Lately I’ve been revisiting quite a few picture book biographies as part of a project I’m working on, so I decided to use that genre as the focus of this year’s 10 for 10 Nonfiction Picture Book event. Thanks to Cathy, Mandy, and Julie for the chance to share and also add new titles to my always growing collection of must-reads and must-haves. I’ve tried to include some old favorites and new favorites. So, in no particular order, here are some of my favorite picture book biographies:
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin (illus. Mary Azarian). Winner of the 1999 Caldecott Award, this book focuses on the passion and perseverance of Wilson Bentley, the first known photographer of snowflakes. The simple illustrations done in woodcut and the informative sidebars add to the appeal of this book.
Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin (illus. Mary Azarian). Winner of the 1999 Caldecott Award, this book focuses on the passion and perseverance of Wilson Bentley, the first known photographer of snowflakes. The simple illustrations done in woodcut and the informative sidebars add to the appeal of this book.
Alfred Nobel: The Man Behind the Peace Prize by Kathy-Jo Wargin (illus. Zachary Pullen). Inventor Alfred Nobel is most well-known for his invention of dynamite which he intended to help advance road and bridge construction safely. After realizing his invention was used more for military weaponry, he wanted to leave a more positive legacy. I love the dedication in this book that challenges children to find ways to make the world a safer and more peaceful place to live.
Georgia’s Bones by Jen Bryant (illus. Bethanne Andersen). This book is a beautiful and lyrical celebration of Georgia O’Keefe’s interest in shapes and objects found in the natural world. I have used this book as a mentor text for showing writers how to pair words to create rhythm.
The Boy Who Drew Birds: A Story of John James Audubon by Jacqueline Davies (illus. Melissa Sweet). The story and illustrations complement each other so well in this book. Throughout the book we find Audubon’s thoughts, often in the form of questions, as well as duplications of some of his journal entries. It is a great example of how questions lead to research and discoveries.
Farmer George Plants a Nation by Peggy Thomas (illus. Layne Johnson). Most biographies of George Washington center on his military and political career, but this one shows George as an inventor and farmer, and how those experiences mirrored his struggles to create a nation.
Flight by Robert Burleigh (illus. Mike Wimmer). Robert Burleigh is a master at expanding one moment in time. Here, he takes us on Charles Lindbergh’s historic flight as we learn about the determination and courage of this celebrated man. This is a great mentor text for showing students the power of writing in the present tense.
The Extraordinary Mark Twain (According to Susy) by Barbara Kerley (illus. Edwin Fotheringham). This book is a great example of the use of primary source documents. Excerpts from Twain’s daughter Susy’s diary show a unique side of this author and humorist.
The Tree Lady: The True Story of How One Tree-Loving Woman Changed a City Forever by H. Joseph Hopkins (illus. Jill McElmurry). This 2013 publication tells the story of Kate Sessions who helped transform the barren landscape of San Diego’s City Park into one with lush green trees and plants.
Miss Moore Thought Otherwise by Jan Pinborough (illus. Debby Atwell). I love that this book celebrates books and libraries. It tells the story of Anne Carroll Moore who helped create children’s library rooms where young readers were encouraged to handle, explore, and read books. The title serves as a repeated refrain throughout the book.
Thomas Jefferson Builds a Library by Barb Rosenstock (illus. John O’Brien). This book focuses on an aspect of Jefferson’s life apart from politics – his love of books and how this interest helped create the Library of Congress.
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