Florence Nightingale

December 2, 2013
Demi uses her characteristically delicate, gold-accented style of artwork to tell the story of Florence Nightingale’s youth and adult life. Nightingale has a largely unassertive presence on the page, clothed in flowery fabrics or an inky blue dress as she tends to others, yet she appears almost angelic as she carries a glowing lantern while serving at a hospital during the Crimean War, earning her the moniker “Lady with the Lamp.” The narrative mimics the art in its modesty, emphasizing Nightingale’s meekness and generosity, while also addressing her persistence and devotion to the indigent and infirm: “We remember Florence Nightingale today as a driving force behind improvements in nursing during her time and as a woman of extraordinary vision,” Demi writes; a timeline of Nightingale’s life closes out this straightforward, comprehensible biography. Ages 4–8.

Starred review from December 15, 2013
Demi wields her gifts to celebrate Florence Nightingale, who transformed the care of the sick and injured. Florence Nightingale was born to wealthy English parents in Florence, Italy, and from an early age studied nursing and the care of the sick. As her family traveled from England to Italy, France and Germany, she visited hospitals and poorhouses to teach herself and to compare healing strategies. She went to Turkey to assist injured soldiers from the Crimean War, working to ensure sanitary conditions and to make healthful food and medicines available. The text is direct and clear, conveying complex information fluidly. Demi's pictures feature her exquisite line and magnificent use of color, manipulating the flat, decorative space she uses to advance the story. She makes beautiful decorative patterns out of difficult and sometimes horrific situations. Nurses cleaning, scrubbing, comforting and assisting are directed by Nightingale, always pictured in a midnight-blue dress or cloak. One astonishing, gutsy double-page spread depicts the war hospital in Turkey. Leaking walls, rats, garbage and overflowing chamber pots among the stricken soldiers make a formal backdrop to officials rebuffing Nightingale and her nurses. With the turn of the page, readers see the changes in cleanliness, care and mood Nightingale effected. Characteristically beautiful illustrations nevertheless provide a pull-no-punches appreciation of the Lady with the Lamp. (timeline, further reading) (Picture book/biography. 7-11)

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January 1, 2014

Gr 1-4-Nightingale was born in 1820 to a wealthy English family. She lived a privileged existence, and, due to her parents' social status, she was afforded the opportunity to meet famous artists and politicians and see the world. It was on her travels that she became aware of the tremendous need for improved health care for all and became convinced that she should become a nurse. She spent a great deal of time visiting hospitals and studying best practices. She became a compassionate, hardworking nurse who raised the standard of cleanliness and organization in military hospitals, women's facilities, and workhouses in Europe and beyond. This beautifully illustrated picture book is comprehensive in scope, providing the perfect balance of interesting facts from her early life on into adulthood. Readers will gain an understanding of Nightingale's work ethic, trials, and accomplishments. Each page is fully adorned with colorful paintings that artfully depict life in the 1800s. There are also intricate patterns woven throughout that add texture and depth and reflect the time period. Students will linger on each page, soaking in the details and seeing connections with modern-day practices that were inspired by Nightingale's tireless work. Demi's attention to detail and thorough descriptions make this biography one to own.-Amy Shepherd, St. Anne's Episcopal School, Middleton, DE

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2014
Grades 2-4 This large-format picture book tells the story of Florence Nightingale. An English girl born into privilege, she grew up determined to reform hospital practices in order to relieve suffering and save lives. During the Crimean War, Nightingale led a group of nurses to Turkey, where she improved conditions at a British war hospital. Her successes there and later in England led to better care in military and civilian hospitals around the world. Nightingale's work inspired the creation of the International Red Cross. The book concludes with a detailed time line and a short list of further reading, but no indication of sources. This biography offers a clear, concise telling of Nightingale's story, illustrated with Demi's spare, appealing artwork. Graceful fine-line drawings are warmed with tints of color and graced with patterns where appropriate. In the scenes that include landscapes, cityscapes, hospital wards, and great-house interiors, architectural elements offer context and framing for the portrayal of individuals. A lovely picture book celebrating the Lady with the Lamp.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2014, American Library Association.)