Author & Illustrators
A beautifully presented picture about Anna Atkins, who is acknowledged to be one of the first women in the world to take a photograph, and one of the first people to publish a book of photographic images.
After being given a camera in 1841, Anna was excited by this new process, but it was her introduction to Herschel’s discovery of cyanotype printing that sparked a passion for cyanography; the process of using chemicals that react to sunlight to dye paper and print images. In the book, the author’s own drawings and cyanotypes are combined with reproductions of Anna Atkins’ original work.
Anna’s father, a scientist himself, is represented throughout the book as a passionate role model who continually inspires Anna, as well as encourages her to pursue an interest in nature and science, which, during Victorian times, was an unusual freedom for women.
The Bluest of Blues feels very topical and relevant for this generation. The story reminds us of the important role that pioneering women in history have contributed to science and art over the years.
review
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Year group(s) the book is most suitable for:
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Does the book contain anything that teachers would wish to know about before recommending in class (strong language, sensitive topics etc.)?
Would you recommend the book for use in primary schools?
yes
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Curriculum links (if relevant)
Any other comments
Any other comments