Women in Botany

Can one seed make a difference?

Women in Botany introduces kids to the field of botany through the questions of a spunky girl whose inquiries guide an engaging, scientifically accurate conversation. Readers will experience the dazzling world of plants and learn about timeless women botanists who have used tiny seeds to do huge things, like create new medicines and feed their communities. The highlighted women hail from all over the world, span from the 16th Century to present day, and include Waheenee, Ynés Mexía, Dr. Janaki Ammal, Elizabeth Coleman White, Loredana Marcello, and Wangari Maathai.

Designed to motivate girls to learn more about the field of botany and see how one person's creativity and determination can change the world, this book has been peer reviewed by an extensive team of scientists, science educators, and parents. Concepts covered include botanist, parts of a seed (embryo, endosperm, seed coat), parts of a plant (roots, stem), conditions for plant growth, photosynthesis, species, parts of flowers (anther, stigma, pollen), The Linnaean System, hybrid plants, and photosynthesis.

Part of the riveting “Science Wide Open” series, Women in Botany shows young readers how their own big ideas can blossom.

Mary Wissinger was born in Wisconsin where she spent most of her childhood singing, reading, and daydreaming. She dove into storytelling through acting, singing, and writing (and writing and writing!). A former teacher, she can now be found at her standing desk in St. Louis, MO, writing stories that inspire curiosity about the world and connection with others. She is the author of the Science Wide Open Series and the My First Science Textbook Series. To learn more about Mary, you can check out her website, MaryWissinger.com.

Danielle Pioli is an artist and illustrator whose mission is to inspire others to create. The idea of creating a whole universe from her mind to paper is what made her fall in love with art and storytelling. As a child, she was drawn to magic-what she calls Quantum Physics now. She creates art, illustrations, comics, zines, poems, songs, and hypnotherapy sessions. She is the illustrator of the Science Wide Open Series. For more information on Danielle's work, you can visit her website at DaniellePioli.com.