Magic in a Drop of Water

How Ruth Patrick Taught the World about Water Pollution

Illustrated by Susan Reagan
Ebook
11"W x 10"H
On sale Mar 25, 2025 | 48 Pages | 9780593620236
Grades 1-4
Reading Level: Lexile 770L

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An entertaining and gorgeous picture book biography of scientist and environmental hero Ruth Patrick, one of the first to warn about the dangers of pollution.

A brilliant scientist and intrepid explorer, the ecologist Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. She studied water pollution long before it became a public concern and gave other scientists the tools to do something about it. Born in 1907, Ruth Patrick was one of the only women in her field when she made her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity and the ecosystem of rivers, forever changing how ecologists understand pollution.

Lyrically, joyfully written, exquisitely illustrated, and full of fascinating details and a rich afterword and timeline, this STEM biography will inspire readers who love the environment to follow their passion and curiosity.
© Brian Mahoney
Julie Winterbottom was born in Princeton, New Jersey. Growing up, she loved to explore the streams and the woods near her house, much like the subject of her picture book, Magic in a Drop of Water. She is the former editor-in-chief of Nickelodeon Magazine and the author of the humor books Pranklopedia and What a Blast! She lives on the shores of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York. Visit her at juliewinterbottom.com. View titles by Julie Winterbottom
Author and illustrator SUSAN REAGAN's work can be found on greeting cards, in magazines, and numerous children's books. Her inspirations and positive attitude come from helping others. Most days she can be found working in her studio or volunteering. She lives in a wonderfully creaky old house in a historic neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, Frank, and their dog, Princess. View titles by Susan Reagan

About

An entertaining and gorgeous picture book biography of scientist and environmental hero Ruth Patrick, one of the first to warn about the dangers of pollution.

A brilliant scientist and intrepid explorer, the ecologist Ruth Patrick taught the world how to care for the environment. She studied water pollution long before it became a public concern and gave other scientists the tools to do something about it. Born in 1907, Ruth Patrick was one of the only women in her field when she made her breakthrough discovery about biodiversity and the ecosystem of rivers, forever changing how ecologists understand pollution.

Lyrically, joyfully written, exquisitely illustrated, and full of fascinating details and a rich afterword and timeline, this STEM biography will inspire readers who love the environment to follow their passion and curiosity.

Author

© Brian Mahoney
Julie Winterbottom was born in Princeton, New Jersey. Growing up, she loved to explore the streams and the woods near her house, much like the subject of her picture book, Magic in a Drop of Water. She is the former editor-in-chief of Nickelodeon Magazine and the author of the humor books Pranklopedia and What a Blast! She lives on the shores of the Hudson River in Beacon, New York. Visit her at juliewinterbottom.com. View titles by Julie Winterbottom
Author and illustrator SUSAN REAGAN's work can be found on greeting cards, in magazines, and numerous children's books. Her inspirations and positive attitude come from helping others. Most days she can be found working in her studio or volunteering. She lives in a wonderfully creaky old house in a historic neighborhood of Cleveland, Ohio, with her husband, Frank, and their dog, Princess. View titles by Susan Reagan

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