Rachel: The Story of Rachel Carson

Rating:
Summary: An inspirational story of a courageous environmentalist
Review: Rachel Carson is most often remembered simply as the author of a groundbreaking book that initiated the modern environmental movement. Surprisingly, it is a picture book--traditionally thought of as trivial children's entertainment--that offers the most engrossing and insightful view into the life of, not just an author, but an extraordinary person. We follow Rachel from her discovery of her first fossil at age five, through her years as a student and biologist at Woods Hole Laboratory, as she writes her fascinating books about the ocean, right on up to the publication of "Silent Spring" and her death soon after. Amy Ehrlich introduces her to us like a good friend. She discusses the most significant years of her life with short yet informative text. Her captivating writing is accompanied by paintings by well-known jacket artist and picture book illustrator Wendell Minor. As he did with another recent picture book biography, INTO THE WOODS: JOHN JAMES AUDUBON LIVES HIS DREAM, Mr. Minor has managed to capture the personality of his subject with great accuracy and care. One moment we are sitting beside Rachel as she peers at paramecium through a microscope; a few pages later she is standing on a mossy inlet protruding into the sea under a full yellow moon. The illustrations are given as much detail and consideration as Rachel put into her books. Their beauty is just as memorable as is Rachel's actual story; at the end, one cannot help but feel their spirits lifted upon viewing the picture of Rachel gazing up at a flock of monarch butterflies lifting into a clear blue sky. Both the author and the illustrator have done a fabulous job honoring and sharing the life of this fascinating woman with readers young and old. If you know an aspiring young naturalist or have long admired Rachel Carson yourself, this book is worth treasuring. Although we have come a long way from the widespread pesticide use and careless environmental contamination of Rachel's day, there is still much work to be done. RACHEL is just the kind of book to influence someone to help and persevere with their cause, whatever that may be. Rachel's courage--from facing fierce criticism after the publication of "Silent Spring" and battling cancer--are inspirational and should ring true with all readers of this book. It's hard to admire Rachel without thinking of another pioneer in the American environmental movement, so check out the recently published INTO THE WOODS, about Audubon, as well; you won't be disappointed by either.