The Bug Girl: Maria Merian's Scientific Vision

The Bug Girl: Maria Merian's Scientific Vision

The amazing story of a curious girl who became a pioneer in the field of entomology and scientific illustration. Maria Sibylla Merian was fascinated with insects. But when Maria was a girl in the mid-1600s, superstitions about bugs prevented most people from taking a close look. People thought bugs were evil―and anyone interested in such creatures was surely evil too. That didn't stop Maria. Filled with curiosity, she began to study and paint them. She even witnessed silkworms form cocoons and transform into moths―discovering metamorphosis! Painting and drawing as she studied, Maria pushed the boundaries of what girls were expected to do, eventually gaining recognition as one of the first entomologists and scientific illustrators. This gorgeously illustrated biography celebrates a fascinating female pioneer who broke boundaries in both the arts and sciences. Gr 1–3—In Frankfurt, Germany, in the 1650s, a young girl called Maria Merian explored her interest in insects, wandering the gardens observing bugs. Her passion was not shared by the town's people, who believed that insects were nothing more than evil shape-shifters created by "spontaneous generation." Nonetheless, Maria started collecting silkworms and their eggs, which she studied at home. Maria knew how to draw and paint watercolors as well, skills she learned from her stepfather. On her canvases, she documented her observations, sketching silkworms, larvae, mulberry leaves, and hatched silkworm eggs. The subject's childhood passion inspired her to document her findings in artwork books that brought her recognition among scientists, collectors, and royalty; she was also acknowledged as the first woman entomologist. Marsh shows how Merian encouraged girls to pursue their interests despite societal standards. Vanzo's illustrations include transformative depictions of nature based on digital images of Maria Merian Sibylla's hand-colored engravings that takes readers back to the 17th and early 18th century. The comfortably large black text is organized through the pages, facilitating a storytime activity in a classroom or library setting for school-aged children. An author's note offers engaging details of Maria Merian's life. VERDICT A fresh and captivating offering for elementary science units on entomology.—Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA A Mighty Girl's 2019 Books of the Year "The text smoothly incorporates biographical and historical information into a well-told story... A pleasing introduction to a notable woman, scientist, and illustrator."― Booklist "A fresh and captivating offering for elementary science units on entomology."― School Library Journal Sarah Glenn Marsh writes young adult novels and children's picture books. When she's not writing, Sarah enjoys watercolor painting, ghost hunting, and pursuits of the nerd variety. She lives in Virginia. Filippo Vanzo is a Stockholm-based, Italian-born freelance illustrator and cartographer. He illustrates children’s books, covers, and maps. He also creates nature illustrations, concept art, and storyboards for the entertainment industry.