Else B. in the Sea: The Woman Who Painted the Wonders of the Deep, by Jeanne Walker Harvey/Illustrated by Melodie Stacey, (June 2024, Cameron Kids), $19.99, ISBN: 9781949480283
Ages 5-8
Scientific artist Else Bostelmann’s story begins in 1930, when she ventures into the sea off the coast of Bermuda to discover the world underwater. Charged with painting what scientist William Beebe may have seen from his bathysphere, Else discovers an entire world below; fascinated, she dedicated herself to finding ways to accurately depict the colors and sights she encountered. Using a microscope, Beebe’s notes, and her talent as an artist, she brought these creatures to life on the page. Harvey tells Bostelmann’s story in verse, with Stacey’s watercolor, gouache, pastel, and pencil illustrations giving new life and bringing a new audience to Bostelmann’s work. Stacey captures Bostelmann, clothed in her red swimsuit and diving helmet, sitting underwater while Harvey explains the process: “Her weighted palette with dabs of apint / and attached brushes / floated within reach”. Back matter includes an author’s note, photos, and samples of Else’s paintings, with notes on the underwater color spectrum and sources for more reading. An excellent addition to picture book biographies and artist collections. Else B. in the Sea has a starred review from Booklist.
The Smithsonian Magazine has an article on Bostelmann. Author Jeanne Walker Harvey has a variety of free downloadable resources to extend a lesson or reading of Else B. in the Sea available on her website.
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