Amazing Female Scientists Picture Books for Kids
Interested in introducing your learners to some fabulous female scientists and their groundbreaking work? Check out my curated list of amazing women in science nonfiction picture books!
It’s no secret that I love science. So it makes sense that I also love discovering children’s nonfiction books that highlight the life and work of fabulous female scientists. I have found that incorporating biographical science picture books into my children’s nighttime reading routine has opened their eyes to so many different fields of science. From marine biology, chemistry, physics, zoology, paleontology, and astronomy (just to name a few), reading about the hurdles, hardships, and extraordinary discoveries that various female scientists have made has led to insightful discussions with my seven year old son and my ten year old daughter.
Best Places to Find Children’s Picture Books About Female Scientists
As the name “Thoughtfully Sustainable” suggests, here is a list of thoughtful and sustainable ways to get your hands on children’s picture books that highlight the work of female scientists.
Borrow Books From Your Library
My first place to look for women in science picture books for my children is at our local library. If they do not have the title I am looking for on their shelves, I have a few options. First, I can request a copy through the interlibrary loan program, which may take anywhere from 1-3 weeks to find and transport the book to my community library. Second, I can search to see if a digital copy of the book is available for loan. Check with your local library to see which digital library platforms they utilize.
Borrow Books From A Friend
Placing a simple request to borrow books from family or friends is a great way to sustainably and freely obtain a copy of the title of your choice. You can even take it a step further and put a “Does anyone have [insert title of book here] that I could borrow for a week” on your social media channels or local parenting group forum.
Ask Your Buy Nothing, Facebook Marketplace, or FreeCycle Group
I cannot tell you how many times I’ve heard friends and family members find exactly what they were looking for by placing a request on their local Buy Nothing, Facebook Marketplace, or FreeCycle group. You may have to be a bit more patient with this means of obtaining book titles, but you’ll certainly save money compared to purchasing them new!
Thrift Books in Person or Online
Thrift shops and secondhand bookstores can be a fantastic treasure trove for children’s picture books. Don’t have a local thrift store or secondhand bookstore? Check out secondhand retailers like BetterWorldBooks and ThriftBooks, or select the used option when searching for books on Amazon.
Shop Local, Independent Bookstores
I’ve discovered some of my favorite children’s picture books while browsing the aisles of local, independent bookstores. In addition, the staff at locally owned bookstores are usually more than happy to place an order for a book if they do not currently have a copy on their shelves.
Children’s Picture Books Highlighting Amazing Women in Science
Here is a list of some of my family’s favorite picture books that tell the stories of extraordinary female scientists and their discoveries.
The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered the Secrets of the Rainforest
“The Leaf Detective” by Heather Lang is a children’s nonfiction book about the life and work of forest ecologist Margaret Lowman. The book provides an overview of Lowman’s scientific research on the canopy of trees and the diverse species that live there. It also highlights Lowman’s efforts to encourage young people to pursue careers in science and her passion for conservation and protecting the environment. Through clear explanations, engaging illustrations, and personal stories from Lowman herself, “The Leaf Detective” introduces young readers to the fascinating world of canopy ecology and the important work of forest scientists.
This picture book would be perfect to read aloud to students. Pair the read aloud with my free coloring sheet on forest canopy species and you’ve got a complete mini-lesson on forest ecology!
The Shark Lady: The True Story of How Eugenie Clark Became the Ocean’s Most Fearless Scientist
“The Shark Lady” by Jess Keating is a children’s non-fiction book about the life and work of ichthyologist Eugenie Clark. The book highlights Clark’s love for marine life, particularly for sharks, and her pioneering research in the field of ichthyology. Despite facing discrimination and obstacles as a woman in a male-dominated field, Clark went on to become a leading expert in shark behavior and ecology. Through vivid illustrations, humorous anecdotes, and engaging storytelling, “The Shark Lady” showcases Clark’s passion for science, her fearless spirit, and her legacy as a trailblazer in the field of marine biology. The book aims to inspire young readers to pursue their own passions and to never give up on their dreams.
Learn more about Eugenie’s work and download a free coloring sheet about various shark species here.
Dinosaur Lady: The Daring Discoveries of Mary Anning, the First Paleontologist
“Dinosaur Lady” by Linda Skeers is a children’s non-fiction book about the life and work of paleontologist Mary Anning. The book highlights Mary’s explorations for fossils along the shores of her hometown of Lynne Regis, England in the early 1800s, which led to the discovery of a million-year-old marine reptile skeleton, Ichthyosaurus. The book goes on to discuss Mary’s many other fossilized marine reptile discoveries, as well as her persistence to study them during a time when women were not allowed to attend scientific lectures or take university courses. Mary is credited with helping to form the field of paleontology – the branch of geology that uses fossils to study prehistoric life.
Dive deeper into Mary’s discoveries and download free coloring sheets about the extinct marine reptiles she studied here.
She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference
“She Persisted in Science: Brilliant Women Who Made a Difference” by Chelsea Clinton is a children’s non-fiction book that profiles a diverse group of trailblazing female scientists from different fields of study and time periods. The book highlights the challenges each woman faced and how they persevered in the face of adversity to make important contributions to their field of study. The scientists profiled in the book include Marie Curie, Chien-Shiung Wu, Jane Goodall, and others. The book is written in a lively, engaging style and features colorful illustrations to bring these women’s stories to life. The aim of the book is to inspire young readers, particularly girls, to pursue careers in science and to show them that with determination and hard work, they too can make a difference in the world.
I am Jane Goodall: Ordinary People Change the World
“I am Jane Goodall” is a children’s nonfiction book written by Brad Meltzer and illustrated by Christopher Eliopoulos. The book is a part of a series called “Ordinary People Change the World” and focuses on the life of renowned primatologist Jane Goodall.
The book chronicles Jane Goodall’s life from her childhood dreams of working with animals to her groundbreaking research on chimpanzees in Tanzania. Through engaging illustrations and vivid descriptions, the book highlights Goodall’s determination, courage, and love for animals. The book emphasizes the importance of conservation and the need to protect our planet’s wildlife. It also encourages children to follow their dreams, work hard, and make a positive impact on the world.
Learn more about Dr. Jane Goodall’s innovative work with chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park here.
What to Do With Books When You’re Finished With Them
If you borrowed any women in science picture books from your local library, family or friends, obviously the only answer is to return them to their proper owner. If you did not borrow the books, here are a few ways you can sustainably rehome your books when you no longer need them:
- Share them with another family
- Offer them to your local school library
- Resell them on Facebook Marketplace
- Donate them to your community library
- Place them in a little free library
- Post them on your Buy Nothing or Freecycle group
If you’re looking for more ways to responsibly discard books you no longer need, read Honestly Modern’s post about 30+ ways to responsibly dispose of old books.
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