Secrets of the Sea

February 1, 2021
Self-taught naturalist Jeanne Power invented methods to study marine organisms, defying prejudice against women to become a respected scientist. After she'd married and moved to Sicily, in the early 1800s, the French former seamstress began studying the natural world around her, documenting her observations and devising ways to observe underwater creatures. She constructed an aquarium and filled it with animals found by local fishermen. She followed the life cycle of a paper nautilus--a kind of octopus--proving they create their own shells. She became the first female member of the science academy in Sicily. Later, she joined other societies, publishing research papers and defending her work. Griffith has applied years of editing experience to his debut picture book, selecting a career highpoint for his smoothly told narrative and offering more substance for slightly older readers in backmatter, including a note on contradictions he found in his research. Sources agree that Power overcame what might have been a catastrophic setback, the loss of years of research in a shipwreck, but disagree on its date. Other sections of the exemplary backmatter include a more-complete overview of her life and additional information about both the paper nautilus and the fields of marine biology and conservation. Stone's bright illustrations depict an all-White cast; they have the flavor of 20th-century animation, fitting the positive tone of the text. Pair with biographies of Eugenie Clark. (This book was reviewed digitally with 10.4-by-18-inch double-page spreads viewed at 69.5% of actual size.) An appealing introduction to a STEM trailblazer. (bibliography) (Picture book/biography. 5-8)

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March 1, 2021
Grades 1-3 In 1818, Paris seamstress Jeanne Villepreux-Power moved to Sicily. There she pursued her interest in nature by observing and sketching the island's animals. After designing a variety of innovative aquariums and underwater cages, she began watching and sketching live sea creatures as well. She decided to answer a question debated by naturalists: did the paper nautilus (a type of octopus) grow its own shell or use shells from other animals? Placing paper nautilus eggs in an aquarium, she took notes on the creatures' growth, including the gradual formation of their shells. While the scientific establishment was slow to accept her evidence and conclusion, today she is recognized for her methodology and results. Among a growing number of young people's biographies that take note of the difficulties faced by women in the sciences, this colorful picture book offers a well-organized, informative text and lively digital illustrations. The book focuses on Villepreux-Power's practical approach, resilience, and confidence in her work. An appealing biography for children intrigued by sea creatures, and an inspiring choice for future marine biologists.

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Starred review from March 1, 2021

Gr 2-5-The sea holds many secrets, but one revolutionary scientist sought to solve them all. This biographical picture book centered on Jeanne Power (1794-1871), a white French marine biologist, chronicles the beginnings of her scientific fascination with nature and the discoveries she made through experimentation and studying sea creatures such as the paper nautilus. Later on in her career, Power lost her life's work in a shipwreck, which forced her to recreate her experiments and stand up to critics to reclaim her place in history. Each spread features rich illustrations that capture the wonder and mystery of the sea, complemented by Power's experiments, prototyping, and observations. The artwork features sketches and blazing blue and aqua seascapes. The text and images are accessible and easy to understand. The back matter includes a more detailed spread about Power, scientific information about the paper nautilus and marine biology and conservation, and a note on historical research. VERDICT An excellent purchase for elementary school collections because of the focus on an unsung female scientist paired with solid back matter and beautiful illustrations.-Molly Dettmann, Norman North H.S., OK

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2021
Power (1794-1871) was a self-taught naturalist who had to fight to be recognized for her discoveries about sea life. The Parisian dressmaker moved to Sicily after her 1818 marriage; inspired by the island's natural beauty, Power was drawn to study marine creatures. Designing "one of the world's first aquariums built for scientific study," she was able to observe living animals; her study of the paper nautilus resolved an age-old scientific mystery about its shell. This compelling picture-book biography of a trailblazing woman scientist is enhanced by period-setting illustrations featuring blues, greens, and beachy browns. Griffith concludes with more about "Jeanne's Life and Legacy," the paper nautilus, "Marine Biology and Conservation," a note about historical research, and a bibliography.

(Copyright 2021 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)