"The text flows naturally from scientific terminology to lyrical storytelling, making this an excellent choice for a classroom read-aloud. Ethereal, hand-painted watercolor wash illustrations are enhanced by delicate digital ink lines. Blue, green, and brown hues evoke the murky streams, while intricate line overlays highlight the crystalline details of microscopic diatoms. Budding naturalists will eagerly dip their toes into this one." -- Kirkus "This relatable story of a little girl who "fell in love with pond scum" serves as an accessible introduction to the wonders found in a drop of water in Winterbottom's beautifully illustrated science biography. Students will easily see how a love of science can turn into a career. Readers will enjoy Patrick's tenacity. Reagan's detailed, full-spread multimedia illustrations burst with details of shoreline and underwater flora and fauna (the close-ups of startled-looking fish are a highlight).

A must for science and biography shelves. "-- Booklist "Reagan's hand-painted watercolor washes mix with digital detailing for absorbing effect: lightly sketched scenes of the figure ankle-deep in water appear alongside delicately starry diatoms and careful depictions of aquatic creatures poised to one day benefit from the scientist's trailblazing work. "--Publishers Weekly.