Synopses & Reviews
Bluebonnets and lady's slippers, larkspurs and blazing stars, black-eyed Susans and Granny's nightcaps.
From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved these wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills. Later, as First Lady, she sought to bring the beauty of wildflowers to America's cities and highways. She wanted to make sure every child could enjoy the splendor of wildflowers.
In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty.
Review
"Hein is more skillful at depicting landscapes than human figures, but overall the book is attractive and well written." Hornbook Guide to Children
Review
"[C]hildren will pore enthusiastically over her riotous, millefleur landscapes, each bloom so meticulously rendered that bluebells can be distinguished from bluebonnets by using the identification key provided." Booklist
Review
"Hein's delicate pictures are in bright, clear colors and her flowers instantly recognizable in broad vistas and intimate close-ups." Kirkus Reviews
Synopsis
In this warm, engaging look at the life of a great First Lady, Kathi Appelt tells the story behind Lady Bird Johnson's environmental vision. Joy Fisher Hein's colorful wildflowers burst from every page, inviting us to share in Lady Bird's love for natural beauty. This nonfiction picture book is an excellent choice to share during homeschooling, in particular for children ages 4 to 6. It's a fun way to learn to read and as a supplement for activity books for children.
From a lonely childhood in the Piney Woods of East Texas to an exciting life in the White House, Lady Bird Johnson loved wildflowers with all her heart. They were her companions in her youth, greeting her everywhere as she explored wild forests, bayous, and hills.
Later, as First Lady, she sought to bring the beauty of wildflowers to America's cities and highways. She wanted to make sure every child could enjoy the splendor of wildflowers.
Perfect for sharing in classrooms and at home for Women's History Month as well as for units on Texas, presidential family, and environmental history, this unique picture book biography is accessible and appealing.
About the Author
Kathi Appelt is the award-winning author of many children's books, including
Bat Jamboree, illustrated by Melissa Sweet, and
Incredible Me!, illustrated by G. Brian Karas. Ms. Appelt teaches creative writing to both children and adults and lives in College Station, Texas.
Joy Fisher Hein is an artist, designer, and illustrator in the Texas Hill Country, where she lives with her husband. They are the parents of three wonderful, creative children. Joy has been painting and gardening all her life, at her mother's or grandmother's side, and is a certified Texas Master Naturalist.