More picture books! If your kids love animals they will love these gorgeously illustrated biographies of entomologist Jean-Henri Fabre (1823-1915), ornithologist Florence Merriam Bailey (1863-1948), and herpetologist Joan Procter (1897-1931).

Small Wonders: Jean-Henri Fabre and His World of Insects by Matthew Clark Smith, illustrated by Giuliano Ferri (Two Lions, 2015)

Although Jean-Henri Fabre is best known in his native France, if you use Ambleside Online you’ll come across several of his books! Unlike other scientists and writers of his time, Fabre “wanted to study [insects’] behavior in life, instead of dissecting and comparing them after they died.” He was also passionate about sharing his findings with all people, not just the scientific community. In turn the author of Small Wonders hopes “to spread Fabre’s legacy as far and wide as he deserves.” This book begins with a mysterious old man who is visited by the president of France, then backtracks to tell the story of Fabre’s life, complete with discoveries and tragedies, and of course vibrant illustrations. Historical note, author’s note, timeline, and list of sources are found at the end. Recommended for ages 8 to 11.

Birdlore: The Iridescent Life of Florence Merriam Bailey Jess Keating, illustrated by Devon Holzwarth (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2025)

I can’t say enough good things about this lovely book. It tells the story of Florence’s childhood love for birds and her outrage when she heard of thirteen dead kingfishers decorating a lady’s hat. To share her passion for birds she began leading bird-watching walks and penned the first field guide to American birds: Birds Through an Opera Glass (1889). The illustrations are colourful, celebrating the changing seasons and beauty of nature. All 35 birds in the pictures are named at the end of the book, along with more information about Florence Merriam Bailey’s life and tips for becoming a birdwatcher. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.

Joan Procter, Dragon Doctor: The Woman Who Loved Reptiles by Patricia Valdez, illustrated by Felicita Sala (Knopf Books for Young Readers, 2025)

Despite chronic ill health, Joan Procter was a pioneer of the care and display of zoo animals as well as an expert on Komodo dragons. In the 1920s she was the first female Curator of Reptiles at the London Zoo. Kids will get a kick out of the details in this book — for instance Joan received a baby crocodile for her sixteenth birthday and when she was in a wheelchair she rode around the zoo with her Komodo dragon by her side. Both the playful illustrations and the lively writing will appeal to children — “They gawked at the geckos. They peered at the pythons. And they marveled at the monitors.” Details about Procter’s life and about Komodo dragons are included at the end with two photographs and a bibliography. Recommended for ages 7 to 10.