The Leaf Detective

How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest

Illustrated by Jana Christy
This picture book biography tells the story of Meg Lowman, a groundbreaking female scientist called a "real life Lorax" by National Geographic, who was determined to investigate the marvelous, undiscovered world of the rainforest treetops.

Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head — the colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies — and to be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to, and worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. Working closely with Meg Lowman, author Heather Lang and artist Jana Christy beautifully capture Meg's world in the treetops.
Heather Lang, a former public-health attorney, was inspired by Alice Coachman's indomitable spirit. This is her first picture book. She lives in Lexington, Massachusetts. View titles by Heather Lang
Jana Christy is the illustrator of multiple picture books, including When the Wind Blows by Linda Booth Sweeney and collaborations with her husband, John Seven, such as Frankie Likes to Sing and Gorilla Gardner. She lives in North Adams, Massachusetts, with her husband and their children. Visit her at janachristy.com. View titles by Jana Christy

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About

This picture book biography tells the story of Meg Lowman, a groundbreaking female scientist called a "real life Lorax" by National Geographic, who was determined to investigate the marvelous, undiscovered world of the rainforest treetops.

Meg Lowman was always fascinated by the natural world above her head — the colors, the branches, and, most of all, the leaves and mysterious organisms living there. Meg set out to climb up and investigate the rain forest tree canopies — and to be the first scientist to do so. But she encountered challenge after challenge. Male teachers would not let her into their classrooms, the high canopy was difficult to get to, and worst of all, people were logging and clearing the forests. Meg never gave up or gave in. She studied, invented, and persevered, not only creating a future for herself as a scientist, but making sure that the rainforests had a future as well. Working closely with Meg Lowman, author Heather Lang and artist Jana Christy beautifully capture Meg's world in the treetops.

Author

Heather Lang, a former public-health attorney, was inspired by Alice Coachman's indomitable spirit. This is her first picture book. She lives in Lexington, Massachusetts. View titles by Heather Lang
Jana Christy is the illustrator of multiple picture books, including When the Wind Blows by Linda Booth Sweeney and collaborations with her husband, John Seven, such as Frankie Likes to Sing and Gorilla Gardner. She lives in North Adams, Massachusetts, with her husband and their children. Visit her at janachristy.com. View titles by Jana Christy

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