Evelyn the Adventurous Entomologist: The True Story of a World-Traveling Bug Hunter

Gr 1-2--Lucy Evelyn Cheesman, who went by her middle name, studied to be a canine nurse and later became the first woman curator of the London Zoo's insect house. Evelyn traveled across the globe to study and gather specimens of insects; this was her passion. During her lifetime she collected more than 70,000 specimens for London's Natural History Museum. She wrote stories about her adventures and published 16 books. Evelyn died in 1969 at the age of 88. Illustrations dominate the pages, and text is limited to a few sentences per page. An interview with Dr. Alexandra Harmon-Threatt, a contemporary entomologist, completes the book along with a bibliography and a one-page biography of Evelyn. This volume highlights key points of Evelyn's life, and she is always portrayed as a wide-eyed, jaunty, inquisitive person who never let societal norms keep her down. The book's tag line emphasizes the fact that "she went anyway." This is a great mantra for readers of this work. VERDICT A valued addition for all STEM collections and one that may especially inspire young women facing similar adversity. --Patricia Ann Owens, formerly at Illinois Eastern Community College, Mt. Carmel

"Throughout the clearly written text, Evans emphasizes Cheesman's lifelong response to society's warnings against everything from girls going on bug hunts to women exploring alone: she would go anyway. The attractive illustrations work closely with the narrative, highlighting exciting moments and underscoring important points." — Booklist

"A lively introduction to Cheesman and her scientific career." — Booklist