Summer Birds: The Butterflies of Maria Merian
CCBC Review:
“Summer birds” was a medieval term used for butterflies. This inspiring narrative is written in the voice of Maria Merian, who was thirteen and living in mid-seventeenth-century Germany when she determined that, counter to common belief, butterflies did not appear magically from the mud but changed from one form to another before emerging from cocoons. Margarita Engle’s brief text manages to not only convey a wealth of factual information about butterflies but also a sense of the superstitions Maria challenged with her careful observations (insects were believed to be evil), as well as her soaring spirit and determination. Julie Paschkis’s lovely illustrations are full of small moments of nature’s wonders that Maria found so fascinating. A historical note provides additional information about the life of Maria Merian, who grew up to become famous as a scientist, artist, and explorer. ©2010 Cooperative Children's Book Center
Illustrated by Julie Paschkis
CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 5-8
Age Range:
PreK-Early Elementary (Ages 4-7)
Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10)
Formats:
Biography, Autobiography and Memoir
Picture book
Subjects:
17th Century
Art and Artists
Biography
Girls and Women
History (Nonfiction)
Insects (Informational)
Science and Scientists
Publisher:
Henry Holt
Publish Year: 2010
Pages: 32
ISBN: 9780805089370
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 595 Engle