For while Maria Sibylla Merian (indeed) was regarded with suspicion by some if not even many of her neighbours and acquaintances, she also did not have quite as tough and as problematic a time as portrayed either in the historical note or in the narrative itself (and actually had a very supportive family). Maria Sibylla Merian lived in the 17th and early 18th century, and while there definitely was still quite a bit of rampant superstition especially regarding insects and other non vertebrates (and so-called spontaneous generation, with insects and worms supposedly generating out of mud and the like), there was also a great deal more openness than in, say, the Middle Ages (and why the Summer Birds book description actually places Merian in the Middle Ages, or at least seems to, I will NEVER even remotely understand and accept). And while for the most part, I have quite enjoyed Margarita Engle's Summer Birds, I do and with considerable annoyance find that there is a rather problematic lack of historical accuracy portrayed at times. "The illustrator's rich, gouache folk-style paintings, sometimes on a solid black background, share that joy in the natural world and with gentle fancy bring this little-known artist and entomologist to life.When I heard that there actually exists a picture book fictional (auto)biography of the girlhood of famous German naturalist and artist Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), I immediately purchased a copy for my personal library.
Paschkis' brilliantly colored and patterned paintings are an exuberant counterpoint to the minimal words.Joyous and inspiring, this beautiful introduction to a passionate young scientist ho defied grown-ups and changed history will spark children's own fascination with the natural world and its everyday dramas." - Booklist, Starred Review "In expertly pared-down language, the poetic lines deftly fold in basic science concepts about life cycles, along with biographical details that are further developed in an appended historical note.
It all makes for pleasant reading and stirring stuff." - San Francisco Chronicle "Bolstered by flat but elegantly rendered paintings, the award-winning Engle illuminates the life of an early female scientist. A historical note at the end adds detail about Maria's life. "Top-notch writing and absolutely stunning illustrations tell inspirational story.
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