An entertaining and gorgeous picture book biography of scientist and environmental hero Ruth Patrick, one of the first to warn about the dangers of pollution.
A brilliant scientist and intrepid explorer, the ecologist Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. She studied water pollution long before it became a public concern and gave other scientists the tools to do something about it. Born in 1907, Ruth Patrick was one of the only women in her field when she made her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity and the ecosystem of rivers, forever changing how ecologists understand pollution.
Lyrically, joyfully written, exquisitely illustrated, and full of fascinating details and a rich afterword and timeline, this STEM biography will inspire readers who love the environment to follow their passion and curiosity.
"The text flows naturally from scientific terminology to lyrical storytelling, making this an excellent choice for a classroom read-aloud. Ethereal, hand-painted watercolor wash illustrations are enhanced by delicate digital ink lines. Blue, green, and brown hues evoke the murky streams, while intricate line overlays highlight the crystalline details of microscopic diatoms. Budding naturalists will eagerly dip their toes into this one." —Kirkus
"This relatable story of a little girl who “fell in love with pond scum” serves as an accessible introduction to the wonders found in a drop of water in Winterbottom’s beautifully illustrated science biography. Students will easily see how a love of science can turn into a career. Readers will enjoy Patrick’s tenacity. Reagan’s detailed, full-spread multimedia illustrations burst with details of shoreline and underwater flora and fauna (the close-ups of startled-looking fish are a highlight). A must for science and biography shelves. ”—Booklist
★"Reagan’s hand-painted watercolor washes mix with digital detailing for absorbing effect: lightly sketched scenes of the figure ankle-deep in water appear alongside delicately starry diatoms and careful depictions of aquatic creatures poised to one day benefit from the scientist’s trailblazing work. ”—Publishers Weekly
Julie Winterbottom was born in Princeton, New Jersey. Growing up, she loved to explore the streams and the woods near her house, much like the subject of her picture book, Magic in a Drop of Water. She is the former editor-in-chief of Nickelodeon Magazine and the author of the humor books Pranklopedia and What a Blast! She lives on the shores of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York. Visit her at juliewinterbottom.com.
View titles by Julie Winterbottom
Author and illustrator SUSAN REAGAN's work can be found on greeting cards, in magazines, and numerous children's books. Her inspirations and positive attitude come from helping others. Most days she can be found working in her studio or volunteering. She lives in a wonderfully creaky old house in a historic neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, Frank, and their dog, Princess.
View titles by Susan Reagan
An entertaining and gorgeous picture book biography of scientist and environmental hero Ruth Patrick, one of the first to warn about the dangers of pollution.
A brilliant scientist and intrepid explorer, the ecologist Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. She studied water pollution long before it became a public concern and gave other scientists the tools to do something about it. Born in 1907, Ruth Patrick was one of the only women in her field when she made her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity and the ecosystem of rivers, forever changing how ecologists understand pollution.
Lyrically, joyfully written, exquisitely illustrated, and full of fascinating details and a rich afterword and timeline, this STEM biography will inspire readers who love the environment to follow their passion and curiosity.
Praise
"The text flows naturally from scientific terminology to lyrical storytelling, making this an excellent choice for a classroom read-aloud. Ethereal, hand-painted watercolor wash illustrations are enhanced by delicate digital ink lines. Blue, green, and brown hues evoke the murky streams, while intricate line overlays highlight the crystalline details of microscopic diatoms. Budding naturalists will eagerly dip their toes into this one." —Kirkus
"This relatable story of a little girl who “fell in love with pond scum” serves as an accessible introduction to the wonders found in a drop of water in Winterbottom’s beautifully illustrated science biography. Students will easily see how a love of science can turn into a career. Readers will enjoy Patrick’s tenacity. Reagan’s detailed, full-spread multimedia illustrations burst with details of shoreline and underwater flora and fauna (the close-ups of startled-looking fish are a highlight). A must for science and biography shelves. ”—Booklist
★"Reagan’s hand-painted watercolor washes mix with digital detailing for absorbing effect: lightly sketched scenes of the figure ankle-deep in water appear alongside delicately starry diatoms and careful depictions of aquatic creatures poised to one day benefit from the scientist’s trailblazing work. ”—Publishers Weekly
Julie Winterbottom was born in Princeton, New Jersey. Growing up, she loved to explore the streams and the woods near her house, much like the subject of her picture book, Magic in a Drop of Water. She is the former editor-in-chief of Nickelodeon Magazine and the author of the humor books Pranklopedia and What a Blast! She lives on the shores of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York. Visit her at juliewinterbottom.com.
View titles by Julie Winterbottom
Author and illustrator SUSAN REAGAN's work can be found on greeting cards, in magazines, and numerous children's books. Her inspirations and positive attitude come from helping others. Most days she can be found working in her studio or volunteering. She lives in a wonderfully creaky old house in a historic neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, Frank, and their dog, Princess.
View titles by Susan Reagan
