Archive for April 29, 2019

Away with Words: The Daring Story of Isabella Bird

Written by Lori Mortensen
Illustrated by Kristy Caldwell

Isabella was a sickly young lady. She grew up in Victorian England, where young ladies dressed and acted properly at all times. But her doctor advised her to get outside and explore the world. Oddly, this approach helped her to feel better. So she started exploring well beyond England. And she wrote about her adventures. People loved reading her stories. Her travels went wider and wider. Her writings grew more numerous. In spite of the trials of traveling, she continued to feel better when out and about. Eventually, she became a well-known lecturer as well as a writer. Her health finally did catch up to her, but she lived to be seventy, was the first woman inducted into the Royal Geographic society, and was presented to the queen.  

Fascinating look at what a person can do when she puts her mind to it. Very few people know much about Isabella. It’s refreshing to learn about another hero. Well researched and presented.

  • Away with WordsTitle: Away with Words: The Daring Story of Isabella Bird
  • Author: Lori Mortensen
  • Illustrator: Kristy Caldwell
  • Publisher: Peachtree Publications, 2019
  • Reviewer: Sue Poduska
  • Format: Hardcover, 36 pages
  • Grade Level: 1 to 4
  • Genre: Picture book, Biography
  • ISBN: 978-1-68263-005-1
  • Extras: Author’s Note, A Timeline of Isabella Bird’s Travels and Publications, Source notes, Bibliography