This is a story of a girl from the 1600 and 1700s and her fascination with insects. It was interesting to read about the things they used to think (insects came from dung and/or mud and butterflies were known as summer birds that came out from somewhere in the summer only) and how it changed and the role she played. It is really the story of Maria Merian's life. The author creatively organized her life into chapters connected to the butterfly life cycle (egg, hatching, molting, pupa, etc.) I don't think this is really a children's book though. The vocabulary is definitely beyond your average eight year old. However, it is in the J section at the library. I hope that doesn't mean it will become an undiscovered treasure.
Goodreads says:
In this beautiful nonfiction biography, a Robert F. Sibert Medal winner, the Newbery Honor-winning author Joyce Sidman introduces readers to one of the first female entomologists and a woman who flouted convention in the pursuit of knowledge and her passion for insects.
One of the first naturalists to observe live insects directly, Maria Sibylla Merian was also one of the first to document the metamorphosis of the butterfly.
Richly illustrated throughout with full-color original paintings by Merian herself, The Grew Who Drew Butterflies will enthrall young scientists.
Bugs, of all kinds, were considered to be "born of mud" and to be "beasts of the devil." Why would anyone, let alone a girl, want to study and observe them? The Girl Who Drew Butterflies answers this question.
Booklist Editor's ChoiceChicago Public Library Best of the YearKirkus Best Book of the Year Bulletin Blue Ribbon BookJunior Library Guild SelectionNew York Public Library Top 10 Best Books of the Year