 Loading...  | Magic in a drop of water : how Ruth Patrick taught the world about water pollution Author: Winterbottom, Julie | |
| Price: $24.48 | ||
Summary:
The biography of ecologist Ruth Patrick, who made a breakthrough discovery about biodiversity.
| Illustrator: | Reagan, Susan |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (01/01/25)
Booklist (00/03/25)
Full Text Reviews:
Other - 02/24/2025 Winterbottom spotlights oft-overlooked aquatic ecologist Ruth Patrick (1907-2013) in this eye-opening book, which considers the origins of Patrick’s scientific work and lauds her pivotal role in the study of biodiversity as a gauge of ecosystem health. An unlikely opening line immediately captures attention: "When Ruth Patrick was five years old, she fell in love with pond scum." Narration goes on to describe how the protagonist’s early and enduring fascination with microscopic algae leads her to graduate school studies, of "her true love, diatoms" and of water pollution-its lively style making her collection of data feel like a page-turning event. 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. More about the figure and a timeline conclude. Ages 6-9. (Mar.) - Copyright 2025
