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Science Wide Open
Women in Botany
Can one seed make a difference? Women in Botany introduces kids to the field of botany through the questions of a spunky girl whose inquiries guide an engaging, scientifically accurate conversation. Readers will experience the dazzling world of plants and learn about timeless women botanists who have used tiny seeds to do huge things, like create new medicines and feed their communities. The highlighted women hail from all over the world, span from the 16th Century to present day, and include Waheenee, Ynés Mexía, Dr. Janaki Ammal, Elizabeth Coleman White, Loredana Marcello, and Wangari Maathai. Designed to motivate girls to learn more about the field of botany and see how one person's creativity and determination can change the world, this book has been peer reviewed by an extensive team of scientists, science educators, and parents. Concepts covered include botanist, parts of a seed (embryo, endosperm, seed coat), parts of a plant (roots, stem), conditions for plant growth, photosynthesis, species, parts of flowers (anther, stigma, pollen), The Linnaean System, hybrid plants, and photosynthesis.
Part of the riveting “Science Wide Open” series, Women in Botany shows young readers how their own big ideas can blossom.
Part of the riveting “Science Wide Open” series, Women in Botany shows young readers how their own big ideas can blossom.
40 pages, Paperback
First published September 16, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 23, 2022
“Women in Botany” by award-winning author Mary Wissinger, illustrated by the accomplished Danielle Pioli, makes botany come to life, especially the contributions made by women over the years.
Included in the Science Wide Open series, this particular offering packs so much information and beauty into such a compact children’s book. The book is a near-encyclopedic reference book for children on women botanists and how they changed the world with the botanical work they carried out, from Ynes Mexia, who continued her work of collecting seeds even after falling from a cliff to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dr. Wangari Maathai, who risked it all to teach and lead on protecting trees as well as human rights. I love the main idea of the story, one that young readers should grasp right away: That a single seed can produce so much, and not just an edible plant. It can mean the sustenance of communities, neighborhoods, families, people, animals—even continents! The message that the ecosystem has many moving parts that have to work efficiently and effectively to benefit those who depend on it is one that reading audiences of all ages can appreciate.
Wissinger has a gift for breaking down botany and its terms to bite-size portions, easily digestible and so informative to readers everywhere. Showing the contributions women have made through the years is a major theme of the book, and Pioli’s skillful talents give us images of these remarkable scientists, botanists, and lovers of the earth.
The details in this book show us the value of plants around the world, from medicine to food, and show the importance of classifying each and every plant on the globe with the Linnaean System. The author even includes a glossary at the end of the book for our convenience. If you’re an adult who loves growing, gardening, and nature, but may be unfamiliar with these wonderful ladies and how they changed the world, this book can add another dimension to your green life. The impact that this book will have on girls who read it can’t be underestimated. Anyone, however, can marvel at how they used their intelligence, skills, and talents to change botany forever.
For curious readers and those who love brief biographies, “Women in Botany” by award-winning author Mary Wissinger, should be at the top of their to-read lists.
Included in the Science Wide Open series, this particular offering packs so much information and beauty into such a compact children’s book. The book is a near-encyclopedic reference book for children on women botanists and how they changed the world with the botanical work they carried out, from Ynes Mexia, who continued her work of collecting seeds even after falling from a cliff to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning Dr. Wangari Maathai, who risked it all to teach and lead on protecting trees as well as human rights. I love the main idea of the story, one that young readers should grasp right away: That a single seed can produce so much, and not just an edible plant. It can mean the sustenance of communities, neighborhoods, families, people, animals—even continents! The message that the ecosystem has many moving parts that have to work efficiently and effectively to benefit those who depend on it is one that reading audiences of all ages can appreciate.
Wissinger has a gift for breaking down botany and its terms to bite-size portions, easily digestible and so informative to readers everywhere. Showing the contributions women have made through the years is a major theme of the book, and Pioli’s skillful talents give us images of these remarkable scientists, botanists, and lovers of the earth.
The details in this book show us the value of plants around the world, from medicine to food, and show the importance of classifying each and every plant on the globe with the Linnaean System. The author even includes a glossary at the end of the book for our convenience. If you’re an adult who loves growing, gardening, and nature, but may be unfamiliar with these wonderful ladies and how they changed the world, this book can add another dimension to your green life. The impact that this book will have on girls who read it can’t be underestimated. Anyone, however, can marvel at how they used their intelligence, skills, and talents to change botany forever.
For curious readers and those who love brief biographies, “Women in Botany” by award-winning author Mary Wissinger, should be at the top of their to-read lists.
September 30, 2022
Fantastic!
This book belongs to Series Science Wide Open (6) and is truly exceptional.
What is botany and why is it important? Is there anything worth studying? Who has discovered anything important? Weren't they all men? Did they come from any special country? Is there something that I would like to do? What do these words mean?
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
The illustrations by Danielle Pioli are delightful, imaginative, and colorful.
I won a print copy in a LibraryThing Giveaway Offered by Science, Naturally! (Publisher).
This book belongs to Series Science Wide Open (6) and is truly exceptional.
What is botany and why is it important? Is there anything worth studying? Who has discovered anything important? Weren't they all men? Did they come from any special country? Is there something that I would like to do? What do these words mean?
Well suited for reading WITH someone of any age including ESL, and great for gifting to anyone, but especially to a school or public library!
The illustrations by Danielle Pioli are delightful, imaginative, and colorful.
I won a print copy in a LibraryThing Giveaway Offered by Science, Naturally! (Publisher).
October 5, 2022
This was a very well-organized book, and I learned about so many new woman botanists. I liked how the author gave information about plants, then tied it to a woman who did something spectacular! This is a great add to any library as a way to showcase diverse scientists!
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
Want to Read
September 10, 2022Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews