop the field of ecology. The Girl Who Tested the Waters, with engaging text and soft, inviting illustrations, portrays a woman ahead of her time and her tireless efforts to bring about change for good. Curious readers can find more in the back matter, including a time line, an author’s note, source notes, and a bibliography.
Meena and the Microbiome by Dr. Majdi Osman & Illustrated by Teresa Martínez
My thoughts: An exceptionally sweet story of a conversation between mother and daughter that educates the child about the world within our world consisting of tiny organisms (wee little critters). The discover the scents around us are a byproduct of these wee little critters in the ground and all about and within us. About how our own health and functionality runs smoothly because of these little critters.
They are microbiome and they are everywhere.
Softly illustrated with lots of detail that engages the eye as the mind begins to be tickled with the fact of life in the micro world atop, within, and underneath. It is fascinating and so very well presented.
I highly recommend this MIT Kids Press book.
About the book: Did you know there are more microbes on Earth than stars in the universe? That some five million microbes live on your hand? A child’s curiosity helps her understand why these tiny organisms make such a big difference in her life.
After the last drop of rain falls, Meena and her mom head outside to their garden, which is bursting with veggies and flowers. But it isn’t the produce that Meena is curious about. It’s the microbes in the soil (giving it that earthy smell), in the compost pile, in our bodies—everywhere!—that have Meena wondering. How do they live? What do they eat? Where did Meena’s own microbiome come from? Comparing microbe communities to a bustling city, where everyone has a job to do, Meena’s scientist mom answers her questions while they garden, gather vegetables for a neighbor, have a snack at the picnic table, and end the day with a sudsy bath. Physician-scientist Dr. Majdi Osman introduces the adorable Meena during a day of eye-opening exploration, while Teresa Martínez’s engaging illustrations capture the mother-daughter pair in perspectives ranging from microscopic to bird’s-eye view. Back matter includes a resource list and an author’s note on the far-reaching role that the microbiome plays in our health and development.
DISCLOSURE: I received complimentary copies to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given.
