Mary Anning (Pequeña & Grande)

 

Mary Anning s a new biography for young readers in the Little People, Big Dreams series. I've reviewed a number of these titles and all of them are delightful and exuberant little books which cover the lives of famous cultural, science, arts, and innovative icons while maintaining an age-appropriate level of detail. Due out 2nd March 2021 from Quarto on their Frances Lincoln imprint, it'll be 32 pages and will be available in hardcover, and ebook formats.

The text and story by Isabel Sánchez Vegara are written in clear accessible language.  The gentle and sweetly humorous illustrations were well done. The art by Popy Matigot is quirky and has an almost linocut collage look. 

Well written and appealing, I am really enjoying all of these little books. This one is a worthy addition and especially welcome as a glimpse into a womens lives and challenges in historically male-dominated STEM fields. The author doesn't shy away from saying in the text that the (invariably male) scientists of the time used Mary's work as their own without credit to her. 

Five stars. This would make a superlative reading circle book, classroom library book, or gift.  Mary Anning was an intelligent, determined and accomplished woman in an unfair and prejudiced world which arrayed its power against her but never managed to thwart her. There is a short timeline included at the back of each of these books with some titles and resources for further reading.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes