This book, like the others in the series, is a wonderful introduction of different women scientists to young children. The book interweaves science concepts -- like what is a seed, along side diverse women who made a difference in biology. This book is probably good for 3-5 graders who can read more complex books, but still enjoy picture books. ( )

This book about female scientists introduces the reader to 5 female scientists and how they are relevant today. It is a fun and easy read. As Spanish is my second language, it was a bit difficult for me, but for a native speaker or a student learner, it looks to be a much easier time. ( )

Women in Biology by Mary Wissinger is the first book in the Science Wide Open series about female scientists, aimed at ages 7-10 (although the author's stated range on her website of 4-8 is more appropriate). This book is about five women biologists: Maria Sibylla Merian (1647-1717), Hildegard of Bingen (1098-1179), Jane Cooke Wright (1919-2013), Linda Buck (b. 1947), and Barbara McClintock (1902-1992). I'd heard of the first two, but the last three were new to me. Each is introduced with a typical question related to biology that a child might ask, such as "What makes a butterfly?" "What is biology?" and "What are cells?" The question is answered by highlighting the work of each woman. At the end, the reader is encouraged to answer a final question by making a guess (hypothesis) and then observations (in other words, using the scientific method). There's a pronunciation guide for the scientists' names, as well as a glossary and short bibliography. The vibrant illustrations by Danielle Pioli are engaging. Now published by Science, Naturally, the series was developed by Genius Games, a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) publishing company, and were originally funded with a highly successful Kickstarter campaign. These books are also available in Spanish, and would be a great addition to a classroom or school library. ( )

Science becomes understandable and fun in this series, which centers also on female scientists and their contributions.

Starting with the simple question and answer to what biology even is, this book dives into simple cell, DNA and gene explanations and takes a look at the very basic end of biology. It goes through five female scientists (biologists) and very briefly explains what they did and their discoveries. But this book isn't as much about these personalities as it is about giving the very fist introductions to biology in a way young readers can understand.

This is a small book without nearly as much text as I thought it might have, when I discovered the intended age group (ages 7 to 10). Every page is filled with bright and bold illustrations, which not only entertain but, especially toward the end of the book, assist in making the more scientific explanation understandable. The text is written for a fairly young audience, and I'm not sure that those eight and older won't feel talked down to. But the material and explanations are definitely not for the younger age group and slide nicely into this age group. So, it's a slight mix on that end.

I enjoyed that the scientists weren't dryly added in, but rather, are mentioned as their discoveries fit with the topic. The book doesn't concentrate on each woman so much as add in what their discoveries did and how they were important...in an easy to read and non-boring manner, too.

I received an ARC and found this series well done. ( )

Great book! Vivid illustrations and inspiring tales of women in science. ( )