The Bluest of Blues: Anna Atkins and the First Book of Photographs
by Fiona Robinson
Interest age: 6 to 8
Reading age: 6+
Published by Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2019
About this book
In Kent, in the early 1800s, Anna’s father is determined that he will teach her all about the natural world, even though it’s normal at this time that girls receive little education. Fascinated by insects and plants, Anna becomes her father’s research partner, collecting different species and learning their Latin names.
By her early 20s, Anna is a botanist. Her father becomes a fellow of the Royal Society of London for Improving Natural Knowledge, and tells Anna about every lecture, because she, as a woman, is not allowed to be a member. But Anna continues her work and builds a huge herbarium with thousands of individual plant samples. She also becomes the first woman to take a photograph with one of the first cameras made – a gift from her father. But it’s not until the scientist John Herschel introduces her to cyanotope prints that Anna realises how she can record her botanic collections.
Fiona Robinson’s beautifully blue book about Anna Atkins’ life is an inspiring testament to a father’s commitment to his daughter’s education, and to Anna’s passion for the natural world. It’s fascinating to learn about forgotten women from history, and young nature lovers are sure to be inspired by Anna’s story.
More books like this
-
The Prince of Stars
by M. O. Yuksel, illustrated by Zelma Firdauzia
5 to 9 years
-
Where’s Dragon in His Castle?
by David MacPhail, illustrated by Mariana Ruiz Johnson
5 to 9 years
-
What Came First?
by Kit Frost, illustrated by Aaron Cushley
5 to 9 years
-
Respect the Insect: Meet the bugs who clean, tend and feed the world
by Jules Howard, illustrated by Gosia Herba
5 to 9 years
Lists of recommended reads
-
Celebrating inspirational women
Whether it's International Women's Day or not, it's always worth pointing out and celebrating the – often forgotten or undervalued – achievements of women, both past and present. Luckily, there are some brilliant children's books right now that are doing just that. If you want to challenge gender stereotypes and show your little one some fantastic role models, then this is a good place to start.
-
Art and creativity
Books are a wonderful way to introduce children to art and creative exploration. They can encourage readers to see their own potential and break down barriers to creativity by demonstrating that everyone is an artist, no matter their experience level. Many stories also highlight the power of expression and its positive effect on emotional wellbeing – something which is especially important for children who find it hard to discuss their feelings.
-
Non-fiction books about Nature, for older children
Non-fiction books about nature are great for older children, from engaging reluctant readers to inspiring budding environmentalists. Full of factoids, true stories and stirring journeys, these books are sure to get any inquisitive young mind hooked.
-
Books about girls and women in STEM
Over the years, there have been some inspiring and important women working in science, technology, engineering and maths. Here we highlight amazing non-fiction about real women’s achievements and compelling fiction showing girls and women being brilliant in STEM areas of life.