  | Out of school and into nature : the Anna Comstock story Author: Slade, Suzanne | |
| Price: $6.50 | ||
Summary:
A picture book biography about naturalist and artist Anna Comstock (1854-1930), who defied social conventions and pursued the study of science. She pioneered a movement to encourage schools to conduct science and nature classes for children outdoors, thereby increasing students' interest in nature.
| Illustrator: | Lanan, Jessica |
| Accelerated Reader Information: Interest Level: LG Reading Level: 3.90 Points: .5 Quiz: 190352 |
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews (+) (01/15/17)
School Library Journal (03/01/17)
Booklist (02/15/17)
Full Text Reviews:
Booklist - 02/15/2017 In this picture-book biography, the life of naturalist, artist, and education reformer Anna Comstock is told with easy-to-follow facts, Comstock’s own words, and charming illustrations. Comstock was born in 1854, and instead of taking the traditional route for women at the time, she went to college to study “her first love—nature.” Comstock’s illustrations and engravings were used to teach farmers about insects, and she started a teacher-education program designed to bring children outside. While the text reads a bit like a fictional story, interspersed quotes from Comstock root it in reality. Though not many will be familiar with Comstock, her story is told with such warmth and admiration that readers will be rooting for her the entire time. Lanan’s pencil-and-watercolor illustrations are done with affectionate attention to detail; young nature-lovers in particular might delight in the close-up details of different bugs. This sweet biography is perfect for fans of Patrick McDonnell’s Me . . . Jane (2011), or any child who relishes the feeling of mud squishing between their toes. - Copyright 2017 Booklist.
School Library Journal - 03/01/2017 Gr 1–4—Readers are introduced to naturalist Anna Comstock's enthusiasm for nature right from the opening sentence: "From the time she was no higher than a daisy, Anna was wild about nature." Comstock's (1854–1930) early love of the outdoors inspired her course of study at college, where she doubled as an artist and a scientist. Later, she noticed that many young people spent a large amount of time indoors during the school day, so she developed lessons to assist teachers with familiarizing students with wildlife. Comstock's quotes flutter across pages like a butterfly. Her story is sure to motivate teachers and librarians to take their students on a nature walk, while budding naturalists will sprout their own ideas of exploration. A springtime watercolor palette complements the carefully selected quotes. VERDICT There is always room on library shelves for a well-crafted STEM-related picture book biography, and this one is sure to find an appreciative audience "faster than dandelion seeds on a windy day."—Helen Foster James, University of California at San Diego - Copyright 2017 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission.
