In this nonfiction picture book, young readers will follow Mary Gillham, Isobel Bennett, Hope Macpherson and Susan Ingham on an adventure to Macquarie Island as they became the first four female scientists to join an Australian research expedition to the subantarctic.
Enter Mary Gillham, Isobel Bennett, Hope Macpherson and Susan Ingham, four scientists who successfully petitioned to be the first women to join an Australian research expedition to Macquarie Island, a remote subantarctic island with a unique ecosystem.
Marine biologists Isobel and Hope explored the coast, finding chitons, sea stars and Giant kelp. Mary climbed cliffs to observe nesting seabirds like Black-browed albatrosses and White-headed petrels. Susan counted herds of Southern elephant seals and Antarctic fur seals.
When their research trip ended, the scientists returned home with their field notes to find that the media was more focussed on what they wore rather than the research they were there to undertake. Despite this, the scientists left an incredible legacy that led to efforts to remove invasive species from the island—and forged a new path for women in science.
Key Selling Points
- This picture book biography set in 1959 celebrates four pioneering women scientists who travelled to Macquarie Island in the subantarctic to study the island’s unique wildlife such as penguins, seals and seabirds.
- Explored through the eyes of each scientist’s specialty, pages include lists of animal species and sea life native to the island.
- The four lakes on Macquarie Island have been named in commemoration of the four female scientists’ achievements.
- At present, all introduced species have been removed from the island, allowing the island to regenerate, which is a hopeful outcome that can inspire young naturalists to learn more about the importance of science and conservation.
- The author was awarded an Antarctic Arts Fellowship to travel to Macquarie Island. His sketchbook from this trip became the basis for this book’s field-note-style illustrations.
- The book’s back matter includes a timeline of the history of Macquarie Island, a breakdown of each scientist’s area of expertise and interest, and tips for young naturalists.
