Synopses & Reviews
Little botanist / first naturalistOf John Bartram's nine children, it is William who best loves nature and wants to follow in his father's footsteps. William dreams of accompanying his father as he explores the wilderness of colonial America as botanist to the King of England in search of plant specimens. Using journals, maps, and her own vibrant paintings, Deborah Kogan Ray tells the captivating story of Billy's first trip to the Catskill Mountains and his further adventures as an adult, including a long, perilous journey into the remote wilderness.
A bibliography, biographical notes, and list of plant discoveries complete this remarkable book about America's first naturalist.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
Review
"In fictive, Thoreau-like journal entries, Ray traces the Bartrams' many expeditions from the Catskills to Florida...Required reading for young students of nature or American history." -- Starred,
Kirkus Reviews"More than a portrait of two notable Americans, The Flower Hunter depicts exemplary nurturing of a child's talent and is both an introduction to the basics of botany and a revealing window into the past." -- The Horn Book
"Rooted in history...[a] compelling account." -- Publishers Weekly
"The delicate watercolor-and-gouache illustrations capture the quiet joy that William found in nature...a fitting tribute to a dedicated and talented naturalist." -- School Library Journal
"Graced with appealing illustrations...Large watercolor, gouache, and colored-pencil illustrations interpret the story with great warmth and beauty." -- Booklist
Synopsis
Little botanist / first naturalistOf John Bartram's nine children, it is William who best loves nature and wants to follow in his father's footsteps. William dreams of accompanying his father as he explores the wilderness of colonial America as botanist to the King of England in search of plant specimens. Using journals, maps, and her own vibrant paintings, Deborah Kogan Ray tells the captivating story of Billy's first trip to the Catskill Mountains and his further adventures as an adult, including a long, perilous journey into the remote wilderness.
A bibliography, biographical notes, and list of plant discoveries complete this remarkable book about America's first naturalist.
A Junior Library Guild Selection
About the Author
Deborah Kogan Ray is an award-winning author and illustrator of many children's books, including
Hokusai: The Man Who Painted a Mountain. She lives in Wyndmoor, Pennsylvania.