The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest

...an exciting tale of exploration and adventure that will capture the attention of budding scientists and environmentalists alike. An intricate and satisfying portrait of a dedicated woman scientist, innovator, and activist.

PreS-Gr 3—This title spotlights a pioneering female scientist. Margaret Lowman (b. 1953), a white American biologist, turned a childhood fascination with leaves into a career of rain forest exploration, education, and conservation. She invented new ways to study trees and their leaves: by exploring their canopies. The narrative introduces her as Meg, a shy child with a passion for the natural world. In college, Lowman faced sexism, but she persevered. She graduated from Sydney University with her PhD in Botany, and then explored the rain forests. Climbing ropes were succeeded by the first canopy walkway, and later, a raft placed on the treetops in Cameroon, Africa. Lang's poetic text showcases engaging language, alliteration, and appropriate metaphors. Nearly every spread features a direct quotation, which is highlighted in a different color typeface. Relevant information about rain forests appears in leaf-shaped text boxes. Lang describes her personal encounter with "Canopy Meg" when Lowman served as a guide for a 2017 citizen-science trip to a rain forest in Peru. A final spread depicts the levels of a Peruvian rain forest and the various creatures that inhabit the environment. Christy's digital illustrations nicely support the text. The solid back matter includes source notes. VERDICT This quiet celebration would be a pleasure to read aloud to a small group.—Kathleen Isaacs, Children's Literature Specialist, Pasadena, MD

Copyright 2021 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Lang's well-balanced coverage shares with audiences the vigor and daring that boosted Lowman into the canopy...and the global activism that now leads her to propose and develop sustainable commercial uses for protected rainforests. Christy's digital artwork allows Lowman's golden-haired figure to shine among the sun-dappled shade of the canopy and hints strongly at the vertiginous walkways and platforms Lowman calls workplace. —Bulletin for the Center of Children's Books

This picture book, equal parts biography of Margaret 'Meg' Lowman and informational text about the rainforest, is pure joy. It's informative, interesting, and provides an account of a real woman who never gave up on her dreams in the face of significant obstacles. —School Library Connection