For your budding scientist, for your nature lover, here are three picture books on fearless female naturalists! These phenomenal women in science worked tirelessly against the odds to study the animals and habitats that fascinated them. Read all about their inspiring stories below!
Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
Eugenie Clark (1922-2015) wouldn’t let any preconceived notions stop her. She didn’t let society choose her profession (housewife or secretary!). She didn’t stop when men said she could never be a scientist. Most people thought that sharks were mindless killers. But she didn’t let that sway her from her belief that they are beautiful and smart. Eugenie was brave and determined. So she swam with the sharks and made astounding discoveries!
This book takes you through her voyage to becoming a scientist. It also gives so many interesting facts about sharks!
The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest
This picture book introduces readers to Meg Lowman, the woman determined to study and preserve the rainforest. Read about her journey to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies. And be the first scientist to do so! She persevered through naysayers who tried to stop her. She had to invent ways to climb up into the tall, tall canopies. Then she had to find a way to preserve these beautiful habitats!
Children will be intrigued and inspired by this true story of a trailblazing scientist. And they will learn about the rainforest along the way!
Jane Goodall (Little People, Big Dreams)
Jane Goodall is one of the most inspiring and dedicated zoologists of all time. This book, warmly illustrated, takes you through her life story. From a little girl with a stuffed chimpanzee listening to stories of Tarzan and Jane. To an unorthodox researcher who decided to befriend chimps in the jungle. She was able to learn things no one else had by following her own instincts. And she has spent the rest of her life encouraging others to protect wildlife.
There are many books on Jane Goodall. I appreciate the focus this one takes on her love of animals. It shows how her resolve saw her through to success!
Beyond the Books:
- What is your favorite animal? Where would you go to study it? What would you want to find out?
- Where would you most like to explore: the rainforest canopies, the deep oceans, or an African jungle?
- Go to the park and climb a tree!
- Grab some binoculars and a journal and go on a nature hunt! How many animals can you find?
- Swim with the fishes! Take shark toys into the bath and dive to discover them all!
- Visit your local library and find all the books you can on your favorite animal/habitat.
- Read 10 Things You Can Do to Save Forests, from Meg Lowman’s TREE Foundation.
- With older children, watch Jane, a documentary showing much of her early filming of wildlife. (This is rated PG and is a wildlife documentary, so please use your best judgment in deciding whether or not it’s appropriate for your children!)
- Take a hike and see how quietly you can observe the natural world. Can you discover animals in their natural habitat?