Buzzing with Questions: The Inquisitive Mind of Charles Henry Turner

Full-color digital illustrations and Harrington's conversational, sometimes lyrical prose tell the story of "indefatigable" African-American entomologist and zoologist Charles Henry Turner (1867-1923), who "toppled woodpiles, lingered over logs, and peeked into dusty corners" in his quest to learn all he could about insects. Through the turn of the 20th century, Turner pursued his passion for entomology and experimentation, attending college and publishing more than 50 scientific papers while facing prejudice in the American South. In cartoon scenes, Taylor shows Turner observing specimens (among them spiders, crustaceans, and cockroaches) and conducting experiments to learn how ants find their way home and that "even bees sense time." Repetition ("Questions that itched like mosquito bites, / questions that tickled like spider webs") and fascinating anecdotes may well inspire more "indefatigable" observers and questioners. An author's note precedes a timeline, an extensive source list, and a selected list of Turner's papers. Ages 7-10. (Nov.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

Gr 2-5--A relatively unknown entomologist comes out of oblivion in this engaging picture book biography. Born in 1867, Charles Henry Turner was a groundbreaking African American scientist and teacher. He was raised in a loving household surrounded by books. After attending college, he continued his study of insects. He discovered, for example, what he called "intelligent action," where a spider would spin a web just right for its particular home. Harrington's text is inviting, and Turner's enthusiasm comes through clearly: "Questions that itched like mosquito bites, questions that tickled like spider webs." The word indefatigable is used throughout. Taylor's bright, cheerful, expertly rendered cartoon illustrations complement the text. Close-ups depict Turner studying ants or butterflies intensely. While there is some discussion of the prejudice Turner endured, the overall tone is upbeat. VERDICT Harrington and Taylor have rescued a worthy scientist from obscurity. Recommended for all libraries serving this grade range.--Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

★ A relatively unknown entomologist comes out of oblivion in this engaging picture book biography. Harrington's text is inviting, and Turner's enthusiasm comes through clearly... Taylor's bright, cheerful, expertly rendered cartoon illustrations complement the text. Harrington and Taylor have rescued a worthy scientist from obscurity. — School Library Journal, starred review

A thorough biography of early African American scientist Charles Henry Turner... (the) extensively researched, jam-packed text intrigues and inspires with Turner's example of discovery and hard-won, meaningful contributions to knowledge about life. A well-written tribute to a deserving champion of science. — Kirkus Reviews

Full-color digital illustrations and Harrington's conversational, sometimes lyrical prose tell the story of 'indefatigable' African-American entomologist and zoologist Charles Henry Turner... fascinating... — Publishers Weekly