The Leaf Detective by Heather Lang
This picture book biography tells the story of Meg Lowman, a groundbreaking female scientist called a "real life Lorax" by National Geographic, who was determined to investigate the marvelous, undiscovered world of the rainforest treetops.Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head - the colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies - and to be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to, and worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. Working closely with Meg Lowman, author Heather Lang and artist Jana Christy beautifully capture Meg's world in the treetops.
2022 Green Earth Book Award Winner
NCSS Septma Clark Award, Elementary Level Honoree
NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book
Junior Library Guild Selection
John Burroughs Association Riverby Award
Honorable Mention, Sigurd FOlson Nature Writing Award
"Lang’s text is rich with metaphor and personification...[and] Jana Christy’s stunning illustrations of the rainforest foliage are appropriately lush and vibrant, brimming with cool-toned greens and blues. This is artwork you’ll want to fall into face-first. The book’s back matter is as excellent as the primary narrative. It includes a lengthy author’s note, a hefty bibliography and a vertical spread that illustrates the layers of a rainforest, which is worth the cost of admission all by itself. The Leaf Detective is a wonderful introduction to a scientist who discovered her life’s passion by looking up." —BookPage
"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... an exciting tale of exploration and adventure that will capture the attention of budding scientists and environmentalists alike. An intricate and satisfying portrait of a dedicated woman scientist, innovator, and activist." —Kirkus Reviews
"Lang’s well-balanced coverage shares with audiences the vigor and daring that boosted Lowman into the canopy...and the global activism that now leads her to propose and develop sustainable commercial uses for protected rainforests. Christy’s digital artwork allows Lowman’s golden-haired figure to shine among the sun-dappled shade of the canopy and hints strongly at the vertiginous walkways and platforms Lowman calls workplace." —Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
"This picture book, equal parts biography of Margaret 'Meg' Lowman and informational text about the rainforest, is pure joy. It's informative, interesting, and provides an account of a real woman who never gave up on her dreams in the face of significant obstacles." —School Library Connection
"Any class of any age that explores nature, the rainforest specifically, and women at work should use this." —Kiss the Book
"Meg Lowman or 'Canopy Meg' is a true hero, a courageous explorer, who made amazing discoveries high in the forest canopy. The Leaf Detective captures the magic of that little-known world with its clear, informative text and fabulous illustrations. Young readers everywhere will be fascinated and inspired to learn more about nature." —Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and Pioneer of Peace
“Margaret Lowman is a pioneer scientist in a discipline that demands exceptional imagination, courage, and physical rigor. But of equal importance, she has created an extraordinarily important branch of environmental and conservation research. Heather Lang and Jana Christy, in this charming introduction, have invited us to climb on up and visit her.” —Edward O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize winner and Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
NCSS Septma Clark Award, Elementary Level Honoree
NSTA/CBC Best STEM Book
Junior Library Guild Selection
John Burroughs Association Riverby Award
Honorable Mention, Sigurd FOlson Nature Writing Award
"Lang’s text is rich with metaphor and personification...[and] Jana Christy’s stunning illustrations of the rainforest foliage are appropriately lush and vibrant, brimming with cool-toned greens and blues. This is artwork you’ll want to fall into face-first. The book’s back matter is as excellent as the primary narrative. It includes a lengthy author’s note, a hefty bibliography and a vertical spread that illustrates the layers of a rainforest, which is worth the cost of admission all by itself. The Leaf Detective is a wonderful introduction to a scientist who discovered her life’s passion by looking up." —BookPage
"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... an exciting tale of exploration and adventure that will capture the attention of budding scientists and environmentalists alike. An intricate and satisfying portrait of a dedicated woman scientist, innovator, and activist." —Kirkus Reviews
"Lang’s well-balanced coverage shares with audiences the vigor and daring that boosted Lowman into the canopy...and the global activism that now leads her to propose and develop sustainable commercial uses for protected rainforests. Christy’s digital artwork allows Lowman’s golden-haired figure to shine among the sun-dappled shade of the canopy and hints strongly at the vertiginous walkways and platforms Lowman calls workplace." —Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books
"This picture book, equal parts biography of Margaret 'Meg' Lowman and informational text about the rainforest, is pure joy. It's informative, interesting, and provides an account of a real woman who never gave up on her dreams in the face of significant obstacles." —School Library Connection
"Any class of any age that explores nature, the rainforest specifically, and women at work should use this." —Kiss the Book
"Meg Lowman or 'Canopy Meg' is a true hero, a courageous explorer, who made amazing discoveries high in the forest canopy. The Leaf Detective captures the magic of that little-known world with its clear, informative text and fabulous illustrations. Young readers everywhere will be fascinated and inspired to learn more about nature." —Jane Goodall, PhD, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and Pioneer of Peace
“Margaret Lowman is a pioneer scientist in a discipline that demands exceptional imagination, courage, and physical rigor. But of equal importance, she has created an extraordinarily important branch of environmental and conservation research. Heather Lang and Jana Christy, in this charming introduction, have invited us to climb on up and visit her.” —Edward O. Wilson, Pulitzer Prize winner and Professor Emeritus, Harvard University
Heather Lang is the author of the Amelia Bloomer Book List selections The Original Cowgirl: Lucille Mulhall's Wild Adventures and Queen of the Track: Alice Coachman, Olympic High-Jump Champion. She resides in the city of Lexington, Massachusetts. Heather Lang Books can be found at heatherlangbooks.com. Ral Colón has illustrated over thirty books, including Frank McCourt's New York Times bestselling Angela and the Baby Jesus. The American Library Association has honored him with two Pura Belpre Awards. He resides in New York City.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781684371778 |
| ISBN 10 | 1684371775 |
| Title | The Leaf Detective |
| Author | Heather Lang |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Astra Publishing House |
| Year published | 2021-02-09 |
| Number of pages | 48 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |