Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist

by Evan Griffith, Joanie Stone (Illustrator)

The curiosity, drive, and perseverance of the nineteenth-century woman scientist who pioneered the use of aquariums to study ocean life are celebrated in this gorgeous, empowering picture book.

How did a nineteenth-century dressmaker revolutionize science?  Jeanne Power was she wanted to learn about the creatures that swim beneath the ocean waves, so she built glass tanks and changed the way we study underwater life forever. Jeanne Power was she solved mysteries of sea animals and published her findings at a time when few of women’s contributions to science were acknowledged. Jeanne Power was when records of her research were lost, she set to work repeating her studies. And when men tried to take credit for her achievements, she stood firm and insisted on the recognition due to her.

Jeanne Power was inspiring, and the legacy of this pioneering marine scientist lives on in every aquarium.

Genres: Picture Books, Biography, Nonfiction, Science, Childrens, History, Nature

40 pages, Hardcover

First published March 9, 2021

About the author

Evan Griffith is the author of the middle-grade novels MANATEE SUMMER and THE STRANGE WONDERS OF ROOTS (both Junior Library Guild Gold Standard selections) and the picture book biographies SECRETS OF THE SEA: THE STORY OF JEANNE POWER, REVOLUTIONARY MARINE SCIENTIST and WILD AT HEART: THE STORY OF OLAUS AND MARDY MURIE, DEFENDERS OF NATURE. His books have received multiple starred reviews, appeared on several state award lists for children's literature, and been recognized as Bank Street’s Best Children’s Books of the Year, National Science Teachers Association Best Stem Books, and Chicago Public Library’s Best Informational Books for Younger Readers. Evan received his MFA in Writing for Children at the Vermont College of Fine Arts where he now serves as faculty. He lives in Austin, Texas with a mischievous tuxedo cat and several overflowing bookshelves.

Reviews

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

We loved this! From page one, it felt so immersive and inviting -- just as the ocean must have felt to young Jeanne (pronounced Zhawn) as she dips her toe into the Mediterranean Sea in that opening illustration. I found both text and illustrations a delight -- Jeanne's personality and spirit totally came alive as did the beauty of the natural world around her and the details of her scientific work. The back matter is exceptional, including two pages about "Jeanne's Life and Legacy" (which includes a photograph and a few quotes); one page on "The Paper Nautilus" and half-pages on "Marine Biology and Conservation" and a "Note on Historical Research" as well as en extensive Bibliography and note thanking several scientists, journalists and historians with whom the author consulted in his research. Truly a top-notch picture book biography, IMO.

[Ben Truong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist is a children's picture book written by Evan Griffith and illustrated by Joanie Stone. It centers on self-taught naturalist Jeanne Power, who invented methods to study marine organisms, defying prejudice against women to become a respected scientist.

Jeanne Villepreux-Power was a pioneering French marine biologist who in 1832 was the first person to create aquaria for experimenting with aquatic organisms. The English biologist Richard Owen referred to her as the Mother of Aquariophily.

Griffith's text is rather simplistic, straightforward, and informational. Griffith employs a candid tone to showcase the real-life story of Jeanne Power, who made groundbreaking marine discoveries. Backmatter features further information on Power’s life and legacy, contemporary marine biology and conservation efforts, and a bibliography. Stone contributes animation-style digital illustrations in a rich color palette.

The premise of the book is rather straightforward. It centers on the life and times of marine scientist Jeanne Power. Through reading about, studying, and cataloging the Italian island's wildlife, Power, a former dressmaker, becomes a self-taught naturalist, fashioning equipment for studying underwater species. She eventually solves the quandary of the paper nautilus's stealing vs. shell-building tendencies. Despite facing gender-based discrimination and losing much of her research to a shipwreck, Power persists in breaking barriers.

All in all, Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist is an appealing introduction to a STEM trailblazer in Jeanne Power.

[Lady reading under the Willow · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, the color palette is resplendent! 😍 Oh, the blues, and greens, and sandy golds! The illustrations are absorbing and attractive. I enjoyed Jeanne's expressive features and the depictions of her nineteenth-century clothing.

The story of her perseverance through trials and disappointments is an inspiring one. When the entirety of her research was lost in a shipwreck, she just started over instead of letting the loss crush her. Not many of us would manage to do that, I'm sure. She's a testament to strength of resolve and an indomitable spirit. 💙

I love her nature study as well as the subjects she researched--marine biology has always been one of my chief interests! 🐚 I appreciate how she stood up for herself honestly and forthrightly. Additionally, it was delightful to learn about the paper nautilus alongside her throughout the story. 🐙 I never knew anything about that interesting little fellow!

This is a lovely nature book and short biography of a home-educated, self-taught scientist I hadn't heard of until now. 🌿 She reminds me that we all can pursue our interests, learn, grow, excel, and make contributions regardless of our extent of formal education. 📚🔎🗒

It's a fascinating story which makes me want to study nature more ardently and visit the seaside again. 🌅

[Christine Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Jeanne may have studies the seas, but she found her place among the stars."

Learned about miss girl, aquariums, and paper nautiluses.

Beautiful book! We love women in STEM!! <3

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

My daughter picked this out at our local library and while it is a well-written picturebook biography, the illustrations do it a disservice. Don't get me wrong, the illustrations themselves are beautiful but they depict a woman in the wrong century, thus lessening the importance of Jeanne Power. Jeanne's discoveries took place in the early 1800s, when women were truly a rarity in science; the illustrations depict her as a smart, well-dressed woman from 1890-1900, when being a woman in science was still rare, but not such an oddity.

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very informative books about a person and a subject that I am not well-versed in. Jeanne Power was born in the 1700s, and she managed to become the first female member of multiple scientific academies, invented an aquarium used for studying marine life, and discovered foundational knowledge about a sea creature called the paper nautilus. She was kind of awesome. My sole critique of this book is that while I liked the illustrations, I feel like they made Power look a little too "Disney princess-y".

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great picture biography of self-educated marine biologist Jeanne Power whose pioneering work included the use of aquariums to study ocean life.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever wonder who invented the aquarium? Why a woman, of course!

Jeanne Villepreux was born in the French countryside in September 1794. She married James Power in 1812 when she was 18, and the couple moved to Sicily in Italy. It is at this point that the author begins Jeanne’s story.

Jeanne was searching for something with which to occupy her time, and decided to become a naturalist. She taught herself, and walked all over Sicily, taking notes on the animals and plants she found. She wanted to study life in the Mediterranean Sea too, so she came up with the idea for a tank made up of clear glass and filled with salt water. She couldn’t find one, but that didn't stop her; she designed one herself, using her skills as a former dressmaker to good effect. She also fashioned wooden cages that could be anchored in shallow water. To fill them, she persuaded local fisherman to save her interesting sea creatures that they pulled in along with their catch.

She began studying these finds, with her favorite being the paper nautilus, a small octopus that lives inside a thin white shell. Scientists had been arguing for a long time over how the paper nautilus got its shell. Now, with her invention of the aquarium, Jeanne was able to solve the mystery. She made other discoveries as well, impressing local scientists who invited her to become the first female member of the science academy in Sicily.

She and her husband moved to England, arriving safely. But their belongings, including her research work, were sent separately, in a boat that sank. She started over. She also had to fight for recognition for her work, so she spoke out and wrote to scientific authorities in order to claim what was rightfully hers.

Jeanne Villepreux-Power died in 1871, at the age of 76.

Back matter includes detailed information on Jeanne’s life and legacy; more about the paper nautilus, her favorite sea creature; a discussion of marine biology generally; a note on the author’s research; and a guide to further sources.

Illustrations by Joanie Stone reflect her background in animation.

Evaluation: This STEM book for ages 6 and up shows yet another female pioneer in the sciences who had to overcome a great many obstacles to succeed, but who, using ingenuity and courage, became a trailblazer.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my coworkers suggested more biography titles are needed for women and this book fit that bill perfectly! What an interesting story of a dressmaker turned naturalist in the 1800's. This book is an easy to read non-fiction book about a woman who all of us should know. She studied ocean life in a new way, creating aquariums and boxes to watch sea life in their natural habitat! Jeanne Power is likely to be popular at my elementary schools. I cannot wait for our Wax Museum to return as I am sure this will be one of our reports to watch! Joanie Stone did a great job with the peaceful sea illustrations and the sketches for both dressmakers and inventures use them to create new items. I especially liked how Jeanne Power managed to keep her name attached to the work she did despite a horrible sea accident and the mostly men peers she met in her work. Kudos to a glass ceiling broken long before I had ever heard of it happening. Thank you to Evan Griffith and Joanie Stone for allowing me to learn about this new to me innovator who lived long before I was born.

[Bridgette Ralph · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets of the Sea: The Story of Jeanne Power, Revolutionary Marine Scientist is an inspiring children’s book that introduces young readers to the life and achievements of Jeanne Power, a pioneering female scientist from the 19th century. This story celebrates Jeanne’s passion for marine life, particularly her groundbreaking research on sea creatures.

Jeanne is credited with inventing the aquarium so that she could study sea creatures in their natural habitat. I would argue that observing a creature in a cage doesn't qualify as a natural habitat but what else could she do? Her biggest discovery was proving that the paper nautilus does make its own shell. This fact had been debated for many years but Jeanne was able to put this controversy to rest with her well documented research.

Jeanne was a power house in a male-dominated field and she uncovered many mysteries of the sea. Jeanne’s inspirational life will certainly resonate with children who aspire to do something never done before. Where there is a will and determination, there is a way. And after a severe set back that led to the loss of all of her research she dug in her heels and did all the work all over again. That's gutsy.

The illustrations are soft and ethereal and feminine like Jeanne. And the illustrator uses the calming color palette of the sea. This is a great book for young readers. They will learn and be educated at the same time and hopefully also inspired.

[Ellon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting person to have a picture book about. I really enjoyed learning about her life and discoveries. I will say that I think the book is just slightly text heavy.

I was majorly disappointed with most of the backmatter. The information about Jeanne was pretty much the same information as what was in the text of the book. Not much was added. I did like the notes about Marine Biology/Conservation and the paper nautilus. I loved the note about historical research and how she explained how things can sometimes be disputed by different sources. I will say that, coming from the perspective of my zoo volunteer training, I was disappointed that the backmatter on marine biology/conservation did not mention that children should not be taking wild animals from their natural habitat into their homes. I think that since it's mentioned in the text about Jeanne bringing home a tortoise and martens, and bringing the paper nautilus into her aquarium, readers might think it's a good idea from them to take wild animals inside for pets.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jeanne Power (1794-1871), a pioneer female naturalist in a sea of male scientists, designed the first glass aquarium and made wooden cages so she could study live sea creatures up close. Joanie Stone’s exquisite digital illustrations complement Evan Griffith’s lyrical text describing Jeanne’s studies and how this self-taught naturalist solved a disagreement among scientists about whether the paper nautilus grew its own shell or stole it from another creature. After becoming the first female member of a science academy in Sicily, she moved to England to share her years of documented research, which, unfortunately, was lost in a storm at sea. After recreating her experiments and patented inventions, she finally found wide acceptance among scientists for her study of sea creatures and paved the way for future women scientists. Back matter includes additional information about Jeanne Power’s life and legacy; notes on the paper nautilus (with photographs), marine biology and conservation, and historical research; and a bibliography. (Gr 3-5)

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second picture book biography I have read about Jeanne Power, a woman who pioneered in the field of Marie biology. By far this is the best of the two picture book biographies as it says Jeanne adapted and designed the aquarium to study the chambered nautilus.
Jeanne went from Paris working as a seamstress to marrying a merchant and living in Sicily where she fell in love with the sea and began using aquariums and cages to study the various live ocean creatures. Others had been studying the preserved bodies of ocean creatures. What a change in animal study!
Excellent additional information includes further information on Jeanne Power, marine biology, the paper nautilus, and a bibliography listing sources as primary and secondary some of which are in French. Bibliography shows depth of research by Evan Griffith for this children’s picture book biography.

Illustrations were done digitally and of course my comment is about the eyes as most digital illustrations do not do the beauty of the human eye justice.

[Paul Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

*I received this book as an eARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

As someone who teaches the marine sciences to children, I absolutely LOVED this book. This nonfiction picture book recounts the story of Jeanne Power, inventor and scientist. She built the first aquariums for scientific study. From her life as a seamstress in Paris to becoming a naturalist and contributing so much to science. She learned so much about the paper nautilus. Male scholars didn't believe her results and then later tried to take credit for her work. This is a story that needs to be told to children. This book can inspire kids to pursue their passions and to fight for recognition. She paved the way for modern scientists. There are also more details after the main story about her life and her studies.

I give this book a 5/5. This book would be perfect in any Science classroom as well as on any children's bookshelves.

[Alicia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This celebratory memoir of a woman who switched careers when she moved to Sicily deciding to study the sea specifically and found a way to build an aquarium so that she could do just that.

I loved the way the book was approached and how the story and the illustrations bolstered the intelligence and fierceness of a woman who wanted to be a scientist. Her biggest claim to fame is that she proved the paper nautilus grew and lived in its shell rather than stole it from another creature. These keen observation skills and meticulous notetaking is the kind that's celebrated about other female scientists of observation like Jane Goodall. And even when most of her research was lost in a shipwreck, she got back at it and did the research again and fought to keep her name as the discoverer even when men wanted to take that from her.

It's a celebration of so much- science, marine life, and women! Science rules.

[Iris · Rating 5 out of 5]

This well-written biography of Jeanne Power will surely inspire many of our youth to reach for the stars and advocate for themselves. Without a formal education, Jeanne succeeded in becoming the first woman member of several scientific academies, revolutionized the use of aquariums in scientific research, and definitively answered a question that scientists had previously argued over for years! She emphatically defended ownership rights to her discoveries when male scientists tried to take credit for her discovery and fought for her rights as an inventor. As a woman in the nineteenth century, these were incredible feats! More information in the back matter is provided about her life and research.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had never heard of the paper nautilus before reading this book just as I had never heard of Jeanne Power and her marvelous marine discoveries. Full of determination, curiosity, and an eye for design, Power tried things that no one had ever thought of before. She created fish tanks and aquariums and kept records of her research. Male scientists couldn't believe that a woman had done these things! Jeanne didn't put up with that nonsense. She published her findings, in multiple languages.

When disaster struck, she didn't give up, she started over and did it all again. Indomitable and determined when it came to reminding people what mattered, the wonder of the sea, and how precious the lives therein, both big and small.

[Susan Rumsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this book for my 8 year old niece who loves science. I was particularly drawn to this book because it highlights a female marine scientist in the early 1800s. The subject, Jeanne Powers, serves as a wonderful inspiration for young girls. Evan Griffith did a phenomenal job bringing her story to life with the help of beautiful illustrations by Joanie Stone. This book is educational along with being entertaining and definitely belongs in school libraries. It would also make a great gift book for grandparents or parents to purchase. Additional note - Don't miss the fascinating background information of Ms Powers' life at the end of the story.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

What an interesting story! Jeanne Power became a marine scientist in the 1800s. She had been a very talented seamstress, who even made a bridal gown for an Italian princess. But once she got married and moved from her native France to Sicily, she wanted to understand life under the sea. She figured out how to make an aquarium and took live specimens from the ocean for observation. She made discoveries about the paper nautilus, a fascinating octopus (aka, an argonaut), gave presentations at academies and kept accurate records. But what will she do when her records are destroyed, or her ideas are scoffed at, or her discoveries are claimed by other scientists?

[Jessie · Rating 4 out of 5]

About Jeanne Power from moving to Sicily through the rest of her life and career as a naturalist.

Really good from the point of view of showing different parts of science. There's a lot that we don't know, and there are open questions with multiple schools of thought. Developing new methods or tools is an important scientific contribution. Careful observation is science. Replication of experiments is science. And communication with the broader scientific community is an important part!

Appreciated the note about contradictions in historical research in the back matter.

Really liked the illustrations, especially all the blues.

[Melanie Gaum · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was wonderful! The illustrations were beautiful and the writing was well-done and fun to read. The information was easy to understand and very interesting, and there was a nice end section about Jeanne's life and legacy, the paper nautilus, marine biology and conservation, and a note on historical research. I enjoyed learning about this early marine biologist and her inquisitive and inventive mind.

I think lots of readers of all ages will enjoy this book, but especially those interested in science, the ocean, animals, and discovery.

[Mikaela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Genre: Biography
Grade Level: 2nd-5th

So inspiring! Jeanne Power is another revolutionary woman scientist who didn't let men defy her. Despite many setbacks, Jeanne never failed to stand her ground or repeat her work to prove herself. Her love of nature and all things living is amazing, she's a good person to look up to. Even though she lived in the 1800s, she helped prove that woman can make discoveries like men can, no matter how many setbacks there are. I thought it was cool that she created one of the first scientific aquariums: and even patented it!

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Joanie Stone is the expressive illustrator for this picture book biography of one of the earliest recognized female scientists in the field of sea life exploration. The pictures are brightly colored, and the sea creatures are drawn with precision and humor. The story is easy to understand, with enough information to keep an adult reader interested. This book has encouraged me to find out more about Jeanne Power, a master clothing designer and seamstress, who became a naturalist and noted scientist.

[Lindsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice picture book biography about Jeanne Power - a naturalist and zoologist known for studying living sea creatures (specifically the paper nautilus). Back matter includes an author's note about the subject, a note about historical accuracy, and bibliography. Am I the only one who thinks every picture book biography should have a timeline?

The book has familiar themes to most biographies about women - she worked in a field that was dominated by men, they didn't take her seriously, they tried to discredit her...she worked even harder and earned recognition.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an eARC courtesy of Clarion Books via Edelweiss in exchange for my honest review.

Always a thrill to read about lesser known women contributors to scientific advancements. Before this I had never heard of Jeanne, which is quite the shame. This was very focused and detailed. Great illustrations and great back matter.

For Libraries: And excellent addition to your picture book biographies.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this picture book bio. A gem. I hadn't heard of this woman, but the narrative sounds well-researched. I appreciated all of the back matter (about paper nautilus, the challenges of research, bibliography, etc.).

I was most struck with the fact that she was a contemporary of Mary Anning and wish they could have met.

Definitely worth a Science Club wherein the kids make their own terrariums/aquariums or otherwise observe nature and take notes.

[Anna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was fantastic. The illustrations are amazing and the story is very educational, informative, and just plain awesome to learn about this cool early female scientist. Plus, I learned a new animal! Martens! I googled them because I had no idea what that was and they're so flippin cute! Can't believe Jeanne had two at home. So cool! And also learned about the paper nautilus. Never heard of that animal before either! It's also a cool creature. Highly recommend this book!

[Sandi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I collect seashells and love to beachcomb so I loved this picture book and story.
More and more women who have made contributions but were unknown are coming to light.
We take a lot of things for granted that those who came before us created. Who would have thought of an aquarium as an invention?
The paper nautilus is a beautiful creature. Read this book to find out what Jeanne Power discovered about it by study and observation.

[Hannah Ray · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely lovely historical recounting of Jeanne Power's life and accomplishments. I imagine beautifully written and illustrated accounts of significant women in the sciences would be beyond encouraging to little girls to continue to explore all of the parts of this world that fascinate them. As a lover of animals and ocean life from a very young age, this book felt nostalgic and whimsical. Would definitely recommend!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fascinating picture book biography about a 19th-century woman who decides to pursue a passion for marine biology and doesn't mind breaking down stereotypes and breaking through barriers to do it. I love her tenacity, creativity, determination, and willingness to persist even in the face of many setbacks and discouragement. Fantastic story!