The girl who drew butterflies : how Maria Merian's art changed science

cover image

Where to find it

Information & Library Science Library — Juvenile

Call Number
J92 Merian
Status
Available

Authors, etc.

Names:

Summary

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 Choice Chicago Public Library Best of the Year Kirkus Best Book of the Year Bulletin Blue Ribbon Book Junior Library Guild Selection New York Public Library Top 10 Best Books of the Year

Contents

  • Butterfly Glossary p. vi
  • The Girl in the Garden p. viii
  • Chapter 1 Egg p. 1
  • Chapter 2 Hatching p. 7
  • Chapter 3 First Instar p. 13
  • Chapter 4 Second Instar p. 20
  • Chapter 5 Third Instar p. 28
  • Chapter 6 Fourth Instar p. 34
  • Chapter 7 Molting p. 41
  • Chapter 8 Pupa p. 55
  • Chapter 9 Eclosing p. 61
  • Chapter 10 Expanding p. 74
  • Chapter 11 Flight p. 84
  • Chapter 12 Egg p. 103
  • The Woman in Her World p. 116
  • Author's Note p. 122
  • Timeline p. 124
  • Quote Sources p. 129
  • Selected Bibliography p. 132
  • For Further Reading p. 136
  • Acknowledgments p. 137
  • Image Credits p. 139
  • Index p. 141

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