Marjory Douglas was a journalist who saved the Folrida Everglades from development and ruin. When she returned to Florida after World War I, Marjory didn't plan about writing about the Florida Everglades, however she realized the Everglades she remembered was starting to diasppear. Marjory didn't want to sit back and watch her home be destroyed and realzied she had to do something. As a result of her work, part of the Everglades became a national park and the first park not created for sightseeing, but rather for the benefit of animals and plants. Without her work, the Everglades would have been destroyed instead of becoming the protected wildlife reserve it is today. In the classroom I could use this book around Earth Day to talk about the importance of conversation and taking care of the planet. It could also be used during Women's History Month to discuss and important woman and the differnce she made in the world. ( )

I was already taken by this one when I opened the cover and saw the inside. Even before the book begins, colorful birds of all shapes and sizes take flight and swirl around each other. The recount of Marjory's life and accomplishments follows along the same, nature-bound thread and does a wonderful job at introducing young listeners/readers to the Everglades, while sharing the history of an inspiring woman.

The whole thing begins with Marjory and a short recap of her childhood as she grows up in the Everglades. Her joy for the creatures and landscape around her is clear. When she grows older, like most adults, she follows a career and ends up in a more urban setting, but her love for the Everglades and desire to save it from the changing world, draws her back as she fights to keep it thriving and alive.

The illustrations are really what won me over in these pages. Every page is bright and bold, and allows the Everglades to come to life. The creatures and plant life as well as the landscape hold a playfulness, which draws in while keeping the details realistic enough to allow the reader to get a good impression of what the Everglades looks like. It's hard not to want to live there and discover it. On the same side, the illustrations also tell the tale as much on their own as with the text as they follow Marjory growing up, moving to her job, the various problems which threaten the nature, and Marjory's work to keep the landscape safe.

The tale and text is well done, very age appropriate, and easy to understand. It flows nicely and allows listeners to get to know Marjory and sympathize with her efforts as well as understand the dangers the Everglades faced. Not only do the pages teach more about Marjory but also inspire readers and show that a person can make a difference.

I received a complimentary copy and enjoyed the book. ( )