Heroes - Lives to Learn From
May
Hope & Joy Wonder Imagination
May
Hope & Joy Wonder Imagination
Beatrix Potter 1866-1943
Imagination
Beatrix Potter had quite the imagination. The prolific author of The Tale of Peter Rabbit was raised with her brother by artistically gifted parents in the English countryside and spent summers in the Lake District in Northwest England, where she immersed herself in the wonders of nature. While Potter lacked child friends, she adored her pets and was attentive to the mice and rabbits around her. From an early age, she was a keen student of botany and was drawn towards the field of mycology, the study of fungi. Her precise and colorful renderings of mushrooms (now at the Armitt Museum and Library in Ambleside) impressed peers and are still used by mycologists to identify fungi. But in that field, her gender and amateur status worked against her.
Potter had a lifelong fascination with fairytales, and her storied career in children's literature began in 1893 with a letter she wrote to entertain the sick child of a dear friend. Having run out of news to share with the child, she penned the story of Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter Rabbit to amuse him. Potter’s friend suggested the tale would make a good book, so Potter turned her hand to illustration and published The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1901. Over the course of the next two decades, Potter crafted a fanciful world of animal heroes and heroines through delightful tales such as The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, and more.
The artfully written and beautifully illustrated Peter Rabbit tales, beloved by children for generations, are not just whimsy. Rather, they masterfully combine fact and wonder, the common and the extraordinary, and the known and the mysterious, opening the eyes of readers to deeper beauty and truth.
The books we feature below focus on various aspects of Beatrix Potter’s life and vivid imagination, including her time spent as a naturalist, a writer and illustrator, and a sheep breeder and conservationist.
Potter had a lifelong fascination with fairytales, and her storied career in children's literature began in 1893 with a letter she wrote to entertain the sick child of a dear friend. Having run out of news to share with the child, she penned the story of Flopsy, Mopsy, Cotton-tail, and Peter Rabbit to amuse him. Potter’s friend suggested the tale would make a good book, so Potter turned her hand to illustration and published The Tale of Peter Rabbit in 1901. Over the course of the next two decades, Potter crafted a fanciful world of animal heroes and heroines through delightful tales such as The Tale of Squirrel Nutkin, The Tale of Tom Kitten, The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck, The Tale of Benjamin Bunny, and more.
The artfully written and beautifully illustrated Peter Rabbit tales, beloved by children for generations, are not just whimsy. Rather, they masterfully combine fact and wonder, the common and the extraordinary, and the known and the mysterious, opening the eyes of readers to deeper beauty and truth.
The books we feature below focus on various aspects of Beatrix Potter’s life and vivid imagination, including her time spent as a naturalist, a writer and illustrator, and a sheep breeder and conservationist.
Saving the Countryside: The Story of Beatrix Potter and Peter Rabbit. Linda Marshall. Illustrated by Ilaria Urbinati. Little Bee Books, 2020. (K-3) This lovely and often humorous picture book charts Beatrix Potter's early years as an aspiring naturalist, shows how they contributed to her Peter Rabbit tales, and her late-life work to conserve the English countryside.
Beatrix Potter and Her Paintbox. David McPhail. Henry Holt, 2015 (1-2)
A young child's look at how Beatrix Potter became the accomplished artist that she was. The illustrations in the book mirror Potter's style, immerse the child in the English countryside, and inspire love of nature. 
Beatrix Potter: Drawn to Nature. Annemarie Bilclough. Rizzoli Electa, 2022. (5-6 to adult)
An exquisite presentation of more than 200 of Potter's watercolor illustrations contextualized and emphasizing Potter's love of nature. 
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Beatrix Potter, Scientist. Lindsay Metcalf. Illustrated by Junyi Wu. Albert Whitman & Co, 2020.(K-3)
This book captures the naturalist and botanist Beatrix Potter. It is a welcome complement to books that focus on the Tales of Peter Rabbit. Quality imagination springs from a keen understanding of what is, and Potter dedicated much of her life to understanding the workings of nature. 
The Tale of Beatrix Potter. Sharon Schonfeld. Penguin Young Readers, 2016. (1-3)
A young reader's biography of Potter, following her early talent for drawing, love of nature, and persistence in getting the Tale of Peter Rabbit published. 
Becoming Beatrix. Amy O'Quinn. Chicago Review Press,2022. (3-6)
An older child's biography with the tagline "Beatrix Beyond the Bunnies." O'Quinn presents Potter as an insatiable auto-didact. She became a writer but was also a curious naturalist, farmer, entrepreneur and conservationist. |
Steve Irwin (1962-2006)
Wonder
Wonder
Steve Irwin introduced a generation of kids to the wonder of nature. The star of a popular TV series called The Crocodile Hunter, he did not in fact hunt crocodiles—though he did humanely trap them as part of his volunteer work for the Queensland East Coast Crocodile Management Program. An Australia native, Irwin was familiar with the danger crocodiles could pose to humans, but he had also loved reptiles from a young age, when he worked at his parents' Queensland Reptile and Fauna Park.
An ardent conservationist, Irwin founded The Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation (now called Wildlife Warriors Worldwide), which works tirelessly for his vision: "that people, wildlife and habitat survive and prosper without being detrimental to the existence of each other." He bought large tracts of land in Australia, the United States, Fiji, and Vanatu, aiming to preserve more of the beauties of nature for future generations.
Irwin was alive to the wonders of the natural world and passionate about stewardship, but he put human life and the love of his family first. While he was filming a documentary off the coast of Mexico, two scuba divers were reported missing nearby. Irwin suspended all operations to participate in the search, and brought one of the divers to shore. He and his wife, Terri, were married in 1992, and welcomed two children: Bindi and Robert. Irwin frequently said that what he hoped to be remembered for was being a good father. Irwin passed away at the age of 44 due to a tragic accident while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. After his death, a snail species was named in his honor: Crikey steveirwini, a homage to his famous catchphrase "Crikey!"
Image Credit: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
An ardent conservationist, Irwin founded The Steve Irwin Conservation Foundation (now called Wildlife Warriors Worldwide), which works tirelessly for his vision: "that people, wildlife and habitat survive and prosper without being detrimental to the existence of each other." He bought large tracts of land in Australia, the United States, Fiji, and Vanatu, aiming to preserve more of the beauties of nature for future generations.
Irwin was alive to the wonders of the natural world and passionate about stewardship, but he put human life and the love of his family first. While he was filming a documentary off the coast of Mexico, two scuba divers were reported missing nearby. Irwin suspended all operations to participate in the search, and brought one of the divers to shore. He and his wife, Terri, were married in 1992, and welcomed two children: Bindi and Robert. Irwin frequently said that what he hoped to be remembered for was being a good father. Irwin passed away at the age of 44 due to a tragic accident while filming in the Great Barrier Reef. After his death, a snail species was named in his honor: Crikey steveirwini, a homage to his famous catchphrase "Crikey!"
Image Credit: Bernard DUPONT from FRANCE, CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
Richard Giles, CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED
Steve Irwin (Little People, Big Dreams). Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara. Illustrated by Sonny Ross. Frances Lincoln Children's Books, 2023. (K-2) Wonder, Stewardship
The Little People, Big Dreams series tells the stories of kids who grew up to be remarkable in a way that is accessible to very young readers. But older kids and adults will learn from this book, too—sweet and colorful illustrations help tell the story of Steve Irwin's love for reptiles, his conservation work, and his work to introduce others to the beautiful natural world.
The Little People, Big Dreams series tells the stories of kids who grew up to be remarkable in a way that is accessible to very young readers. But older kids and adults will learn from this book, too—sweet and colorful illustrations help tell the story of Steve Irwin's love for reptiles, his conservation work, and his work to introduce others to the beautiful natural world.
Who Was Steve Irwin? Dina Anastasio. Illustrated by Jim Eldridge. Penguin Workshop, 2015. (2-4) Wonder, Stewardship
This buoyant biography follows the life of Steve Irwin from his childhood learning about reptiles from his father to his work introducing the world to the beauties of nature: "People started looking at wildlife differently. They were curious now. They weren't as afraid anymore." Readable and accompanied by pen-and-ink illustrations, this book could be read over multiple days at Morning Gathering, or by independent readers with a passion for the wonders of nature.
This buoyant biography follows the life of Steve Irwin from his childhood learning about reptiles from his father to his work introducing the world to the beauties of nature: "People started looking at wildlife differently. They were curious now. They weren't as afraid anymore." Readable and accompanied by pen-and-ink illustrations, this book could be read over multiple days at Morning Gathering, or by independent readers with a passion for the wonders of nature.
Steve Irwin (Remarkable People). Sheelagh Matthews. Weigl Pub Inc, 2007. (3-5) Wonder, Stewardship
This book, chock-full of informational panels that enrich the biography, is a great introduction to the life of Steve Irwin for older kids. Rich, full-color photographs help complete the picture of who Steve Irwin was, his home country, his family, and his conservation work. This book leans more toward educating children on the elements of Irwin's life than it does toward telling a narrative, but could still be a fun read for Morning Gathering or independent readers.
This book, chock-full of informational panels that enrich the biography, is a great introduction to the life of Steve Irwin for older kids. Rich, full-color photographs help complete the picture of who Steve Irwin was, his home country, his family, and his conservation work. This book leans more toward educating children on the elements of Irwin's life than it does toward telling a narrative, but could still be a fun read for Morning Gathering or independent readers.
Parent-Teacher Pick: The Crocodile Hunter: The Incredible Life and Adventures of Steve and Terri Irwin. Steve and Terri Irwin. Dutton Adult, 2001.
A fun autobiographical book by Steve and Terri Irwin themselves, telling the story of their lives accompanied by photos. A great behind-the-scenes glimpse at two remarkable lives that will help enrich any teacher's understanding of the couple who spent their honeymoon catching crocodiles!
A fun autobiographical book by Steve and Terri Irwin themselves, telling the story of their lives accompanied by photos. A great behind-the-scenes glimpse at two remarkable lives that will help enrich any teacher's understanding of the couple who spent their honeymoon catching crocodiles!
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Heroes of Hope
This May let's turn for inspiration to two great exemplars of hope: Great Britain's Winston Churchill and America's Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Leaders during the Depression and World War II, they kept the flame of hope alive for their countrymen and indeed, for a groaning world. Perhaps for many students, it will be their introduction to this difficult period in World History, and an era that is worth knowing about even at a young age. |
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Winston Churchill became Prime Minister of Great Britain at an age when most men would be retiring. His long study and deep understanding of history, his engagement in the political life of his nation, and his extraordinary facility with words made him Britain's irreplaceable man in World War II. When England stood alone against Hitler, he was at his most eloquent, calling for sacrifice, perseverance and hope. 
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Franklin Delano Roosevelt was born to one of America's most affluent and prestigious families (a cousin of Theodore Roosevelt). The handsome, Harvard-educated FDR ended up fighting his own battle with polio early in his career, remaining crippled for life, but not allowing his disability to define his destiny. Known for his cocky "Happy Days Are Here Again" campaign during the Great Depression, he experimented with new ideas for government assistance, was the nation's reassurance in radio Fireside Chats and a beacon of hope for the U.S. and the world in World War II.
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Franklin and Winston: A Christmas that Changed the World. Douglas Wood. Illustrated by Barry Moser. Candlewick, 2011. (3-6) Hope, Justice, Friendship
This extraordinary picture book chronicles a friendship that (as the title indicates) changed the world, and much for the better. Two men of hope, courage and action, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill embodied the best of their nations. This unusual dual biography recounts British Prime Minister Churchill's December 1942 crossing of the Atlantic to strategize with his American counterpart and soon-to-be friend, President Franklin Roosevelt. Churchill's mother was American, and he had a special fondness for the nation he was about to visit, but it was Franklin's spark, savvy and his shared commitment to international liberty that cemented the friendship. Together they not only inspired their citizens, but forged the greatest military alliance in history, drew up a charter for a new United Nations, appointed joint Chiefs for operations, and planned for the liberation of more than 30 nations under the yoke of tyranny. Because of the subject matter and amount of text, this is an older children's picture book.
This extraordinary picture book chronicles a friendship that (as the title indicates) changed the world, and much for the better. Two men of hope, courage and action, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and Winston Churchill embodied the best of their nations. This unusual dual biography recounts British Prime Minister Churchill's December 1942 crossing of the Atlantic to strategize with his American counterpart and soon-to-be friend, President Franklin Roosevelt. Churchill's mother was American, and he had a special fondness for the nation he was about to visit, but it was Franklin's spark, savvy and his shared commitment to international liberty that cemented the friendship. Together they not only inspired their citizens, but forged the greatest military alliance in history, drew up a charter for a new United Nations, appointed joint Chiefs for operations, and planned for the liberation of more than 30 nations under the yoke of tyranny. Because of the subject matter and amount of text, this is an older children's picture book.
Who Was Winston Churchill? Ellen Labrecque. Penguin, 2015. (2-6) Hope, Courage
This is a fine (112 page) introduction to Churchill for older children, written with verve energy and intelligence. The "Who Was" series is uneven in its quality: this book is not. It captures Churchill's privileged youth, his struggles in school, his late-life political rise, and the many exploits that prepared Winston Churchill for the mission of his life: defeating Nazism and tyranny. 
War Dogs: Churchill & Rufus. Charlesbridge, 2016. Kathryn Selbert. (1-4) Hope, Friendship
Meet Winston Churchill through the eyes of his dog Rufus. Often compared to a bull dog himself and dubbed "Pug" by his wife, the British Prime Minister's chosen companion was a brown poodle named Rufus. Rufus leads us through Churchill's routine in the dark days of World War II and makes the leader accessible to young children. The work is charmingly illustrated and amply complemented by quotations from Churchill's own correspondence. |
Who Was Franklin Delano Roosevelt? Margaret Frith. Illustrated by John O'Brien. Turtleback, 2010. (2-6) Hope
A slender readable chapter book that provides a comprehensive introduction to FDR, which also places strong emphasis on his relationship with Winston Churchill. Complemented by an excellent timeline. 
First Dog Fala. * Elizabeth Van Steenwyk. Illustrated by Michael Montgomery. Peachtree Publishing, 2008. (K-3) Friendship, Hope, Loyalty
FDR's constant companion in the 1940s was "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill," nicknamed "Fala." Fala gets first billing in this book, and dog-lovers won't be disappointed, but this is a wonderful picture book introduction to wartime president Franklin Delano Roosevelt with vibrant illustrations that echo the work of Thomas Hart Benton. The story captures the joy of their friendship and the high stakes world of FDR and all America at that time.*Available on Epic! |
Winston Churchill: Courage in the Face of Darkness. By Joyce Claiborne-West. Illustrated by Stoilov Boris. Heroes of Liberty, 2022. (2-6) Lives to Learn From, Courage
It was the summer of 1940, and nearly all of Europe had fallen to the Nazi war machine. Britain was to endure an air attack of monstrous proportions, and it seemed that there was nothing for the British nation to surrender to Nazism. But one voice rose up in defiance: Winston Churchill's. A book for older children on the great statesman's hope and, as the subtitle puts it, "courage in the face of darkness." Extraordinary illustrations.
It was the summer of 1940, and nearly all of Europe had fallen to the Nazi war machine. Britain was to endure an air attack of monstrous proportions, and it seemed that there was nothing for the British nation to surrender to Nazism. But one voice rose up in defiance: Winston Churchill's. A book for older children on the great statesman's hope and, as the subtitle puts it, "courage in the face of darkness." Extraordinary illustrations.
A Boy Named FDR: How Franklin Delano Roosevelt Grew Up to Change America. Kathleen Krull. Illustrated by Steve Johnson. Knopf, 2013. (1-5) Hope, Compassion
This short chapter book provides an inspiring introduction to the President who led America through the Great Depression and World War II. Krull focuses on FDR's privileged boyhood (his high spirits and cheerful disposition), early career and moves on to his battle with polio, and how it prepared him to confront hardship. It stops short of the Depression and World War II years but clearly portrays our only four-term president as a man of compassion and hope.
This short chapter book provides an inspiring introduction to the President who led America through the Great Depression and World War II. Krull focuses on FDR's privileged boyhood (his high spirits and cheerful disposition), early career and moves on to his battle with polio, and how it prepared him to confront hardship. It stops short of the Depression and World War II years but clearly portrays our only four-term president as a man of compassion and hope.
Nice Work, Franklin! Suzanne Tripp Jurmain. Illustrated by Larry Day. Dial Books, 2016. (2-5) Hope, Courage
A buoyant and uplifting biography of the man who inspired his fellow countrymen while he led them through hard times. Jurmain, the author of Worst of Friends (about Adams and Jefferson) delivers a tour de force for Franklin Delano Roosevelt -- a man who man who overcame personal tragedy (polio), a crippling disability, and never lost heart. He led America through the Great Depression and World War II with his signature "Happy Days Are Here Again" approach. The illustrations are lively if not always true to life...
A buoyant and uplifting biography of the man who inspired his fellow countrymen while he led them through hard times. Jurmain, the author of Worst of Friends (about Adams and Jefferson) delivers a tour de force for Franklin Delano Roosevelt -- a man who man who overcame personal tragedy (polio), a crippling disability, and never lost heart. He led America through the Great Depression and World War II with his signature "Happy Days Are Here Again" approach. The illustrations are lively if not always true to life...
All About Winston Churchill. Cynthia Crane. Blue River Press, 2018. (4-6) Hope, Courage
A book for older children about the life of Winston Churchill, from his early childhood and school days to his stint as an army officer, then a war correspondent, a prisoner, an escapee, and his inspiring leadership at the helm of Great Britain in World War II. This illustrated chapter book introduces fourth to sixth graders to the great statesman, who was also an accomplished painter, writer, and orator.
A book for older children about the life of Winston Churchill, from his early childhood and school days to his stint as an army officer, then a war correspondent, a prisoner, an escapee, and his inspiring leadership at the helm of Great Britain in World War II. This illustrated chapter book introduces fourth to sixth graders to the great statesman, who was also an accomplished painter, writer, and orator.
The True Story of Fala. Margaret Suckley and Alice Dalgliesh. Black Dome Press, 2015. (3-8) Friendship, Hope, Loyalty
A reissue of the classic that introduced young readers to "a dog and his president." "Daisy" (Margaret) Suckley, friend and cousin of Franklin Roosevelt, gave him the Scottish terrier in 1940, and he became a constant companion and most photographed dog in America during World War II. FDR named him "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill" after a Scottish ancestor, a name quickly shortened to "Fala." Daisy authored the text in the 1940s and Alice Dalgliesh's charming illustrations captured the dog's hi-jinks along with photos of the time. An accessible way for children to look behind the scenes of the presidency during dark days, and to grow in admiration for the man whose hope and optimism was admired not just by humans, but by one special canine!
A reissue of the classic that introduced young readers to "a dog and his president." "Daisy" (Margaret) Suckley, friend and cousin of Franklin Roosevelt, gave him the Scottish terrier in 1940, and he became a constant companion and most photographed dog in America during World War II. FDR named him "Murray the Outlaw of Falahill" after a Scottish ancestor, a name quickly shortened to "Fala." Daisy authored the text in the 1940s and Alice Dalgliesh's charming illustrations captured the dog's hi-jinks along with photos of the time. An accessible way for children to look behind the scenes of the presidency during dark days, and to grow in admiration for the man whose hope and optimism was admired not just by humans, but by one special canine!
Lily's Victory Garden. (Tales of Young Americans.) Helen L. Wilbur. Illustrated by Robert Gantt Steele. Sleeping Bear Press, 2010. (1-4) Hope, Perseverance, Love of Country, Lives to Learn From
Lily and her brother collect scrap metal for the war effort, but one house is particularly touchy to visit: the Bishop household, the parents of the first soldier from Lily's town to die in the war. Lily wants to have a victory garden, but is told she's too young to apply for the lottery for land plots. Where can she find land to help the war effort? In the Bishops' garden, as it turns out. As the story unfolds both Lily and the Bishops will learn lessons about hope.
Lily and her brother collect scrap metal for the war effort, but one house is particularly touchy to visit: the Bishop household, the parents of the first soldier from Lily's town to die in the war. Lily wants to have a victory garden, but is told she's too young to apply for the lottery for land plots. Where can she find land to help the war effort? In the Bishops' garden, as it turns out. As the story unfolds both Lily and the Bishops will learn lessons about hope.
Rebekkah's Journey: A World War II Refugee Story. (Tales of Young Americans.) Ann E. Burg. Illustrated by Joel Iskowitz. Sleeping Bear Press, 2006. (1-4) Hope, Courage.
Rebekkah is among many Jews who must to leave her home because of the threat of the Nazis. Missing her beloved Papa and confused and disoriented by this new land, Rebekkah rises to the occasion of a new language and strange new experiences to help encourage her mother as they live with other Jewish refugees on a vacant army base in New York.
Rebekkah is among many Jews who must to leave her home because of the threat of the Nazis. Missing her beloved Papa and confused and disoriented by this new land, Rebekkah rises to the occasion of a new language and strange new experiences to help encourage her mother as they live with other Jewish refugees on a vacant army base in New York.
Mary Anning 1799 – 1847 Wonder
A life to learn from, paleontologist Mary Anning was a self-taught wonder. As the daughter of a British cabinetmaker on England's southwestern coast, young Mary loved hunting for fossil remains with her family. Her home in Lyme Regis yielded rich rewards. The area was noted for its Blue Lias and Charmouth Mudstone Cliffs, which after winter storms exposed "curios," interesting fossil remains ranging from ammonites to belemnites. Her brother Joseph found a noteworthy four-foot skull, but it was twelve-year-old Mary, who dug up the first intact Ichthyosaur skeleton. At age twenty-four, she unearthed an entire Plesiosaur skeleton -- both of these remains of the Jurassic period (200 million years ago). At a time when scholars were just beginning to grapple with pre-historic time, Mary pioneered, reading every scientific paper she could find and copying many of them by hand. She set up a shop to sell her finds and developed friendships with some of the world's leading paleontologists. Because she was a woman (and of working class origins), Mary Anning was not even considered for membership in British geological societies, but she nonetheless became famous for her work. Our biographies below spotlight her wonder, perseverance, resourcefulness, and just plain hard work in the face of lots of adversity.
A life to learn from, paleontologist Mary Anning was a self-taught wonder. As the daughter of a British cabinetmaker on England's southwestern coast, young Mary loved hunting for fossil remains with her family. Her home in Lyme Regis yielded rich rewards. The area was noted for its Blue Lias and Charmouth Mudstone Cliffs, which after winter storms exposed "curios," interesting fossil remains ranging from ammonites to belemnites. Her brother Joseph found a noteworthy four-foot skull, but it was twelve-year-old Mary, who dug up the first intact Ichthyosaur skeleton. At age twenty-four, she unearthed an entire Plesiosaur skeleton -- both of these remains of the Jurassic period (200 million years ago). At a time when scholars were just beginning to grapple with pre-historic time, Mary pioneered, reading every scientific paper she could find and copying many of them by hand. She set up a shop to sell her finds and developed friendships with some of the world's leading paleontologists. Because she was a woman (and of working class origins), Mary Anning was not even considered for membership in British geological societies, but she nonetheless became famous for her work. Our biographies below spotlight her wonder, perseverance, resourcefulness, and just plain hard work in the face of lots of adversity.
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Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning. Linda Skeers. Illustrated by Mata Alvarez Miguens. Sourcebooks Explore, 2020. (1-4)
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The Dog Who Dug For Dinosaurs. Shirley Raye Redmond. Illustrated by Simon Sullivan. Simon Spotlight, 2004. (1-3)
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Rare Treasure: Mary Anning and Her Remarkable Discoveries. Don Brown. HMH, 1999. (2-3)
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Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon. Jeannine Atkins. Illustrated by Michael Dooling. CreateSpace, 2012. (1-4)
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Fossil Hunter: How Mary Anning Changed the Science of Prehistoric Life. Cheryl Blackford. HMH, 2022. (5-6)
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Wonder and Joy - Jane Goodall (1934)
Can a toy portend the future? Jane Goodall, the world's leading expert on chimpanzees might say "yes." As a child in London, Jane received not a teddy bear, but a stuffed chimpanzee from her parents. "Jubilee" (pictured here) evoked in her both wonder and joy. She developed a strong curiosity about animals and Africa, and in 1957 headed off to Kenya to learn more about both. Befriended by archaeologist Louis Leakey and supported by her mother, young Jane went on to Tanzania (Gombe Stream National Park) to study chimpanzees in the wild. She observed their human-like behavior, documenting their social bonds, emotions and personalities, and doing enough path-breaking research to earn her a slot in a Ph.D. program at Cambridge University in the heavily male field of primatology. Jane Goodall has returned to Africa to study time and again. Her wonder and open-mindedness have allowed her to assess aspects of chimp behavior never before revealed (for example, how chimps do armed conflict....). She has spent the last sixty years helping human beings learn about the surprising social and family life of our primate cousins. And through it all, Dr. Goodall has been (to co-opt C.S. Lewis) surprised by joy. Her profound love of learning and love of life shines through in every interview. Below we feature some excellent children's books introducing them to this gentle but fearless trail-blazer in primatology and anthropology.
With Love. Jane Goodall. Illustrated by Alan Marks. Mineditions, 2014. (K-2)
Beautifully illustrated stories of individual chimps and how they interact with the family group. 
The Chimpanzee Family Book. Jane Goodall. Photos by Michael Neugebauer. Simon and Schuster, 1989. (3-4)
Beautiful photos of Jane Goodall’s family of Chimps. She shares her observations of daily life and the role of different family members in a very engaging way. 
DK Life Stories: Jane Goodall. Libby Romero. Illustrated by Charlotte Ager.
DK Children, 2019. (2-6) 126 pgs. 
Untamed: The Wild Life of Jane Goodall. Anita Silvey. Nat’l Geo Kids. 2015. (3-6)
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Jane Goodall: A Champion of Chimpanzees. Sarah Albee. Illustrated by Gustavo Mazali. Harper Collins, 2020. (K-3)
The Story of Jane Goodall: A Biography Book for Young Readers. Susan B. Katz. Rockridge Press, 2020. (3-4) This biography follows Jane from her love of animals at an early age to finding her calling in Africa, working with chimpanzees. It shows Jane still pursuing her love of animals at age 85, by lecturing and fund raising for their habitats.
My Life with the Chimpanzees. Jane Goodall. Aladdin, 1996 (3-6) 160pgs.
Autobiography for youngsters detailing Jane Goodall’s extraordinary career. 
Girls Who Looked Under Rocks. Jeannine Atkins. Illustrated by Paula Conner. Dawn Publications, 2011. (5-6) The stories of 6 pioneering women scientists, including Jane Goodall.
Available on Epic! |
Hope - Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962)
Eleanor Roosevelt was no starry-eyed optimist, but the virtue of hope and an ethos of courage ruled her life. “Do one thing every day that scares you,” was her advice to the timid. Though she was born into a world of wealth and privilege, little Eleanor was shy and painfully conscious of “my lack of beauty.” She compensated for her shortcomings through diligent study, a keen interest in the life of her nation, and an eager will to be useful by improving the lot of the less fortunate. Eleanor was initially thrust into public life when she married Franklin Delano Roosevelt (first governor of New York and then President of the United States). As First Lady, she championed working women, wrote a weekly column advocating for the neglected, and after her husband’s death chaired the U.N. Committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She maintained a steadfast hope in the future and in the progress of her nation’s ideals. Two splendid books for children chronicle the life of this witness to hope. The first is a stunningly illustrated biography for young children, and the second, a nuanced, warmly told portrayal of this extraordinary woman. Plus, a new book for children, published in 2023!
Eleanor Roosevelt was no starry-eyed optimist, but the virtue of hope and an ethos of courage ruled her life. “Do one thing every day that scares you,” was her advice to the timid. Though she was born into a world of wealth and privilege, little Eleanor was shy and painfully conscious of “my lack of beauty.” She compensated for her shortcomings through diligent study, a keen interest in the life of her nation, and an eager will to be useful by improving the lot of the less fortunate. Eleanor was initially thrust into public life when she married Franklin Delano Roosevelt (first governor of New York and then President of the United States). As First Lady, she championed working women, wrote a weekly column advocating for the neglected, and after her husband’s death chaired the U.N. Committee that drafted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. She maintained a steadfast hope in the future and in the progress of her nation’s ideals. Two splendid books for children chronicle the life of this witness to hope. The first is a stunningly illustrated biography for young children, and the second, a nuanced, warmly told portrayal of this extraordinary woman. Plus, a new book for children, published in 2023!
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Eleanor Roosevelt: Her Path to Kindness. Helaine Becker. Illustrated by Aura Lewis. Christy Ottaviano Books, 2023. (K-2) Courage, Compassion, Love of Country, Women's History Month. This thoughtfully-told and beautifully-illustrated book tells the story of a young Eleanor Roosevelt who faced trauma as a young child but came through it to become the brave, gracious First Lady of the United States. Without glossing over the details of a difficult childhood, this book is still appropriate for young children because of its gentle telling of the story and emphasis on Eleanor's bravery and empathy for others. As she says, "Courage is more exhilarating than fear and in the long run it is easier." A more thorough biography at the end gives more details for teachers and older children. |
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A Picture Book of Eleanor Roosevelt. David Adler Illustrated by Robert Casilla. Holiday, 1995. (K-3)Lives to Learn From
Excellent biography for young children of one of America’s most active and intelligent first ladies. 
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Amelia and Eleanor Go for a Ride. Pam Munoz Ryan.
Illustrated by Brian Selznick. Scholastic, 1999. (K-3)Lives to Learn From Determination, mettle, and true grit characterize both Amelia Earhart and Eleanor Roosevelt, who were good friends. One night the nation’s First Lady invited the First Lady of the Skies to dinner at the White House. This is the true story of their thrilling after-dinner getaway. 
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