The Leaf Detective

December 1, 2020
Grades 2-5 As a girl in Elmira, New York, in the 1950s, Margaret Lowman loved everything about leaves, whether she was collecting, identifying, or labeling them. This picture-book biography follows Lowman, a lone woman in "a jungle of men," as she becomes the first student at Sydney University to study the rain forest of Australia. Using plant-related action verbs and figurative language, Lang focuses on the logistics of the scientist's research in the rain forest canopy and the necessary problem-solving skills. For instance, to reach the tops of trees, Lowman created a slingshot contraption, and later, she helped invent the world's first canopy walkway, which boosted ecotourism. Illustrations in fittingly lush greens not only depict Lowman's experiences but highlight the diverse plant and animal life she observed. The final scenes reflect how the scientist took her knowledge from the rain forest and implemented conservation projects in such areas as Cameroon and Western Samoa. An author's note with more facts and a diagram of the canopy's layers wrap up the text. Sure to rake in budding environmentalists.Women in Focus: The 19th in 2020

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January 1, 2021

PreS-Gr 3-This title spotlights a pioneering female scientist. Margaret Lowman (b. 1953), a white American biologist, turned a childhood fascination with leaves into a career of rain forest exploration, education, and conservation. She invented new ways to study trees and their leaves: by exploring their canopies. The narrative introduces her as Meg, a shy child with a passion for the natural world. In college, Lowman faced sexism, but she persevered. She graduated from Sydney University with her PhD in Botany, and then explored the rain forests. Climbing ropes were succeeded by the first canopy walkway, and later, a raft placed on the treetops in Cameroon, Africa. Lang's poetic text showcases engaging language, alliteration, and appropriate metaphors. Nearly every spread features a direct quotation, which is highlighted in a different color typeface. Relevant information about rain forests appears in leaf-shaped text boxes. Lang describes her personal encounter with "Canopy Meg" when Lowman served as a guide for a 2017 citizen-science trip to a rain forest in Peru. A final spread depicts the levels of a Peruvian rain forest and the various creatures that inhabit the environment. Christy's digital illustrations nicely support the text. The solid back matter includes source notes. VERDICT This quiet celebration would be a pleasure to read aloud to a small group.-Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

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January 1, 2021
From a childhood steeped in botanical study to an adulthood spent discovering, studying, and advocating for the rainforest, scientific pioneer Meg Lowman has lived her life with leaves and trees. An originator of rainforest study, she earned several degrees (often the only woman in her classes), made countless discoveries (including identifying new species), found innovative ways to study the canopy (building canopy bridges), and worked to educate children and adults to protect the botanical world she loves. A nice addition to any rainforest or biography unit, this straightforward selection provides an inspiring portrayal and focuses on Lowman's inventiveness and dedication through engaging, poetic text augmented by original quotes. Christy's striking illustrations use leafy patterns and repetition of vignettes to underscore the White woman's enthusiasm and determination. Shifts in perspective convey the awesome scale of the rainforest. Nonfiction tidbits are housed appropriately in leaf designs scattered throughout the pages. Well-chosen details about her experiences (learning to climb up to the canopy; finding ways to bring her own children and other students there), observations (watching animals and insects devour leaves at night; seeing the rainforest from a balloon), and struggles (shy, she had to find the courage to communicate her ideas regarding conservation and sustainability) are included, resulting in an exciting tale of exploration and adventure that will capture the attention of budding scientists and environmentalists alike. (This book was reviewed digitally with 11-by-17-inch double-page spreads viewed at 78.6% of actual size.) An intricate and satisfying portrait of a dedicated woman scientist, innovator, and activist. (notes, chart, source notes, bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-9)

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