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Distributed for Missouri Botanical Garden Press

Herbaria

A Guide for Young People

What good is a dead plant? A lot! Herbaria, a picture book for grades one through eight, explains why, leading readers on an accessible, engaging exploration of who loves dead plants—and why. In these pages, we learn about famous historical plant collectors and the paths they established investigating plants. Readers join today’s field botanists as they go far and wide to discover new species, and we get to look in the herbarium at how specimens are mounted and organized for everyone to use and enjoy. The book as a whole helps kids to visualize themselves as botanists gathering, preserving, and unlocking the mysteries of plants. In addition to beautiful watercolor illustrations and photos, the book includes interactive features such as lift-a-flaps, overlays, and a foldout.

34 pages | 80 color plates | 9 3/4 x 11 1/4 | © 2020

Children's Books


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Reviews

"A delight. . . [LaFarge] writes in a clear, accessible style with engaging illustrations (also by LaFarge) and photography throughout. . . . Atlas Obscura fans, take note."

The Council on Botanical and Horticultural Libraries

"In addition to introducing the why of Herbaria, LaFarge shows how plants are collected and preserved. Her text illustrations are augmented with lift-up flaps (what’s inside a plant press?), field notebook pages, envelopes, and other interactive things to explore. There’s a glossary and a list of herbaria to visit, should you be so inclined. There’s even a side bar about a kid who discovered a new species in his backyard."

Archimedes' Notebook

Table of Contents

HERBARIA
What Are They?


HISTORY
When Did Herbaria Start?
Famous Collectors
Inspired by Plants


USES OF HERBARIA
What Are Herbaria Used For?
Who Uses a Herbarium?


COLLECTING PLANTS
How Are Plants Collected?
How Are Specimens Sent to the Herbarium?
Where Are Plants Collected?


PRESERVATION
How Are Plants Preserved at the Herbarium?


HERBARIUM BENIFITS
Who Uses a Herbarium?


HERBARIUM LOCATIONS
Where Are Herbaria?


HERBARIUM FACTS


GLOSSARY

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