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Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America
Bluebonnets and lady's slippers, larkspurs and blazing stars, black-eyed Susans and Granny's nightcaps. From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved these wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills. Later, as First Lady, she sought to bring the beauty of wildflowers to America's cities and highways. She wanted to make sure every child could enjoy the splendor of wildflowers. In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty.
40 pages, Library Binding
First published February 15, 2005
About the author
Kathi Appelt
60 books550 followersLives in College Station, TX with husband Ken and four adorable cats.
Two sons, both musicians.
Serves on the faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts in the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program.
Two sons, both musicians.
Serves on the faculty at Vermont College of Fine Arts in the MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults Program.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 9, 2021
In this lovely picture-book biography, author Kathi Appelt and illustrator Joy Fisher Hein, both natives of Texas, tell the story of Claudia Alta Taylor, better known to America and the world as Lady Bird Johnson, the First Lady of the United States from 1963 through 1969. Born in 1912, just outside the village of Karnak, Texas, she got her unusual nickname from a childhood nanny, and she grew up with a great love of wildflowers. The Texas Bluebell, in particular, brought Lady Bird comfort after the death of her mother. Meeting and falling in love with Lyndon Baines Johnson while a student at the University of Texas, Lady Bird joined him in his life in Washington, D.C., first as the wife of a congressman, then as Second Lady, when Johnson was Vice President, and finally as First Lady. She worked consistently on programs to clean up and beautify public spaces, from parks to freeways, and the Highway Beautification Act of 1965 was informally named after her, being known as "Lady Bird's Bill." Many years later, after the death of her husband, Lady Bird helped to found the National Wildflower Research Center, now named after her, outside Austin, Texas...
Although familiar with the figure of Lady Bird Johnson, and aware of her importance to the Highway Beautification Act - there's an amusing but rather impolite joke about this, in the film Good Morning, Vietnam - I actually knew very little about her life, going in to Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America. I sought out the book because an online friend had reviewed it positively, and am glad I did - thank you, Kathryn! - as I found it informative, engaging, and beautiful. The narrative here really focuses on Lady Bird's lifelong love for flowers, and it does a good job of explaining why that love was so strong. I was particularly happy to learn of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and its role in research and conservation, as I think this highlights the important legacy of this woman's work, which I have sometimes seen dismissed as merely decorative, and therefore somehow superficial. I have enjoyed other books from author Kathi Apelt before, so I was not surprised to find the text here so engaging, but this was my first encounter with illustrator Joy Fisher Hein, and her artwork was something of a revelation. The illustrations here were just beautiful, with a gorgeous color palette, and a style that reminded me of Claire A. Nivola, which is surely a high compliment. I will definitely look for more of Hein's work, and for other picture-books about America's First Ladies, which is not a topic I have explored that deeply, in my reading. Recommended to young flower lovers, and to picture-book readers who enjoy biography or are interested in the history of conservation.
Addendum: I was surprised to see a critical review of Hein's artwork mentioning that all of the non Euro-American characters were depicted in a stereotypical fashion - the African-American nanny who named Lady Bird, the Mexican mariachi band playing during the scene from her Mexican honeymoon, the Japanese ladies in traditional kimono at the cherry tree planting in Washington - as these were scenes that actually occurred during the subject's life. Lady Bird did have an African-American nanny, she most likely experienced a mariachi band while on honeymoon in Mexico, and she most certainly planted a cherry tree together with a Japanese woman wearing a kimono. There's photographs documenting the latter, just as there are more recent photographs of Michelle Obama with a kimono-clad Japanese woman, viewing a cherry tree. Is the artist meant not to depict these true-to-life scenes, because this reviewer imagines they are stereotypical? What about all of the other non Euro-American characters in the book? For my own part, I liked the fact that although the main cast of characters - Lady Bird and her friends and family - were all Euro-American, Hein depicted a diverse range of people in many of the public scenes. When Lady Bird is walking beside the polluted Potomac River, children of all backgrounds are playing nearby, while on the page which discusses Lady Bird's belief that all children should be plant caretakers, we see young gardeners of all races depicted. Likewise, when discussing the scientists and ecologists who do their research at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, a diverse range of people are shown.
As a general rule, I try not to respond directly to other amateur reviewers, in my own reviews, although I have always felt that professional reviews were fair game. That said, I found this other review so misleading, that I felt I needed to address the point it raised, lest potential readers be put off from picking up this excellent book.
Although familiar with the figure of Lady Bird Johnson, and aware of her importance to the Highway Beautification Act - there's an amusing but rather impolite joke about this, in the film Good Morning, Vietnam - I actually knew very little about her life, going in to Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America. I sought out the book because an online friend had reviewed it positively, and am glad I did - thank you, Kathryn! - as I found it informative, engaging, and beautiful. The narrative here really focuses on Lady Bird's lifelong love for flowers, and it does a good job of explaining why that love was so strong. I was particularly happy to learn of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, and its role in research and conservation, as I think this highlights the important legacy of this woman's work, which I have sometimes seen dismissed as merely decorative, and therefore somehow superficial. I have enjoyed other books from author Kathi Apelt before, so I was not surprised to find the text here so engaging, but this was my first encounter with illustrator Joy Fisher Hein, and her artwork was something of a revelation. The illustrations here were just beautiful, with a gorgeous color palette, and a style that reminded me of Claire A. Nivola, which is surely a high compliment. I will definitely look for more of Hein's work, and for other picture-books about America's First Ladies, which is not a topic I have explored that deeply, in my reading. Recommended to young flower lovers, and to picture-book readers who enjoy biography or are interested in the history of conservation.
Addendum: I was surprised to see a critical review of Hein's artwork mentioning that all of the non Euro-American characters were depicted in a stereotypical fashion - the African-American nanny who named Lady Bird, the Mexican mariachi band playing during the scene from her Mexican honeymoon, the Japanese ladies in traditional kimono at the cherry tree planting in Washington - as these were scenes that actually occurred during the subject's life. Lady Bird did have an African-American nanny, she most likely experienced a mariachi band while on honeymoon in Mexico, and she most certainly planted a cherry tree together with a Japanese woman wearing a kimono. There's photographs documenting the latter, just as there are more recent photographs of Michelle Obama with a kimono-clad Japanese woman, viewing a cherry tree. Is the artist meant not to depict these true-to-life scenes, because this reviewer imagines they are stereotypical? What about all of the other non Euro-American characters in the book? For my own part, I liked the fact that although the main cast of characters - Lady Bird and her friends and family - were all Euro-American, Hein depicted a diverse range of people in many of the public scenes. When Lady Bird is walking beside the polluted Potomac River, children of all backgrounds are playing nearby, while on the page which discusses Lady Bird's belief that all children should be plant caretakers, we see young gardeners of all races depicted. Likewise, when discussing the scientists and ecologists who do their research at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, a diverse range of people are shown.
As a general rule, I try not to respond directly to other amateur reviewers, in my own reviews, although I have always felt that professional reviews were fair game. That said, I found this other review so misleading, that I felt I needed to address the point it raised, lest potential readers be put off from picking up this excellent book.
March 18, 2021
This is a beautiful book. I love both the storytelling and the illustrations. I really didn't know anything about Lady Bird Johnson (though I was fascinated by her name from the time I was a little girl) and I was surprised how deeply this story touched me. I have always loved flowers, and my youngest child is very drawn to flowers, so perhaps that made this book resonate with me all the more. I am glad the focus for Lady Bird's beautification projects was wildflowers (and I think mostly native wildflowers so non-invasive) and on creating beautiful spaces that everyone can enjoy through her efforts with the Highway Beautification Project and in helping establish the National Wildflower Research Center (if I'm ever in Austin, Texas I want to visit it! Meanwhile, there's wildflower.org).
October 25, 2017
I never knew anything about either Johnson, really, so this is a great introduction for me. And, of course, since it focuses on her flowers, it's a very pretty book! I love the last page which is a mini field guide to common wildflowers, many of which could be found on roadsides. I still have no interest in going to Texas, even to see the Center she founded, but I will check out wildflower.org, as mentioned in the author's note.
August 23, 2019
I just love Lady Bird.Her name was Claudia Alta Taylor but her nanny as a baby called her Lady Bird. Lady Bird's parents lived in a big house in the country with a boat, bayous and flowers in Texas. They were rich. Lady Bird's mom died when she was about six, so her dad took her to his big store and when she got sleepy took her upstairs next to the coffins, she did not know what they were, and put her to sleep. She loved the wildflowers they were like friends who cheered her. Lady Bird's dad bought her a car to drive to high school and she graduated college and with her car at the University Of Texas in Austin. She married Lyndon Johnson whom became president.They had two daughters Lynda Bird and Luci Baines. In their yard Lady Bird planted flowers but she wanted all children to have flowers so she encouraged Americans to clean up the parks and beside the roadways and plant wildflowers.She and Lyndon retired to their ranch in Texas covered with wild flowers .All Americans may go there for free.Lyndon and Lady Bird left a lot of money so the Johnson Ranch now a national park is free for all Americans.I would love to go there would not you?
October 6, 2023
A beautiful book! I didn't know much about "Lady Bird" Johnson before reading this book, but I'm so glad I did. The illustrations are absolutely breathtaking and I may have to buy a copy of this book to own (and not just borrow a library copy).
Although the subject of U.S. history is not my favorite, I very much enjoyed reading about this President's wife from childhood and on. I love her dedication to enhancing the world (especially stark, empty cities) with glorious wildflowers and beauty.
An inspiring and uplifting book. Highly recommended if you love full color illustrations (like I do), flowers and women who make a difference.
Although the subject of U.S. history is not my favorite, I very much enjoyed reading about this President's wife from childhood and on. I love her dedication to enhancing the world (especially stark, empty cities) with glorious wildflowers and beauty.
An inspiring and uplifting book. Highly recommended if you love full color illustrations (like I do), flowers and women who make a difference.
July 27, 2012
I have always liked Lady Bird Johnson. She was a classy First Lady, and let's face it, she must have had some kind of grit to live with and love Lyndon Baines Johnson (also someone I admire, and feel unease about in equal measure)!
This was a lovely biography of Mrs. Johnson, and it focused on how her love of nature, and flowers in particular, sustained her throughout her life. My grandmother and grandfather were gardeners, and their love of gardening has been passed down through three generations of their family. There is something enriching and edifying in planting beautiful flowers and tending them, and in my family's case, and it sounds like in Lady Bird's case, the love of flowers and beauty in nature is a connection to family and to the past. I identified with and appreciated this well told story and beautifully illustrated book, and so did my niece.
The story might be a bit lengthy for younger children, but for children who like non-fiction, or for older kids who might be studying historical figures, this book is a nice choice. My niece listened attentively to this story, and she studied the detail in the beautiful pictures. We found Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers to be a pretty, and interesting read, and we recommend it to other flower lovers.
This was a lovely biography of Mrs. Johnson, and it focused on how her love of nature, and flowers in particular, sustained her throughout her life. My grandmother and grandfather were gardeners, and their love of gardening has been passed down through three generations of their family. There is something enriching and edifying in planting beautiful flowers and tending them, and in my family's case, and it sounds like in Lady Bird's case, the love of flowers and beauty in nature is a connection to family and to the past. I identified with and appreciated this well told story and beautifully illustrated book, and so did my niece.
The story might be a bit lengthy for younger children, but for children who like non-fiction, or for older kids who might be studying historical figures, this book is a nice choice. My niece listened attentively to this story, and she studied the detail in the beautiful pictures. We found Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers to be a pretty, and interesting read, and we recommend it to other flower lovers.
July 21, 2018
A beautiful book written by Kathi Appelt and Illustrated by Joy Fisher Hein. A great introduction for children to the life and work of Lady Bird Johnson, the First Lady of the United States and wife of our 36th President, Lyndon Baines Johnson. A life long lover of nature and wild flowers, Lady Bird worked tirelessly to beautify Washington D.C. by planting gardens, cherry trees, and over one million daffodils; and the nations highways by working to pass the Highway Beautification Act into law. When Lady Bird was seventy years old, she helped establish the National Wildflower Research Center, later renamed the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in her honor. The center is used for research, and education. You and your children will surely enjoy learning more about wildflowers, and this great First Lady who loved and cared for nature and wild flowers.
June 23, 2022
So delightful it nearly invoked tears, don't judge me. A book where I get to giggle at vivid paintings of Washington D.C., florals of all sorts, AND learn about Lady Bird Johnson?? Say no more. I've had a lot of takeaways reading lately, but "Read More Children's Books" is the banner than trumps them all. I suggest you adopt it as well, you will be lighter and happier and it will invigorate your reading so very much.
"When asked why she helped found the center (National Wildflower Research Center), Lady Bird told reporters that it was her way of 'paying rent for the space I have taken up in this highly interesting world.'"
"When asked why she helped found the center (National Wildflower Research Center), Lady Bird told reporters that it was her way of 'paying rent for the space I have taken up in this highly interesting world.'"
January 18, 2019
The story was a bit abrupt in places, but the overall information is a good toe-in-the-water. The illustrations are very nice; the is much care and detail put into depicting the different flora and fauna.
May 24, 2008
The story of Lady Bird Johnson's life which resulted in the creation of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, in Texas. The theme of wildflowers is used beautifully throughout the book and is its heart. An engaging way to tell a true story.
June 24, 2020
Most of the depictions of non-white coded characters in this book are stereotypes. I've detailed examples behind this spoiler: So this book can go right in the garbo no matter how many pretty flowers it has in between.
March 10, 2024
Yes, I learned some information about Lady Bird Johnson’s early life and why she became a lover of flowers. I share that love of flowers, however, Lady Bird’s idea of planting wildflowers through out the USA was not well received and isn’t to this day in some areas of the USA. Ask those who deal with multi flower rose that is invasive and difficult to eradicate. Some of the bushes are ten feet wide and six feet tall, full of huge thorns and very small rose like flowers. I think of Lady Bird Johnson often as others in my community do also as we work to eradicate the bushes whose seed was scattered over our acres, unfortunately we don’t think of the program with fondness.
March 3, 2024
I really enjoyed looking at the illustrations and trying to identify the various flowers. Honestly, that was the most appealing portion of the book for me.
The narrative seems to be a little awkward--it's too complex for younger readers but a bit simplistic and condescending for older readers. (For example, the amount of text and the long sentences would lend the book to older readers, but some turns of phrase sound like something you'd find in a picture or board book.)
I did like the focus on Lady Bird. My favorite part was trying to identify the wildflowers.
The narrative seems to be a little awkward--it's too complex for younger readers but a bit simplistic and condescending for older readers. (For example, the amount of text and the long sentences would lend the book to older readers, but some turns of phrase sound like something you'd find in a picture or board book.)
I did like the focus on Lady Bird. My favorite part was trying to identify the wildflowers.
September 16, 2018
Lady Bird...I share her real name, Claudia...and I think I always resented a little that she had such a cute nickname, and I didn't get to proudly share the first name of a First Lady.
I remember her passion for wildflowers, and for beautifying the highways...but I did not know about the connections with her childhood and her mother.
Another good addition for my National Board lesson on picture-book biographies of strong women.
I remember her passion for wildflowers, and for beautifying the highways...but I did not know about the connections with her childhood and her mother.
Another good addition for my National Board lesson on picture-book biographies of strong women.
March 30, 2024
Appelt Box #5
Thoroughly interesting and engaging account of former First Lady and her impact on native wildflowers, with some further information in the back of the book.
Quite wordy and not your typical 40 page book, it would possibly have been better to have a smaller size book with more pages.
This should be able to be used to provoke interesting conversations about wildflowers and native flowers.
Thoroughly interesting and engaging account of former First Lady and her impact on native wildflowers, with some further information in the back of the book.
Quite wordy and not your typical 40 page book, it would possibly have been better to have a smaller size book with more pages.
This should be able to be used to provoke interesting conversations about wildflowers and native flowers.
April 16, 2024
Sweet story about the beautification of America's roadsides with native wildflowers. We who live in SouthTexas experience the burst of color each spring with the arrival of the glorious bluebonnets thanks to Ladybird Johnson's nationwide program. It was nice to learn of her background and the inspiration of this program. The illustrations are gorgeous, too. We hope to visit the Wildflower Center near Austin soon.
July 21, 2024
This is a children’s biography of LBJ’s wife, Lady Bird Johnson, and her love and work to beautify our nation with wildflower projects. It’s very educational and touches on the tragedies of her life like her mother’s death and the assassination of JFK. This would be a great read for a First Lady report. It definitely sparks interest in wild flowers and a desire to visit center near Austin, Texas.
March 2, 2021
This picture book introduction to Lady Bird Johnson focuses on the former first lady's childhood and her eventual work to protect and encourage wildflowers throughout the United States. Touches on some dark subject matter (JFK's assassination) that younger readers might not be ready for. But, the colorful illustrations and historical tidbits make for an interesting story.
April 23, 2021
I read this on Earth Day to first grade and they lived it. I had a lot of explaining to do, though, about JFK and LBJ, about who it was that died, and how long ago all this was! They needed a little background. But it was wonderful to have her quotes within the book, and to hear about her childhood all the way through her adult life. They really related to so much of it.
April 19, 2023
A gorgeously illustrated book, I enjoyed learning how Lady Bird Johnson preserved American wildflowers and beautified our country for future generations. A bit preachy at times but otherwise a good child’s biography. I suggest reading it alongside her book “Wildflowers across America” by Lady Bird Johnson and Carlton B. Lees
June 9, 2023
Every year we taxes enjoy the wonderful scene of Texas wildflowers next to the highways and roads here in Texas. Every spring we each all talk about the legacy of lady, bird Johnson and her wonderful flowers. This is a fun little book, beautifully drawn, and tells a wonderful story about the former first lady’s love of wildflowers.
February 9, 2020
Lady Bird’s lifetime love of wildflowers led to passage of the Highway Beautification Act in 1965. As she witnessed a mourning nation after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, she hoped that beauty could help our country heal. For ages 4 – 9.
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October 18, 2022First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty.
Read
October 18, 2022From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills.
April 19, 2025
Beautiful story about First Lady - Lady Bird Johnson (wife of Lyndon B Johnson) and how her affinity for flowers grew— from childhood through the course of her life. Vivid and stunning illustrations throughout the book with a focus on her with brief insights into her experiences (brief bio).
January 5, 2018
An important read for families, especially those who appreciate the landscapes of America and the wildflowers.
April 30, 2019
I stumbled upon this at the library and just loved it! Kind of a real life Miss Rumphius! And if course I love all the native Texas wildflowers named and illustrated!
July 23, 2019
Lovely book. Well written, beautiful illustrations. My 5.5-year-old was happy to read it a few times.
June 10, 2020
The beginning of this book is slow, so if you are reading this to a class they might lose interest quick and miss the message of the book.
August 9, 2021
I didn't know much about Lady Bird Johnson. So I learned a lot from this book. I enjoyed the illustrations with the flowers and learning about those too!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews