- Apr 21
The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Knopf Books for Young Readers
(pub. 3.18.2025)
48 pages
Ages 7 - 10
Author: Jess Keating
Illustrator: Devon Holzwarth
Character: Florence Merriam Bailey
Overview:
" Before Florence, there was no such thing as "bird-watching". Bright plumes on lady's hats were all the rage, but no one was climbing trees or wading through marsh-grass to spot the birds they came from. Even scientists studied birds in labs instead of outside in their natural habitat.
But Florence changed all that. A bird-lover since childhood, she wanted to show the world what made these creatures special. She wanted everyone to care as much as she did, and so she taught classes, printed pamphlets, and eventually began leading bird walks so people could see it with their own eyes. Over time, they did see! With hard work and perseverence, Florence changed the way we look at birds, inspiring millions to follow in her footsteps on bird walks of their own."
Tantalizing taste:
"Kingfishers didn't belong on ladies' hats! They belonged at the water's edge, showing off their iridescent feathers as they hunted for fish.
Florence's heart thumped, and she bit back a cry.
Florence knew she must protect the birds from such horrors. But how? If only she could share her love of birds with the world. Then nobody would ever wear them as decoration on their silly hats again."
And something more: Jess Keating, shared in the Author's Note in Birdlore: "At that fateful dinner party in 1886, Florence was upset to learn of the thirteen dead kingfishers hat had been spotted on a hat, and the reality was much worse than she feared. At the time, 'plume hunters' were killing five million birds every year for ladies' hats...
To me, Florence embodies what it means to love nature. We mustn't just enjoy the wild places and creatures that have our hearts. We must stand up, share what we know, and act to protect them."
The Glasses That Saved America
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Calkins Creek
(Astra Publishing)
(pub.1.21.2025)
32 pages
Ages 7 - 10
Author: Selene Castrovilla
Illustrator: Jenn Harney
Character: George Washington
Overview:
" The Revolutionary War was over, but Washington’s officers had not received their wages from the Continental Congress in years. Afraid they would never get their money, the officers planned to storm Congress and demand it right away.
Luckily, George Washington found out about the plot just in time. He delivered a passionate speech to his men, but they were unaffected.
It was only when he struggled to read aloud a letter from Congress and had to put on his glasses, that they realized how much he had sacrificed for their country along with them. The officers dropped their plan and pledged their loyalty to America and to Washington."
Tantalizing taste:
"The men didn't care how epic George's speech was ...
They wanted Congress to show them the money now...
He remembered the congressman's letter in his pocket.
Maybe he could read it without his glasses...
All he saw was fuzz, fuzz, fuzz.
There was only one thing to do.
It was so embarrassing ...
George took in a big breath and let it out.
He reached into his pocket again ...
And pulled out his glasses.
His officers' eyes bulged in disbelief.
Their commander was making a spectacle of himself!...
Seeing George's glasses made them realize how much he had sacrificed for America...
Everyone pledged their loyalty to their country and to their leader - glasses and all."
And something more: Selene Castrovilla, shared in the Author's Note: "Early on, I read about Washington putting on a pair of glasses and bringing his men back from the brink of treason. I knew that I must share this poignant moment...Draft upon draft upon draft. None worked. This story was just too much. I put it away, but I never gave up on it...I started over, without looking at my previous mired manuscript. I began with the glasses, and it just came pouring out. It took years to understand: to tell this story, I had to cut through the complexity - kill my historical darlings - to see things clearly."
Updated: Apr 20
The True Story of Pakistan's First Woman Architect
A TRUE TALE WITH
A CHERRY ON TOP
Clarion Books
(Harper Collins)
Pub. 10.22.24
pages
Ages 4 - 8
Author: Marzieh Abbas
Illustrator: Hoda Hadadi
Character: Yasmeen Lari
Overview:
" From an inquisitive and compassionate young girl to a world-renowned and award-winning architect and humanitarian, Yasmeen Lari has an empowering and inspiring life story.
Learn about her success in a career dominated by men, her early work of advocating for and restoring historic buildings in Pakistan, and her turn to eco-friendly and sustainable design in the wake of natural disasters.
Starting in 2005, earthquakes and floods raised Lari's attention to the need for rehabilitation building. The pioneering architect met the challenge head-on. Incorporating innovative modern design and traditional building practices and materials, Lari developed a blueprint for sustainable, disaster-resistant homes."
Tantalizing taste:
"In between construction projects, Yasmeen explored old towns and villages with her husband, Suhail, a historian and photographer.
She toured.
She studied.
She noted.
She appreciated.
Her heart swelled with pride as she dug deeper into her roots."
And something more: Marzieh Abbas, shared in the Author's Note in Yasmeen Lari Green Architect: "Growing up in Karachi, Pakistan, I crossed a famous landmark, the Finance and Trade Centre, on my way to school every day. Little did I know that the building was deigned by Pakistan's first woman architect, Yasmeen Lari ... In the interviews I personally conducted with Yasmeen, and in the many that I viewed, Yasmeen was most passionate about her work for underserved communities."
