Mirette on the High Wire

Caroline Herchel, born in 1750, enjoyed looking at the night sky with her father. She would become the first woman to receive the Gold Medal of England’s Royal Astronomical Society. Caroline’s own words punctuate the lucid narrative. Expressive watercolor and line illustrations effectively evoke the time and place. A timeline and glossary conclude the book.

Baseball was very popular in 1900 but it was played mostly by boys.  In a small state in a small town in New England, however, a girl named Lizzie was going to change that. Lizzie’s natural skill at the sport was evident early on and she (with the support of her family) stuck with it to become the Queen of Baseball. Buoyant illustrations and readable text combine to present an upbeat story of this early female athlete.

Bitty, the smallest mouse in the family is sure that her mother won’t miss her when she follows the big kids to school. Of course Bitty’s mom misses her but Bitty is taken into school and becomes the teacher’s helper until her worried mom comes to pick her up. The author/illustrator has newly added a minimal text to this once wordless but still winning tale of the younger sibling left behind.

While looking for gold, four French boys accidentally discovered what was to be considered the best preserved and most famous prehistoric art. How the Lascaux cave was found is presented here in rich watercolors and stimulating text. The author’s note provides additional information as well as a photograph of the discoverers.

Bill Key, born a slave, overcame many obstacles to become a veterinarian and a businessman. Key’s horse, Jim, was eventually recognized as the world’s smartest horse and accompanied Key in his work with the Society for the prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This fascinating story is based in truth.