1 / 5The Girl Who Drew Butterflies: Maria Merian Biography
The Girl Who Drew Butterflies is a visual nonfiction biography of naturalist Maria Sibylla Merian, whose direct observation of insects helped document butterfly metamorphosis. Joyce Sidman’s text is paired with Merian’s original paintings, making it a history and science book with a strong visual focus.
At a glance
- Biography of Maria Sibylla Merian, an early naturalist who studied live insects and documented butterfly metamorphosis.
- Includes full-colour reproductions of Merian’s original paintings.
- Written by Joyce Sidman and presented as visual nonfiction for young readers.
Reference price: $34.99
Price checked: 13 Nov 2026
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Pros and cons
Pros
- Pairs a life story with original insect artwork, giving readers both biographical and visual material.
- Connects art, observation and the history of science through Merian’s work.
- The listed age range and grade level help families and educators judge reading suitability.
Technical specifications
11 specifications| Edition | Illustrated |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Houghton Mifflin Children |
| Publication date | 1 April 2018 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 160 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0544717139 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0544717138 |
| Reading age | 10 - 12 years |
|---|---|
| Grade level | 5 - 7 |
| Dimensions | 17.78 x 1.57 x 22.86 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 454 g |
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Young readers interested in insects, butterflies, art or women in science.
- Classroom or home reading where biography and science can be explored together.
- Readers who value an illustrated account rather than a text-only biography.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a field guide, practical insect identification reference or an adult-focused scholarly biography.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
88% 88% - 4 stars
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Customer feedback describes the book as engaging and informative, highlighting Merian’s original illustrations and a moving account of her life. Readers also report that it feels inspiring and suitable for a broad range of ages. This praise aligns with the book’s stated combination of biography, historical science and reproduced artwork. The aggregate rating is strongly favourable, though ratings alone cannot show which aspects matter most to an individual reader.
Positive themes
- Customers highlight the original illustrations and engaging presentation.
- Feedback describes the story as informative and inspiring.
Frequently asked questions
What is the book about?
It is a visual nonfiction biography of Maria Sibylla Merian, focusing on her study of insects and her documentation of butterfly metamorphosis.
Does the book include illustrations?
Yes. The listing describes full-colour original paintings by Merian throughout the book.
What age group is it listed for?
The stated reading age is 10–12 years, with a grade level of 5–7.
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