Customer Reviews

Miss Lady Bird's Wildflowers: How a First Lady Changed America

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This is a picture book type biography of First Lady Bird Johnson. First we learn of her childhood. We learn that her nanny gave her the nickname ladybird. She was playing with her one day and said she was as pretty as a Lady Bird and the name stuck. We then learn that her mother died after a tragic accident. She fell down the stairs and never recovered from her injuries. Her father then tried to raise Lady Bird on his own but he wanted a better life for his daughter. He asked one of her aunts to come and help take care of her. Aunt Effie came and shared her love of flowers with Lady Bird. As Lady Bird grew up she meet and married Lyndon Johnson who later became the president of the United States after Kennedy was shot. As First Lady she worked hard to help the nation heal from the shock of losing Kennedy. She knew how much flowers meant to her and how much join they brought to her life so she decided to share them with the world. She set our on a campaign of her own to plant wild flowers along the interstates.

What did you like or not like about the book?

At the end of the book were pictures and titles of various wild flowers. Some of them I had never heard of before. I learned a lot about wildflowers through this book.

Another excellent best of '06 selection from American Horticulture Society. Our garden club gave this book to a 3rd grade classroom in an effort to encourage our youth to take care of the earth. The illustrations are a joy and the message is what we need to be spreading.

When the Bluebonnets bloom in the spring, is a wonderful time to read Miss Ladybird's Wildflowers. Almost forgotten, Lady Bird Johnson had a huge impact on our environment. This would be great for EARTH DAY. Kathi's writing reads beautifully, and I have used this book in my library for a read aloud. I was surprised how many of our young teachers didn't know who Lady Bird was. Lady Bird helped to beautify our highways by eliminating billboards and seeding wildflowers. The real bonus in the book is the chart of wildflowers on the last page, and then to have students find them on the pages, as they are woven thoughout the splendid illustrations. You will not be disappointed and I hope it will be a must for all libraries.

This is a lovely picture book that is an ideal starter biography of Lady Bird Johnson, (1912-2007) First Lady from 1963-69 and known for her passion for the environment.

This little book does go into her life, starting with her childhood nanny/nurse telling her she was as "pretty as a little lady bird," thus acquiring a lifetime nickname. Readers learn that Lady Bird had an Aunt Effie who instilled a love for flowers in her. Today, the Lady Bird Wildflower stands as a testament to her passion and a lake has been named after her.

Lady Bird Johnson, lover of beagles and flowers has left behind a legacy of beauty and an appreciation of nature.

At the very end of the book, readers are treated to pictures of wildflowers. This is a good teaching tool for any age.

Kathi Appelt honors the first lady and reminds us that Lady Bird Johnson changed the way we look at the landscape. Joy Fisher Hein's joyful illustrations capture the beauty of the flowers and Lady Bird's gracious and loving spirit. Check out Hein's website to see the thank you letter she had from Mrs. Johnson about the book. Based on the number of copies I have cataloged at various libraries I know that this book has joined dePaola's The Legend of the Bluebonnet and The Legend of the Indian Paintbrush as a must-have in every school library in Texas.

As I reflected on Mrs. Johnson's passing this week I recalled that this past spring was one of the longest seasons for flowers that I could ever remember, and I've lived here a long time. Maybe it was the rainy spring weather or maybe it was just a last glorious burst of color to honor her. I do know that she left us a precious gift.