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Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter
Back in 1881, when Evelyn Cheesman was born, English girls were expected to be clean and dressed in frilly dresses. But Evelyn crawled in dirt and collected glow worms in jars. When girls grew up they were expected to marry and look after children. But Evelyn took charge of the London Zoo insect house, filling it with crawling and fluttering specimens and breathing life back into the dusty exhibits. In the early 1920s, women were expected to stay home, but Evelyn embarked on eight solo expeditions to distant islands. She collected over 70,000 insect specimens, discovered new species, had tangles with sticky spider webs, and tumbled from a cliff. Inspire children to believe in their dreams and blaze their own trail with the story of Evelyn's amazing life!
40 pages, Hardcover
Published September 24, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 17, 2021
"Evelyn went anyway." I loved this reoccurring refrain throughout the book. From the very beginning of the book, I loved that she was a little girl who explored and climbed and got muddy and lived. Evelyn's enthusiasm and desire to learn are apparent throughout her whole life. The illustrations practically crackle with energy and show Evelyn dashing and running and climbing and fully invested in whatever she is doing.
Evelyn accomplishes so much! While she started out wanting to become a veterinarian, this was denied to her as a woman. She studied and became a canine nurse (I had never heard of this before!) instead until the War occurred and there was a shortage of workers. Evelyn was invited to run the Insect House at the London Zoo. It's the best thing that Evelyn was put in charge of because she made the Insect House an amazing place to visit.
From there, Evelyn explored the world and discovered new types of insects and plants. She had many exciting and dangerous adventures. Whenever people said, "you cannot do this" or "you cannot go there" Evelyn did. Evelyn went anyway. And the world is a more interesting and better place for it. Who knows what is still waiting to be discovered? Who knows what could be done if we all did something a little bit more?
Evelyn accomplishes so much! While she started out wanting to become a veterinarian, this was denied to her as a woman. She studied and became a canine nurse (I had never heard of this before!) instead until the War occurred and there was a shortage of workers. Evelyn was invited to run the Insect House at the London Zoo. It's the best thing that Evelyn was put in charge of because she made the Insect House an amazing place to visit.
From there, Evelyn explored the world and discovered new types of insects and plants. She had many exciting and dangerous adventures. Whenever people said, "you cannot do this" or "you cannot go there" Evelyn did. Evelyn went anyway. And the world is a more interesting and better place for it. Who knows what is still waiting to be discovered? Who knows what could be done if we all did something a little bit more?
March 8, 2020
Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter is a children's picture book written by Christine Evans and illustrated by Yasmin Imamura. It is a biographical picture-book of an Englishwoman Evelyn Cheesman, which emphasizes her perseverance in a man’s world during a particularly male-oriented era.
March, at least in my part of the world is Women's History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Lucy Evelyn Cheesman was a British entomologist and traveler. Between 1924 and 1952, Cheesman went on eight solo expeditions in the South Pacific, and collected over 70,000 specimens, which she accompanied with sketches and notes. These are now part of the collections of the Natural History Museum in London.
Evans' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The narrative repeats a single mantra, by setting up obstacles that the world’s present and then have "But Evelyn went anyway". Back matter includes an interview with Dr. Alexandra Harmon-Threatt, a black, female entomologist who studies bees, a more detailed history of Lucy Evelyn Cheesman's life, and a brief bibliography. Imamura's illustrations are simple and detailed, showing in shades of brown and green the exciting events of Cheesman's life, her exploration, and also includes images of the indigenous peoples in the lands she visited.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Cheesman loved bugs and exploring outdoors as a child, and wanted to be a veterinarian, but was unable to attend college due to the discrimination against women at the time. After the First World War, she got the opportunity to run the insect house at the London Zoo and quickly excelled in a job no woman had ever held. She then began to travel, exploring insects and bringing back specimens and information for the zoo and scientific organizations. She had many thrilling adventures and was awarded a medal by Queen Elizabeth II.
All in all, Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter is a straightforward but nonetheless a story about perseverance despite the obstacles to follow one’s dream.
March, at least in my part of the world is Women's History Month, which I plan to read one children's book, particularly a biography, which pertains to the subject everyday this month. Therefore, I thought that this book would be apropos for today.
Lucy Evelyn Cheesman was a British entomologist and traveler. Between 1924 and 1952, Cheesman went on eight solo expeditions in the South Pacific, and collected over 70,000 specimens, which she accompanied with sketches and notes. These are now part of the collections of the Natural History Museum in London.
Evans' text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informative. The narrative repeats a single mantra, by setting up obstacles that the world’s present and then have "But Evelyn went anyway". Back matter includes an interview with Dr. Alexandra Harmon-Threatt, a black, female entomologist who studies bees, a more detailed history of Lucy Evelyn Cheesman's life, and a brief bibliography. Imamura's illustrations are simple and detailed, showing in shades of brown and green the exciting events of Cheesman's life, her exploration, and also includes images of the indigenous peoples in the lands she visited.
The premise of the book is rather straightforward. Cheesman loved bugs and exploring outdoors as a child, and wanted to be a veterinarian, but was unable to attend college due to the discrimination against women at the time. After the First World War, she got the opportunity to run the insect house at the London Zoo and quickly excelled in a job no woman had ever held. She then began to travel, exploring insects and bringing back specimens and information for the zoo and scientific organizations. She had many thrilling adventures and was awarded a medal by Queen Elizabeth II.
All in all, Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter is a straightforward but nonetheless a story about perseverance despite the obstacles to follow one’s dream.
August 27, 2021
Purely my opinion:
Whereas I was very interested in learning about Evelyn Cheesman, I am not happy about the plethora of books that speak about the past expectations of girls being demure, clean, and unadventurous. It is such a white, upper class expectation. Meanwhile, other girls were working in factories and cleaning for the families of these girls, living in poverty, and receiving no education beyond fundamentals, if that.
Not to say the oppression of women historically is something to be overlooked, but I would like to see the focus on female expectations of that era to be less emphasized and more relevant to the girls living today. Yes, such women as Evelyn Cheesman overcame great obstacles to achieve their passions, focusing on the obstacles undermines their very achievements in comparison to the history of male accomplishments that "history" has told.
They were passionate, dedicated, fierce women who can stand alone on their own merits of research and contributions to their field, without portraying them as larger-than-life heroines of feminism. I know simple children's books cannot address the full range of experiences of women fighting oppression, but I would like to see the women heralded more for their work than their being unusual for their times, especially as girls now are more accustomed to women's accomplishments. Sometimes I think such books are written more for adults who need this education than for the girls they are geared to.
Other than that this book is an interesting taste of the adventurous life of Evelyn Cheesman, as well as encouragement for further study in entomology.
Whereas I was very interested in learning about Evelyn Cheesman, I am not happy about the plethora of books that speak about the past expectations of girls being demure, clean, and unadventurous. It is such a white, upper class expectation. Meanwhile, other girls were working in factories and cleaning for the families of these girls, living in poverty, and receiving no education beyond fundamentals, if that.
Not to say the oppression of women historically is something to be overlooked, but I would like to see the focus on female expectations of that era to be less emphasized and more relevant to the girls living today. Yes, such women as Evelyn Cheesman overcame great obstacles to achieve their passions, focusing on the obstacles undermines their very achievements in comparison to the history of male accomplishments that "history" has told.
They were passionate, dedicated, fierce women who can stand alone on their own merits of research and contributions to their field, without portraying them as larger-than-life heroines of feminism. I know simple children's books cannot address the full range of experiences of women fighting oppression, but I would like to see the women heralded more for their work than their being unusual for their times, especially as girls now are more accustomed to women's accomplishments. Sometimes I think such books are written more for adults who need this education than for the girls they are geared to.
Other than that this book is an interesting taste of the adventurous life of Evelyn Cheesman, as well as encouragement for further study in entomology.
January 13, 2020
Evelyn is an inspiration! As she was growing up, she loved bugs and animals and decided she wanted to be a veterinarian. In the early 1900s, women weren't allowed to become veterinarians, though, but Evelyn took a job in the insect house at the zoo and learned that she loved insects! For decades, she traveled to different countries, exploring and finding new types of bugs. A wonderful story of perseverance, determination, and grit--when Evelyn set her mind to do something, she did it!
June 20, 2019
I had never heard of Lucy Evelyn Cheesman, but her story is fascinating. I think it helps that the author is a fellow female entomologist.
May 7, 2021
Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book through Edelweiss.
March 8, 2021
Girls and women can like bugs, too! I know as a kid I would have loved this inspiring and yes, adventurous picture book biography of a pioneering female entomologist.
October 11, 2019
Born in 1881, Evelyn Cheesman did not conform to the expectations set for little girls. She loved to go on bug hunts and play outside. As she grew up, she hoped to become a veterinarian but women at the time did not attend college much less become vets. So Evelyn became a canine nurse. Evelyn heard about an opportunity at the London Zoo to run their insect house. She leaped at the opportunity, though no woman had ever done it before. She took their dilapidated and neglected insect house and created an engaging display. She then started traveling the world to gather new species and discovering unknown species along the way. She continued to work into her seventies, still traveling the world and climbing to find the insects she loved.
Evans has written this picture book biography with a frank tone that speaks directly to the societal barriers in place against women at the turn of the century entering the sciences. It is remarkable to watch Evelyn make her own way through those barriers, creating a space for herself to learn and explore. There is a joyous celebratory nature to the book as Evelyn reaches new levels in her careers and crosses boundaries both geographical and societal.
The illustrations are done in watercolor, featuring layered elements that really create the woods and other habitats beautifully on the page. The book then moves into the sterility of Evelyn’s time as a canine nurse with the colors becoming more muted. The vivid colors of the beginning of the book return as Evelyn heads into the field and re-enters nature.
A strong STEM biography for bug lovers. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
Evans has written this picture book biography with a frank tone that speaks directly to the societal barriers in place against women at the turn of the century entering the sciences. It is remarkable to watch Evelyn make her own way through those barriers, creating a space for herself to learn and explore. There is a joyous celebratory nature to the book as Evelyn reaches new levels in her careers and crosses boundaries both geographical and societal.
The illustrations are done in watercolor, featuring layered elements that really create the woods and other habitats beautifully on the page. The book then moves into the sterility of Evelyn’s time as a canine nurse with the colors becoming more muted. The vivid colors of the beginning of the book return as Evelyn heads into the field and re-enters nature.
A strong STEM biography for bug lovers. Appropriate for ages 4-7.
September 25, 2020
EVELYN THE ADVENTUROUS ENTOMOLOGIST is a picture book with fun forward momentum for budding scientists. On each page, young readers will feel Evelyn Cheesman’s drive and curiosity pushing her story into uncharted territory. Kids will be keen to shout the refrain, “Evelyn went anyway!” Author Christine Evans seamlessly describes the story’s historical setting and a woman’s role (or lack thereof) in scientific fields at the time. So by the time we see the intrepid Evelyn Cheesman seizing an opportunity to achieve her dream of working with animals by taking charge of the insect house at the London Zoo, even the youngest readers will understand the magnitude of her achievement. Illustrator Yasmin Imamura enhances the story with soft gray-green tones, historical clothing, and scenes of rugged determination and joyful discovery. There’s so much to love in this story of a woman born in Victorian England who followed her heart and interests into an exciting career as an entomologist, into the jungle to make new discoveries, and into the annals of science.
September 30, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed this picture book. It introduced me to someone I'd never heard of but am now fascinated by. It had a wonderfully engaging style of narration and illustrations with a super empowering phrase that is repeated throughout: "But Evelyn went anyway." I loved how that was used as a repetition to drive home her adventurous spirit. Kids really respond to it and it becomes a chorus that everyone looks forward to saying. There were vignettes throughout that had me on the edge of my seat. The author is not kidding when she calls Evelyn adventurous! And, the back matter includes more details about Lucy eVelyn Cheesman as well as a Q&A of a real modern day entomologist, Dr. Alexandra Harmon-Threatt. Every school and library should have at least one copy of this fabulous biography!
October 4, 2019
While the book spans much of Evelyn's life, it's not quite a birth to death biography. Instead it's an excellent glimpse into the motivations and endurance of an amazing woman who bucked society's norms and expectations to follow her heart and her dreams.
The explores how Evelyn endured and persisted, discovering and collecting insects for over thirty years. The bold, deeply colored illustrations enhance the remote, wild feeling of the tropics and highlight Evelyn's love for insects. And they are sure to spark discussions about the history of women's rights and colonialism.
An interview with a modern entomologist and Evelyn's biography round out this book. It is a great addition to STEM biography collections and will hopefully encourage everyone to pursue their dreams.
The explores how Evelyn endured and persisted, discovering and collecting insects for over thirty years. The bold, deeply colored illustrations enhance the remote, wild feeling of the tropics and highlight Evelyn's love for insects. And they are sure to spark discussions about the history of women's rights and colonialism.
An interview with a modern entomologist and Evelyn's biography round out this book. It is a great addition to STEM biography collections and will hopefully encourage everyone to pursue their dreams.
March 27, 2022
2nd graders enjoyed this book more than my younger students. They were saying, "but she went anyway" by the end. I unintentionally recently chose 4 books about women in the late 19th and early 20th century to share with students. I'm going to try to choose more contemporary stories as well. I read some reviews bemoaning the trend in children's literature to share stories about the struggles of upper middle class white women, and I too would like to see and share books representing more diverse experiences. My students really responded to Becoming Harriet about Harriet Tubman that led to discussion about slavery, abolitionists, the civil war, the Underground Railroad, and suffragists. We found her story to be a very multilayered point in history.
September 26, 2019
This story is about a little nature-loving girl's lifelong passion and persistence to explore and transcend, even it meant breaking rules, paving the way, or climbing mountains. Evelyn opened up a new world for herself and stayed in there discovering, studying, and recording the lives of insects all over the world. The wonderful back matter that includes an entomologist-interview and more on Evelyn is informative and inspiring. The illustrations are bright with generous splashes of woodsy browns and forest greens, making it the perfect backdrop for an adventurous entomologist and a whole lot of buzzing, humming, hopping insects!
September 30, 2019
What a fascinating read! I love picture book bios and this one is stunning! Christine Evans beautifully written biography of Evelyn Cheesman's story was a new one to me, but what an interesting and full life she led. Born into a Victorian family, she was not encouraged to bug hunt, get dirty and explore forests - "But Evelyn went anyway" following her heart, being adventurous, and dreaming about places "beyond her small world" throughout her life. Yasmin Imamura uses wonderful soft color hues to create her delicate art. Beautiful! A perfect match of words and art. A must have for every young bug hunter, and for schools and homes.
November 17, 2019
From earliest childhood evenly ignored/defied conventional expectation, going her own way. That repetitive phrase, that Evelyn "went her own way" is the thread that pulls readers through a life and times when gender was a disqualified for the paths Evelyn chose. She never stopped working her way toward a life well-lived, despite those barriers, and eventually her love of animals focused in on the insect world. Her eventual career led her around the world and to a groundbreaking career, earning scientific accolades and inspiring others young women to pursue careers in science, to go their own way.
January 29, 2021
You wouldn't think that in a picture book about an entomologist one would have moments in which they would just think, "Awwwww". This story about Evelyn Cheeseman, who was born in England in 1881, is one about insects, but also about: compassion for our search, curiosity, rising about society's expectations, creating one's path, adventure, persistence. At the end there is an interview with Dr. Alexandra Harmon-Threatt a current entomologist about her experiences in that profession. You will also find more info on Cheeseman and a bibliography leading to additional information for those with more curiosity.
September 15, 2019
I love this book! Evelyn follows her passion even when it isn't in fashion. Christine's clever use of repetition (she went anyway) reinforces the message: go for it! This book is so inspiring and interesting too. I, personally, can't relate to being a "love bug" like Evelyn so it was fascinating for me to read about someone so in love with insects. On a more subtle note, I loved the turn of events when Evelyn was notified of an opening at the London Zoo's Insect House -what stroke of luck...or just plain destiny!
September 27, 2019
There are so many fantastic picture book biographies these days, and here is another you don’t want to miss! Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist gives us a peek into the life of Lucy Evelyn Cheesman and how she became an entomologist, though she wanted to become a vet. One of the takeaways is to “go anyway” and say yes to adventures and opportunity. Saying yes to an opportunity may lead you to falling in love with something else! This book is beautifully written and includes an interview with a modern-day entomologist, as well as additional backmatter about Evelyn Cheesman.
September 27, 2019
"But Evelyn went anyway." This is a powerful story about a brave, intelligent woman who bucked all trends and lived a life that no one thought a woman could (or should) live. Time and again, this remarkable woman went where she wanted and studied what interested her, despite growing up in a time when women were expected to stay at home. She made a difference to this planet, and every child will be better for knowing her story. Colorful illustrations perfectly capture Evelyn's colorful spirit. Highly recommend.
September 24, 2019
I am not a non-fiction girl, but Christine Evan’s story about Evelyn Chessman had me intrigued. It clearly depicts a Victorian woman following her passion and pursuing a career meant only for men. (at that time).
And we talk about women’s persistence today, but Evelyn showed that characteristic long ago (she went anyway). When my niece was a little girl she loved ants. She said they were her friends. Had this book been around twenty-five years ago, my niece might have become an entomologist.
And we talk about women’s persistence today, but Evelyn showed that characteristic long ago (she went anyway). When my niece was a little girl she loved ants. She said they were her friends. Had this book been around twenty-five years ago, my niece might have become an entomologist.
September 27, 2019
"But Evelyn went anyway..."
Evelyn The Adventurous Entomologist is a wonderful picture book biography chock-full of excitement and girl-power. Author Christine Evans introduces us to Evelyn Cheesman, one of the first female entomologists. Children will delight in Evelyn's adventurous spirit and life, while marveling at Yasmin Imamura's beautiful illustrations. Added bonus: don't skip out on the info-packed back matter! This book is a must-have for all classrooms and libraries.
Evelyn The Adventurous Entomologist is a wonderful picture book biography chock-full of excitement and girl-power. Author Christine Evans introduces us to Evelyn Cheesman, one of the first female entomologists. Children will delight in Evelyn's adventurous spirit and life, while marveling at Yasmin Imamura's beautiful illustrations. Added bonus: don't skip out on the info-packed back matter! This book is a must-have for all classrooms and libraries.
January 22, 2020
I was provided this book at no cost in exchange for an honest review, but I chose this book for my bug loving daughter. This book did not disappoint. Through Evelyn Cheesman's life in a time when girls were meant to behave in a proper manner, it encourages doing exactly what is in your heart no matter what other people say or think. The fact that she was an entomologist is a plus when you have another young, bug-lover.
February 14, 2022
Wonderful illustrations by Yasmin Imamura and Christine Evans's lively text tell the true story of Lucy Evelyn Cheesman becoming an entomologist. In the back matter, the author provides details of her interview with Evelyn in a South American jungle. Evans also includes a few color photos of the scientist and insects plus a list with videos and books for further reading---sure to please young readers fascinated with bugs!
February 17, 2022
I'm an elementary-certified teacher and former literacy coach who loves picture book biographies, and this is a wonderful story!
Do you know what an entomologist does? Well, Evelyn Cheeseman certainly does, but she started out wanting to be a vet. But, in the early 1900s, women weren't allowed to vote or become veterinarians. So what did she do? I don't want to spoil it, so you'll have to read to find out.
Do you know what an entomologist does? Well, Evelyn Cheeseman certainly does, but she started out wanting to be a vet. But, in the early 1900s, women weren't allowed to vote or become veterinarians. So what did she do? I don't want to spoil it, so you'll have to read to find out.
April 24, 2022
Follow the adventures of Evelyn Cheesman, born in 1881, whose interest in animals and fascination with bugs propelled her into unusual jobs for a woman—first as a canine nurse and then as head of the London Zoo’s insect house. She embarked on several expeditions to the Pacific Islands to study insects. In her travels, she collected over seventy thousand insect specimens so they could be studied at London’s Natural History Museum. Evelyn was an amazing explorer and entomologist!
August 18, 2023
Story of Lucy Evelyn Cheesman, born 1888 in England. First female curator of the London Zoo entomology house during WWI.
Awarded an ‘Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ award from Queen Elizabeth II in 1955.
Over her lifetime of adventurous expeditions across the world, she collected over 70,000 unrecorded insects for scientific study at the London Natural History Museum.
She died at age 88 in 1969, and scientists continue to draw upon her research even today.
Awarded an ‘Officer of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire’ award from Queen Elizabeth II in 1955.
Over her lifetime of adventurous expeditions across the world, she collected over 70,000 unrecorded insects for scientific study at the London Natural History Museum.
She died at age 88 in 1969, and scientists continue to draw upon her research even today.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 23, 2019
This is a lovely picture book biography of Evelyn, entomologist, who studies bugs and insects all over the world when women weren't really supposed to be doing things like traveling, studying let alone looking at bugs in mountains, islands, and in rough terrain.
Love this very interesting telling of a very interesting, nature loving, travel hungry lady.
Love this very interesting telling of a very interesting, nature loving, travel hungry lady.
March 12, 2021
I LOVE this book. This book is such an inspiration for my young girls. Evelyn is brave and strong and I hope my girls can see themselves like Evelyn. I hope when they read this book they feel invincible! I loved reading this book. It had so many details and facts. The illustrations were outstanding and full of life. Such a great person to have my girls look up to.
May 24, 2021
Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter is a biographical children's picture book about an Englishwoman named Evelyn Cheesman. This was a fascinating book because it introduced me to someone I'd never heard of before and provided insight into the male-dominated world of entomology.
June 2, 2024
Evelyn Cheesman's inspiring story is a must-read for young girls. This children's book beautifully captures her determination and achievements, making it a powerful motivation for young readers. It left me feeling proud of how far we've come in empowering women and celebrating their contributions.
Highly recommended for its positive message and engaging narrative.
Highly recommended for its positive message and engaging narrative.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews