Artwork: gorgeous.There are some nice life cycle tidbits thrown in here amidst the story of Maria Merian and her study of butterflies (not just butterflies, but frogs and other insects) that would make this book work for science units. The historical element--particularly the different beliefs those of different time periods have--makes it a nice study for history/social studies. But it's also a very interesting read just for fun!Historical note in the endmatter. A beautifully illustrated children's art book about the nature illustrator, Maria Merian. This brief look at Merian's life highlights the Medieval scientific thought of her time ("spontaneous generation") just giving way to the enlightened thought of the Renaissance. Merian's precise observations and beautifully accurate drawings documented what we know as metamorphosis, and dispelled previously held folklore/withcraft beliefs.
I love the artwork and the story! Very cute and very science-y!
—marilee
Brave women scientists
—hi2318
Interesting.
—Iyanna